At the end of his 20-year cricket career, the former vice captain of Australia and the legendary spinner, Shane Warne, considers himself worthy of Knighthood for his valuable services to the sport, both at domestic and international levels.
Warne has expressed this desire despite the fact that Australia abolished the title 40 years ago.
Leading the Rajasthan Royals in IPL-4, the spinner played the farewell game of his career against MumbaiIndians. Though Warne and company won the game, they quit the tournament race for not being eligible to qualify for the play-offs.
In his column for the Daily Telegraph, the legend wrote, “I am not quite sure what the future holds but I do note that the other four men, who were chosen in Wisden’s Five Cricketers of The Century are all Sirs”.
He further elaborated, “Perhaps my Knighthood has been lost in the post. Sir Shane Warne-it has quite a ring to it, do not you think”.
Warne had been leading Rajasthan successfully since the first edition of IPL, but his last tournament proved to be a sour experience for him, as he got involved in disputes with the team management. Warne has recently been fined $50, 000 for misbehaving with the secretary of Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA),Sanjay Dixit.
However, the legend has no regret and is retiring with his head held up high. Talking to the media after his last match, Warne said, “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to captain the Royals. Hopefully, I have helped Indian Cricket”.
Warne bowled the last ball of his career to the top scorer of all time, Sachin Tendulkar, and led his side to a marvellous 10-wicket victory over Mumabi.
As there is no possibility for Warne to get Knighthood in Australia, some analysts suggest he might marry his English girl friend, Elizabeth Hurley, and make a permanent residence in UK where he can get the title easily.
About his past successes and future prospects, Warne tweeted today, “Found balance and calm in my life-father to my 3 wonderful children-excited by what the future holds. Cannot change the past but can put the future right”.
Warne has retired from international cricket in 2007 but the IPL provided him an opportunity to display his bowling charm for four years more.
The legend also plans to establish a cricket coaching academy to train spinners for free and he is looking for sponsors to make it possible.
Warne’s desire for Knighthood is being endorsed largely by his fans, who are sad, that they will not watch him spinning the ball in future.
The career of Shane Warne had been over when he announce retirement from International cricket. Retirement from IPL is not a huge event.
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