Shane WarneLast year Shane Warne decided to fold his cricket hand after holding it for more than 20 years to go all in at the 2008 Aussie Millions. Today marks the first day of Warne’s new profession as a high stakes poker player. Helping to smooth the career transition, Warne has signed a sponsorship deal with the online poker room pacificpoker.com. He’s also been receiving training from a former World Series of Poker Main Event winner.

The full terms of the Pacific Poker sponsorship have not been released but Warne has stated that he will get an opportunity to travel to the US, UK, New Zealand and possibly South Africa to compete in high stakes poker tournaments while endorsing Pacific Poker.

Warne’s passion for poker began five years ago through playing poker with his mates. He began to take the game more seriously after developing a friendship with 2005 WSOP Main Event Champion Joe Hachem, and his brother Tony, whom he sees at least once a week.

“Joe and Tony have taught me a lot, and what excellent teachers to have” he said.

Warne admits to being a little nervous about the debut but says he looks forward to the new career and the opportunity to travel overseas.