To avoid clashing with Australian spin star Shane Warne’s state funeral on March 30, the men’s Hundred draft and the release of the new women’s signings for the second edition of the tournament have been moved to April 5.
The men’s picks and new women’s signings for the tournament’s second season were originally scheduled to be announced on March 30, the same day as Warne’s funeral service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“The Hundred Draft’s men’s picks and new women’s signings will now be announced on Tuesday, April 5th, with the next Priority Access window opening on the same date,” The Hundred said in a statement.
“This is a week later than previously advertised due to Shane Warne state funeral taking place on Wednesday 30 March,” it added.
Warne, who is credited for resurrecting leg-spin bowling by capturing 708 wickets in 145 Tests over a 15-year career, died on March 4 in Koh Samui, Thailand, after a suspected heart attack at the age of 52.
“Shane was a beloved member of The Hundred, and as Head Coach of London Spirit’s men’s squad, he was instrumental in the competition’s inception. Everyone participating in the competition will miss him tremendously.”
Last year, Warne coached the London Spirit’s men’s squad in the inaugural edition of The Hundred, and he was set to do it again this season.