Australian Cricket Legend Shane Warne Raises A$1m for Red Cross Bushfire Appeal
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Over the last two weeks, the poker world has come together to help raise money for those affected by the devastating Australian bushfires, and Australian international cricket legend Shane Warne, a regular at the Aussie Millions here in Melbourne is no exception.
Warne is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, and was named by Wisden as one of the best five cricketers of the 20th century. He told PokerNews that it was his children who urged him to help raise money for those affected by the catastrophic bushfires.
"I've got to do something right now"
"I was talking to my children and they said 'Dad, you should do something. Maybe you could put on a game.'" said Warne. "Y'know something like that.
"I was like that would be good, but these people need something now. Everyone, all these people who've lost their homes, their lives and livelihoods. Over 500 million animals...I've got to do something right now."
While most poker players would be more familiar with baggy pants, Warne announced that he would be auctioning off his "baggy green" for charity, eventually raising A$1,007,500 (~US$700,000).
Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blo… https://t.co/vlgKJIZIcX
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne)
What is a "baggy green"?
The baggy green is a green cap awarded to all Australian Test cricketers on a player's first appearance for the national team. Traditionally, these caps are worn during the first session in the field of a Test match, and crucially players were only given one. That didn't stop Warne giving his up to help those affected.
"The fires have touched all of us," said Warne. "We've all seen the images and everyone's trying to do their bit. So to show how much it has meant to me personally, I thought, well what's something that I cherish? And it's that cap. I had that in my hadn for the best part of 20 years during my career, so it's been worn a lot."
Warne was well-known for preferring to wear a white floppy sun hat, but he says he still has the utmost of respect for a player's baggy green.
"It meant so much to us as players, being given your baggy green, because it means you've played for Australia. No one can ever take that off of you. So it's something you cherish because it's something really really special to you."
Warne "Proud" of Money Raised
Warne says he's been blown away by the support and is proud that the money will go to a good cause, aiding the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.
"I thought that if I gave that up, then hopefully it will raise a significant amount of money, and it's just extraordinary to raise over a million dollars. I've been blown away by the support and the messages and all that. It's unbelievable.
"It was sad to say goodbye, but at least I've still got the memories. The money that has been raised is going to make a significant difference so I'm pretty proud."
The cap will be taken on a national tour, and subsequently donated to the International Cricket Hall of Fame in Bowral, New South Wales.
Day 1 of my assault on the poker felt @CrownPoker in the awesome @AussieMillions ! Lots of high quality players in… https://t.co/xaQGIgerWC
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne)
Still Loving His Poker
Meanwhile, at the poker tables, Warne has been looking to add to his six career Aussie Millions cashes, and it's looking promising after he made it through to the second day's play in the Aussie Millions Accumulator Event.
"I love it mate," he said, when we asked him how it felt to be back at the Crown Casino playing in the Aussie Millions. "I absolutely love it. I've run pretty well in a few events over the last ten years, or whatever it's been. Probably more! I think the guys here, Joel [Williams] and his whole team do a great job. I'm proud to be a part of it all.
"There are so many good players here this year, from all over the world, so there are no easy tournaments. Hopefully I'll do alright in the ones I play in."
Warne's son Jackson has also been present at the festival this year, cashing in the Aussie Millions Opening Event, finishing 132nd for A$3,070, but Warne Sr insists there is no handing over of the torch just yet.
"It's gonna be a ding-dong battle between the two of us, don't worry about that! We play heads-up tournaments together, and I mean last night we played Monopoly and he got me, so I had better get him back."
