Cricket Star Shane Warne Cuts Ties With 888Poker

Former captain of “Team 888Poker” ends sponsorship after more than six years.

Australian cricket star Shane Warne has ended his professional relationship with 888Poker, an online poker site in Australia he was spokesman for since 2008. Warne served as captain of Team 888Poker, appearing at live poker events around the world.

The cricket player announced the move over Twitter, telling followers that he had “parted ways” with the online poker network, one of Australia’s most popular internet gambling sites. Warne had a prominent role in building the company’s brand over the past six years.

Australian gambling laws are some of the world’s most liberalized, and the country is home to many internationally-renowned poker, online casino, and sportsbetting sites.

Warne exit follows dropping of Suarez

Warne is the second high profile sponsorship partner to leave 888Poker during the last calendar year, following Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez’s exit in June, 2014. Suarez was released from his endorsement deal due to the scandal caused by his biting an opponent during a 2014 World Cup match.

With Shane Warne and Luis Suarez both off the board, it is unknown who will be 888Poker’s next leading celebrity spokesperson.