KEY POINTS
- Major exhibition “WARNE: Treasures of a Legend” opens at MCG on Dec 16.
- Features 48 iconic items, including ‘Ball of the Century’ and 1994 hat-trick stump.
- Collection preserved with approval from Warne’s family at his beloved “playground.”
ISLAMABAD: The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has announced the launch of a major new exhibition celebrating the immortal career of Shane Warne.
Titled ‘WARNE: Treasures of a Legend’, the showcase will open at the Australia Sports Museum within the MCG on Tuesday, December 16, offering fans an intimate look at the spin king’s journey. The exhibition will run until August 9, 2026.
Reliving Iconic Moments
The display will feature 48 of Warne’s most prized personal items, taking visitors on a journey through his most iconic performances.
Among the highlights are the ball from his unforgettable first Ashes wicket in 1993, the “Ball of the Century” to Mike Gatting, and the stump from his historic 1994 Ashes hat-trick at the MCG, the first in 90 years.
Other key artefacts include his floppy white hat from his final Test at the MCG in 2006, the dancing stump from Trent Bridge in 1997, his 1999 World Cup winner’s medal, and the ball with which he claimed his 1,000th international wicket.
Fitting Home at His “Playground”
The exhibition has been made possible by Warne’s father, Keith Warne, and the late legend’s executors, who agreed the MCG was the natural home for the collection. “Shane loved the MCG. It was his cricket playground,” said Keith Warne.
“Knowing Shane’s cricket collection will be preserved for cricket lovers to enjoy for generations to come made our decision a lot easier.”
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) CEO Stuart Fox, with the sentiment, stated, “He was the quintessential Victorian and loved this stadium like no other, so we’re proud to continue honouring his legacy here.”
Access for Fans
The collection will be accessible to the public during key summer fixtures, including all five days of the Boxing Day Ashes Test and the Melbourne Stars’ BBL season opener on December 18.
The exhibition solidifies Warne’s everlasting bond with the iconic ground, where a stand bears his name, and his statue remains a favourite fan meeting point.
