Warne to play Big Bash League
With six weeks to go until start of competition, the Melbourne Stars today announced one of the biggest signings in the KFC T20 Big Bash League, as Shane Warne confirmed he would be returning to play in the inaugural competition.
The recruitment of Warne, one of the most iconic sportsmen in Australian history, is a massive coup not only for the Melbourne Stars, but also for the inaugural KFC T20 Big Bash League, which kicks off on 16 December.
The new T20 competition features eight city based teams, guarantees action packed energy, colour and fast-paced atmosphere for fans, with a mix of international and Australian stars and young guns coming into the League.
Shane Warne said today at the MCG, "I'm really excited about playing competitively again and delighted to be joining the Melbourne Stars. I'm back in training next week turning my arm over."
Warne is not only one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game but one of the most entertaining sportsmen in the world. The man who terrorised batsmen with zooters, wrong-uns, flippers and sliders, returns to the home of cricket for his first competitive match there since his retirement from Test cricket.
Named as one of Wisden's five greatest cricket players in history, Warne's experience and knowledge will have immeasurable effects on his younger teammates and rivals, while his mere presence will delight sports fans around the country.
Mike McKenna, General Manager of Cricket Marketing Services at Cricket Australia is thrilled that Warne made the decision to return and play in the League for the Melbourne Stars.
"Having one of the greatest cricketers of all time join the Melbourne Stars in the KFC T20 Big Bash League is a great win for everyone.
"Fans will be looking forward to Shane making a comeback not only at the home of cricket but at other grounds around the country. Playing with and against other stars of the KFC T20 Big Bash League including Gayle, Warner, Tait and Hayden, young-guns like Cummins and Marsh and internationals including Ponting and Watson fans will definitely be on the edge of their seat during matches.
"With a mixture of old favourites and upcoming players, the League inspires a new generation of passionate cricket fans to play, watch and attend games. It's definitely going to be the undisputed number one entertainment option for the young, and young at heart, over the holiday period," concluded McKenna.
The 42-year-old led the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League earlier this year, but now wants to be a part of this exciting new competition and play in front of his beloved Melbourne and Australian fans.
Having played 52 T20 matches for Rajasthan over the past four years in the IPL, the Spin King proved he still has it, taking 56 wickets, including his best T20 figures of 4/21. In April this year, he spurred the Royals to victory over the Kochi Tuskers in Jaipur taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs.
Warne will join Australian Internationals and T20 guns in the League; Pat Cummins, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Callum Ferguson, Dave Warner, Australian T20 skipper Cameron White, Brad Hodge and fellow returning legend Matthew Hayden.
Some of the most skilled international players will also be playing in the new league including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Shahid Afridi alongside the Australian internationals, making the KFC T20 Big Bash League a truly world-class competition.
The Melbourne Stars opening match will be against the Sydney Thunder on 17 December at the MCG and will be one not to be missed.
The Saturday night fixture will not only be Warne's comeback at the MCG, but he'll join teammates Cameron White, David Hussey and Peter Siddle as they face off against Thunder's own T20 guns David Warner, Chris Gayle and Doug Bollinger.
Spectacular action, intense rivalries and a booming soundtrack will ensure that cricket connects with a generation conditioned to fast-paced entertainment.