Great Southern Stand At MCG To Be Renamed As 'S.K. Warne Stand' In Honour Of Spin Legend

Shane Warne took his 700th wicket at the Great Southern Stand in MCG during the Boxing Day Test in 2006. 

Melbourne Cricket Ground | Image: AFP

The Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will now be known as the S.K. Warne stands after the sudden passing of the legendary leg spinner Shane Warne, at 52. The news was confirmed by Victoria's minister for tourism and sport, Martin Pakula to ESPN.

Warne passed away on Friday while he was on a vacation in Thailand. His passing led to a global outcry of emotions and condolence messages from players and fans around the world.

Shane Warne took his 700th wicket at the Great Southern Stand in MCG during the Boxing Day Test in 2006. 

A true legend.

The MCG is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Victorian and Australian cricket great, Shane Warne.

A hero to his fans and much-loved member of the international sporting community.

Thanks for all the memories Warnie, we'll miss you. pic.twitter.com/XV9aGYrhNU

— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) March 4, 2022

Martin Pakula confirmed that he consulted with Victoria premier Daniel Andrews, MCC Trust chairman Steve Bracks and MCC CEO Stuart Fox to honour Shane Warne by renaming the stand. 

"We will be renaming the Great Southern Stand the S.K. Warne stand and we'll be doing that as soon as we possibly can," Pakula told ESPNCricinfo.

"I can think of no finer tribute to the greatest cricketer this state has produced than to rename the stand the S.K. Warne stand and no matter whatever happens to that stand in the future whether it's rebuilt, refurbished, renovated, it will remain the S.K. Warne stand in perpetuity because his legend will live in perpetuity," he added.