The death of Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne has sent shockwaves through the sporting world and beyond, with cricketing stars past and present paying heartfelt tribute to a player who revolutionised spin bowling.
Warne died of a suspected heart attack in Thailand overnight Friday, aged 52 years old.
India great Sachin Tendulkar, a former rival and close personal friend:
"Will miss you Warnie. There was never a dull moment with you around, on or off the field. Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter. You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you.
"Gone too young!"
West Indies great Brian Lara:
"I literally don't know how to sum up this situation. My friend is gone!! We have lost one of the greatest sportsmen of all time!"
Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who was part of hundreds of Warne's test dismissals:
"Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work."
West Indies great Viv Richards:
"Unbelievable. I am shocked to the core. This can't be true... There are no words to describe what I feel right now. A huge loss for cricket."
Former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum:
"Please no... heartbroken. Already miss 'The King'".
Former Blackcaps batter Ross Taylor:
"Gutted to hear the news... An Absolute legend both on and off the field. It was a privilege to have shared a changing room with one of my cricket idols."
Former Blackcaps captain Stephen Fleming:
"R.I.P King. You were one hell of a player and an even better mate. Gonna miss you buddy"
Australia Captain Pat Cummins:
"Shane was a once-in-a-century cricketer and his achievements will stand for all time, but apart from the wickets he took and the games he helped Australia win, what he did was draw so many people to the sport.
Former India batter Virender Sehwag:
"One of the greatest spinners, the man who made spin cool, superstar Shane Warne is no more. Life is very fragile, but this is very difficult to fathom."
"So many of us in the playing group grew up idolising him and fell in love with this great sport as a result, while many of our support staff either played with him or against him.
"It has been a terrible couple of days for Australian cricket with the passing of Rod Marsh and now Shane."
India batter Virat Kohli:
"Life is so fickle and unpredictable. I cannot process the passing of this great of our sport and also a person I got to know off the field. RIP #goat. Greatest to turn the cricket ball."
Australia batter David Warner:
"Two legends of our game have left us too soon. I'm lost for words, and this is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family. I just cannot believe it."
Former South Afrcia allrounder Jacques Kallis:
"He was one of the greatest competitors. Played hard on field and was one of the first to have a beer with you after. Was always a pleasure and challenge playing against him. More importantly loved his kids endlessly. One of crickets greats."
England captain Joe Root:
"He was a massive idol of mine".
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi:
"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."
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi:
"I am shocked and extremely sad to hear about the sudden death of my friend Warnie... he has always been in touch and always helpful... apart from an iconic bowler he was a great entertainer."
Former Pakistan fast bowler and coach Waqar Younis:
"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.".
