Saba Qamar, Preity Zinta among others in shock over Shane Warne’s death

Australian cricketer Shane Warne, arguably the finest leg-spin bowler of all time, died from a suspected heart attack in Koh Samui, Thailand on Friday, as confirmed by his family.

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."

Given Warne’s rewarding career and a personality that surpassed the sport he played; the leg spinner’s death was a shock to many even outside the cricketing world. Many celebrities, who have either idolised Warne or have known him for his talent, took to Twitter to express their sadness and disbelief.

TV host and actor Anoushey Ashraf said she’s “heartbroken” over the news. “A big part of my childhood memories is connected to you. [I] remember seeing you play live so many times. Life is so unpredictable. [You are] forever in our hearts. Rip. It feels like sportsmen belong to no country but to people around the world. The loss is ours,” read her tweet.

Actor Saba Qamar Zaman also took to the micro-blogging site and sent condolences to his friends and family. “Just heard the sad news about Shane Warne passing away. My thoughts are with the family & friends of the cricketing legend.

Much like any cricket lover around the world, actor and producer Adnan Siddiqui believes that “the game and its lovers have a lost a great legend.” Expressing his shock at the sudden death, he added, “52! No age! Terrible, terrible news. Shane Warne was a magician, a trickster who did wonders with the ball across pitches. Rest in peace.”

The news had celebrities in a state of disbelief across the border as well. Bollywood actors Preity Zinta and Akshay Kumar shared their lived memories with the legend and expressed their deepest condolences to Warne’s family and friends.

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