New Delhi: The first-ever winner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will pay tribute to the legendary Australian spinner, Shane Warne, in the 44th match of the 15th season of the league against Mumbai Indians on Saturday. Back in the year 2008, it was under Warne's captaincy that Rajasthan defeated Chennai Super Kings by three wickets in the summit clash to win their first IPL title.
Rajasthan Royals, in an official release, said they would pay tribute to their first captain Shane Warne on the anniversary of their team's title win 14 years ago.
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Warne, one of the greatest spinners of all time, passed away last month due to a heart attack at a Thai resort in Koh Samui. He was 52-years-old. Between 1992 and 2007, the spin Wizard bagged a total of 708 wickets in 145 Tests and picked 293 wickets in 194 One Day Internationals.
"It is befitting that the same stadium where Warne lifted the IPL trophy will see the cricketing world come together to pay their respects and celebrate his life," the Royals said in a media release.
"The franchise would like to iterate that it will not be an occasion to mourn, but to commemorate the great man, and salute him for his never-ending contribution to the game of cricket as well as impacting thousands of lives around the world through his words, energy, and actions both on and off the field," the release stated.
Rajasthan Royals players will be wearing special kits with the initials 'SW23' written on them. A Shane Warne Tribute Gallery will also be set up at the DY Patil Stadium, which will be accessible to all the fans by purchasing tickets.