Cricketing world in shock, disbelief over Shane Warne's sudden demise

Many take to Twitter to express their sadness and grief over the passing of Australian cricket great

In a shocking development on Friday, Australian cricket legend and arguably the best leg spinner to have played the game Shane Warne died of suspected cardiac arrest at the age of 52.

Warne's management had released a brief statement that he passed away in Thailand of a suspected heart attack.

“Shane was found unresponsive in his villa and despite the best efforts of medical staff, he could not be revived,” the statement said.

“The family requests privacy at this time and will provide further details in due course."

Many took to Twitter to express their sadness and disbelief over the sudden demise of the cricketing star.

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam said that Warne will forever be missed. "Find it hard to believe. Such a devastating loss for the cricket world. He literally inspired generations with his magical leg spin. You'll forever be missed #ShaneWarne. My heart and prayers goes to his family, friends, and fans.," he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Find it hard to believe. Such a devastating loss for the cricket world. He literally inspired generations with his magical leg spin. You'll forever be missed #ShaneWarne. My heart and prayers goes to his family, friends, and fans. #legend pic.twitter.com/pigrD785gC

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) March 4, 2022

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that it’s going to take a long time to get over this loss. "Legendary #ShaneWarne is not with us anymore."

It’s going to take a long time to get over this loss. Legendary #ShaneWarne is not with us anymore. pic.twitter.com/r3GGYVvuG2

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 4, 2022

Just heard the devastating news about legendary Shane Warne passing away. No words to describe how shocked & sad i am.
What a legend. What a man. What a cricketer. pic.twitter.com/4C8veEBFWS

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 4, 2022

Former fast bowler and Test captain Waqar Younis said that he was in "shocked and shattered" over the tragic news.

Shane Warne no more..
I’m Shocked and Shattered.Simply can't believe I’m hearing this.Very very sad day for our cricket community.The biggest superstar of my generation gone.Goodbye Legend @ShaneWarne #RIP Condolences to the family and friends. pic.twitter.com/TRWstn6knq

— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) March 4, 2022

"I’m shocked and shattered. Simply can't believe I’m hearing this. Very, very sad day for our cricket community. The biggest superstar of my generation gone. Goodbye Legend," he wrote.

Former all-rounder and Test captain Shahid Afridi said that the game of cricket has lost what he considered "a university of leg-spin bowling today".

The game of cricket has lost what I consider a university of leg-spin bowling today. I was inspired by his bowling from the start of my career and it was always a privilege to play against him. My deepest condolences are with Warne's family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/Uht87qDcJ5

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 4, 2022

"I was inspired by his bowling from the start of my career and it was always a privilege to play against him. My deepest condolences are with Warne's family and loved ones," he added.

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was recently declared ICC's Cricket of the Year, said that Warne will remain in prayers of many.

Life is so unpredictable. Cricket will surely miss your presence. Thinking about his family and friends. You'll remain in prayers of many. #ShaneWarne #legend

— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) March 4, 2022

"Life is so unpredictable. Cricket will surely miss your presence. Thinking about his family and friends. You'll remain in prayers of many."

Pakistan leg spinner Yasir Shah, who received praises from Warne in the commentary box many a time, said that his mentor and an iconic player had left the world.

Sad day for Cricket!
An iconic cricket player & mentor has left us.
Deeply saddened by this news.

My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world 💔#RIPLegend#ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/1msDev2JoF

— Yasir Shah (@Shah64Y) March 4, 2022

"Sad day for Cricket! An iconic cricket player & mentor has left us. Deeply saddened by this news. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans all around the world," he wrote.

Legendary cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle was also lost for word.

I am in agony. Grief. And have no words. I was lucky enough to know him well. The magic will stay forever. #ShaneWarne #GreatestOfHisKind. In disbelief.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 4, 2022

"I am in agony. Grief. And have no words. I was lucky enough to know him well. The magic will stay forever. #ShaneWarne #GreatestOfHisKind. In disbelief."

Many others shared their sentiments on social media as well.

Noooooo #shanewarne cannot believe what I am reading

— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) March 4, 2022

Very few can match their attitude with raw talent. #ShaneWarne made bowling look like magic! RIP

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 4, 2022

Shane Warne was a crowd puller. Magician with the ball. Absolute legend of Australian cricket. First IPL winning captain. He will be missed, He will be remembered forever. #rip #shanewarne

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 4, 2022

- Shocked to hear the news of legendary #ShaneWarne passing away... pic.twitter.com/r5SxwUFjXm

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) March 4, 2022

Oh gosh. Unbelievable. Gone too soon. Way too soon. R.I.P., Legend. World of cricket will be poorer in your absence. #ShaneWarne

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 4, 2022

- Your contribution to cricket will always be remembered #ShaneWarne 🏏 (1969-2022) pic.twitter.com/xzgfxhrhYz

— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) March 4, 2022

It’s really SHOCKING! Shane Warne indeed a legend. Can’t believe he is no more. #shanewarne pic.twitter.com/iIuTjzUFVR

— Syed Yahya Hussaini (@SYahyaHussaini) March 4, 2022

Devastated to hear the shocking news about the passing away of the LEGEND Shane Warne. His services for cricket will always be remembered. RIP #ShaneWarne

— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) March 4, 2022

Stunned and heartbroken!
A great ambassador of the game, a legend who inspired many around the globe 👏🏼
Rest in peace #ShaneWarne

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) March 4, 2022

Such shocking news. A legend has left us. Cricket is poorer today 😢 #shanewarne

— Bazid Khan (@bazidkhan81) March 4, 2022

Heartbroken on the sudden death of the legend #ShaneWarne 💔
prayers for his family and loved ones. He'll be missed 😞 pic.twitter.com/VDUrz9QrjA

— Sohail Tanveer (@sohailmalik614) March 4, 2022

#Peshawar and #shanewarne on the same day. 💔💔💔

— Shan Masood (@shani_official) March 4, 2022

Can’t believe this! Sad and shocked that The spin wizard is no more. You will be greatly missed.condolences to the family and loved ones. RIP legend #shanewarne 🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fgagx69b8K

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) March 4, 2022

At loss of words to hear about the demise of our cricketing legend Shane Warne, he was always magical on the field. May peace be with you. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. #ShaneWarne 🙏

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) March 4, 2022

Rest in peace legend.#ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/m1gkVxkaIy

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 4, 2022

Extremely sad to hear about the passing away of the legendary spinner @ShaneWarne @CricketAus. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
#ShaneWarne

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) March 4, 2022

Legends never dies #ShaneWarne. Thank you so much.

— Nadeem Khan (@NadeemKhanCC) March 4, 2022

Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Australia Cricket legend and great human being @ShaneWarne. My deepest condolences to the family & his fans. 🙏 💔#ripshanewarne #ShaneWarne pic.twitter.com/vOzA1IcRpA

— Saeed Anwar (@ImSaeedAnwar) March 4, 2022

Warne is regarded as one of the finest leg-spin bowlers of all time after a career in which he took 708 Test wickets in a Test career which span from 1992 to 2007.

Warne's last post on Twitter, 12 hours before his death was reported was a tribute to Marsh.

Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young boys & girls. Rod cared deeply about cricket & gave so much-especially to Australia & England players. Sending lots & lots of love to Ros & the family. RIP mate❤️

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 4, 2022

After ending his Test career, Warne played in the Indian Premier League and other Twenty20 competitions before retiring from all international cricket in 2013, but continued to be involved in the game as a broadcaster.