New Delhi: In a fitting farewell to 'king of spin', ex-Aussie cricketer Shane Warne's last rites will be performed with state honours at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on the evening of March 30, the Victorian state government was quoted as saying by AFP on Wednesday. Around one lakh people are expected to gather for the state funeral.
It was at the iconic MCG in 1994 when Shane Warne had picked a hat-trick in the Boxing Day Test against England. MCG is also the stadium where the legend picked up his 700th Test wicket. As per several media reports, a public condolence meeting will be held after Warne's state funeral.
Shane Warne's family is waiting for his body to be brought back to Australia from Thailand. Warne had passed away due to a heart attack at Thailand's Koh Samui island. The Autopsy report confirmed that Warne had died of natural causes following a heart attack.
"There's nowhere in the world more appropriate to farewell Warnie than the 'G. Victorians will be able to pay tribute to Shane and his contribution to our state, and his sport, at a memorial service at the MCG on the evening of March 30th." Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews tweeted on Wednesday.
Warne's statue has been installed outside the MCG ground. MCG's Southern Stand has been named SK Warne Stand to give a fitting tribute to the Aussie legend.