Cricket legend Shane Warne's ‘baggy green’ cap was auctioned off for more than AUD 1 million on Friday, with the proceeds going to funds helping victims of bushfires in Australia. The fires, which have ravaged many parts of Australia since September 2019, have left nearly 27 people dead and over 2,000 homes destroyed.
The cap was auctioned for AUD 1,007,500 (nearly USD 700,000) and Warne expressed his gratitude on Twitter, saying he was blown away by the generosity shown by the bidders and that the money would go directly to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. An autographed certificate of authenticity is also attached to the item.
“Thankyou so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge Thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations ! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou,” he tweeted. The identity of the person who made the final bid has not been revealed.
The bid has exceeded the auction amount raised on legendary Australian batsman Donald Bradman's cap which was sold for AUD 425,000 for charity in 2003.
Warne had announced his decision to auction his cap earlier this week during the third Test match between Australia and New Zealand at the SCG in Sydney, which the hosts won by 279 runs. The ‘baggy green’ is awarded to Australian players on their Test debut. The legendary spinner had worn the cap during his 145-Test career.
“The horrific bushfires in Australia have left us all in disbelief. The impact these devastating fires are having on so many people is unthinkable and has touched us all. Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed and over 500 million animals have died too. Everyone is in this together and we continue to find ways to contribute and help on a daily basis. This has led me to auction my beloved baggy green cap (350) that I wore throughout my Test career. I hope my baggy green can raise some significant funds to help all those people that are in desperate need,” he had posted on social media while announcing his decision to auction his cap.
Others in the cricket fraternity have also extended their support to raise money for bushfire victims. Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn and D'Arcy Short have announced that they will donate AUD 250 for every six they hit in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL).