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After a legendary career, Australian cricket player Shane Warne announced on March 28th that he will no longer play cricket in any form. He cited the desire to focus more on poker and his family as the reasons for the decision.

Though Warne previously announced his retirement from the sport in 2006 but came back to play and captain the team for Hampshire, he is now officially breaking that contract just before the beginning of the new season and leaving cricket. After much consideration and a strong desire to concentrate on poker, he came to the conclusion that he could not give Hampshire the time it required.

“This was not an easy decision to make,” 38-year old Warne told the media upon making the announcement, “but due to some exciting business opportunities, I had to make this call.”

Warne’s involvement in the Indian Premier League will be the last cricket-related activity before focusing most of his energy on poker. He will participate in the IPL’s Jaipur franchise as a captain and coach, which will run from April 18th to June 1st.

After beginning his love affair with poker about five years ago, he recently befriended 2006 World Series of Poker champion Joe Hachem who became his mentor. By the time the 2008 Aussie Millions arrived in January, his skills had improved and his passion for the game was obvious, so much so that well-known site 888.com engaged in a sponsorship deal with him, as reported here.

Currently, as Warne completes his business arrangement with the IPL, he is preparing for the 2008 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Being able to dedicate himself to the game of poker prior to the WSOP may benefit him in the poker career he hopes to have.

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