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The Hundred’s organisers have postponed the men’s draft and announcement of women’s signings to April 5. The decision has been taken to avoid the clash of event with legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne’s funeral which is scheduled to take place on March 30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
''This (April 5) is a week later than previously advertised due to Shane Warne state funeral taking place on Wednesday 30 March,'' a statement from The Hundred read.
Warne had worked with the London Spirit franchise's men's team in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Before his untimely demise, the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket was expected to continue his role for the second edition as well despite Spirit finishing at the bottom of the table with just win in the season.
''Shane was a much-loved part of The Hundred, and played an important role in launching the competition as Head Coach of London Spirit's men's team. He will be hugely missed by everyone involved in the competition,'' the statement added.
Earlier this month, the cricketing world went into a shock after learning about Warne’s demise in Koh Samui, Thailand due to suspected heart attack.
Following his demise, Warne's body had been taken to the mainland city of Surat Thani and then to the capital city of Bangkok. An autopsy confirmed he died of natural causes following a suspected heart attack and there was no foul play involved.
Warne's body was flown to Melbourne in a coffin wrapped in the Australian flag. His family will hold a private funeral before the public service, which is expected to have an attendance of over one lakh people.
The MCG is the same ground where Warne took his 700th wicket in the Test format in front of a crowd of 89,115 during the Ashes clash on Boxing Day, 2006. In his honour, the Great Southern Stand will be named after him.
