HONG KONG, Oct 25: Cricket legend Shane Warne will play this weekend’s Hong Kong Sixes as planned despite the death of a close friend, organisers said on Thursday.

Warne cancelled pre-tournament engagements here and delayed his arrival to attend the funeral of multi-millionaire entrepreneur John Ilhan, one of Australia’s richest men.

“Shane was expected at a kids’ cricket training clinic here today (Thursday), but he has delayed travelling to Hong Kong after this personal matter,” a spokesman for the organisers said.

“We are 100 percent assured that Shane will be able to take full part in the weekend’s games,” he added.

At the event Warne will captain an all-star side consisting of Brian Lara, Glenn McGrath, Craig McMillan, Geraint Jones, Anil Kumble and Heath Streak.

Ilhan, the 42-year-old founder of a successful mobile phone franchise, died of a heart attack in Melbourne on Tuesday. He was a major supporter of Warne’s charity work and a close personal friend.

It was unconfirmed when Warne would travel to Hong Kong. Media reports said Ilhan’s funeral was due to be held on Friday.—AFP