‘It’s a disgrace’: Channel 9’s unauthorised Shane Warne biopic slammed

Friends and family of the late Shane Warne are reportedly unhappy with an unauthorised biopic about the Australian icon.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 24: Shane Warne is seen during day four of the 1st Domain Test between Australia and Pakistan at The Gabba on November 24, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Friends and family of the late Shane Warne are reportedly unimpressed with Channel 9 for producing an unauthorised biopic about the Australian cricket icon’s life.

In March, the sporting world was left distraught after Warne died in Thailand of a heart attack, aged 52.

The MCG’s Great Southern Stand was officially renamed in his honour, with the iconic Melbourne venue hosting his public memorial in late March.

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But according to The Herald Sun, Channel 9 has started pre-production on a miniseries dramatising the Victorian’s life without approaching his family for their blessing.

Pre-production for the series, which has been slated for a 2023 airdate, was up and running within three weeks of his death, according to the News Corp report.

“He’s only been dead for a couple of months and for them to turn this around and think about doing some sensational thing, well they should be ashamed of themselves,” Warner’s long-time manager James Erskine told The Herald Sun.

“I will be writing to Peter Costello because he is their chairman and saying, please explain.

“Why would Nine even go there? It’s a disgrace and I will certainly be making my voice heard.”

Channel 9 has been contacted for comment.

Shane Warne of Australia. Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Following his retirement in 2007, Warne worked as a Channel 9 commentator before the cricket’s broadcast rights were purchased by Channel 7 and Foxtel in 2018.

Earlier this year, Amazon Prime released documentary film Shane, which explored the cricketer’s feats on the field and scandals off it.

Last week, the first Test between England and New Zealand Lord’s was paused so spectators could stand and applaud in a touching gesture for Warne.

After the 23rd over of day one, the players lined up on the outfield and clapped for 23 seconds in honour of Warne, who famously wore the number 23 shirt.

Sky Sports commentators had earlier paid tribute to Warne before the first ball of the day.

Players of England and New Zealand pay tribute to Shane Warne. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images