Sydney:Australia legend Shane Warne auctioned his Baggy Green for AUD 1,007,500, with the proceeds going towards helping those affected by the fires ravaging Australia.
Commonwealth Bank were revealed to have put in the winning bid on Friday. They said the cap would be taken on a tour across the country to raise further funds for bushfire victims, before ultimately joining the exhibits at the Bradman Museum at Bowral.
Shane Warne announced the decision to auction his cap for charity during Australia's
New Year's Test against New Zealand.
"The horrific bushfires in Australia have left us all in disbelief," he wrote on social media.
"Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed and over 500 million animals have died
too. Everyone is in this together."
"This has led me to auction off my beloved baggy green cap (350) that I wore throughout my Test career (when I wasn't wearing my white floppy hat)," Warne wrote.The new owners have been long-time partners of Cricket Australia. "I want to thank and commend Shane for giving up one of his most cherished possessions for such an important cause," CommBank CEO Matt Comyn said. "He has demonstrated the same Aussie spirit we are seeing across the country, with acts of generosity and dedication throughout this disaster, as communities rally to support each other."
The initiative is one of several taken in support of those devastated by the fires. A group of cricketers have pledged to make donations for sixes hit and wickets taken during the BBL, an
ICC report said.
Cricket Australia announced tribute and fundraising efforts during the New Year's Test and
will also host ODIs whose proceeds will be donated. Another Australian legend, Jeff Thomson,
too is auctioning his Baggy Green and knitted vest. Test captain Tim Paine and off-spinner
Nathan Lyon also met rescue workers battling the fires.Ahead of two T20 World Cups in the country this year, the ICC have urged the global cricket family to support relief efforts. (UNI)
