Warne Announces Charity Poker Event

Shane Warne to play poker for charity at Australian gaming venue.

Shane Warne has teamed up with Australian poker professional Joe Hachem to host a charity poker tournament at the Crown Casino in Melbourne.

Taking place on Monday October 27th, the event offers a first prize of A$25,000 (£9,882) with a A$1,000 buy-in and all proceeds will go to the Shane Warne Foundation, an organisation which redistributes money to charities for underprivileged children.

In addition to the cricket legend and 2005 World Series of Poker main event winner Hachem, a number of celebrities have been confirmed to take part in the event.

Pop star Brian McFadden will compete against former boxer Jeff Fenech, Australian international footballer Kevin Muscat and popular Melbourne comedian Trevor Marmalade, among others.

Before the main tournament gets underway, Warne and Hachem will lead one of Crown Casino's instructional poker sessions for newcomers to the game.

In a recent interview with the Sun, the former spin bowler spoke about how his new career as a poker player compares to life as a Test cricketer.

"I'm really enjoying it and the banter on the tables is great fun," the 39-year-old said.