Many of Shane Warne's Kiwi rivals and friends will struggle to make his state funeral, after the legendary Aussie cricketer died over the weekend, aged 52.
The wily spin bowler and notorious larrakin was holidaying with friends in Thailand, when he collapsed and could not be revivied, leaving the sporting world in shock.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has promised Warne a full state funeral at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where a stand will now be named in his honour, but cricket commentator and former Blackcaps bowler Simon Doull has told AM many of his Kiwi connections may not be able to attend.
While he tormented opponents on the pitch, Warne was also the life of any party and forged strong friendships with many of his greatest rivals, who have spoken in tribute over the past couple of days.
He was a regular visitor to New Zealand for celebrity golf tournaments and Doull remembers those occasions fondly.
"We've been able to share stories, share memories, have some laughs, send some videos of some of the golf days," he says. "He was a 100mph man... off the field, on the field, he leaves and incredible hole in so many lives.
"It's been a tough few days, but to be able to share those memories, and talk with people he worked with around the world and people played with, it's been nice to share those memories.
"He commanded a room. If Warney walked into a room, you just knew he was there before you saw him."
Among those closest to Warne were former Blackcaps captains Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming, who face COVID-19 quarantine, before taking up their coaching responsibilities in the Indian Premier League later this month.
"From a New Zealand point of view, I'm not sure how many will be get across," says Doull. "A few of his close mates have had to go off to the IPL already, because of isolation matters.
"It's a little bit up in the air what New Zealand representation will be there. I'm sure NZ Cricket will have someone there if they can."