Warne cites busy schedule, family commitments for not seeking national selector role

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SHANE Warne has ruled out filling the national selection panel vacancy opened up by Mark Waugh’s departure but has declared his interest in taking up a role sometime in the future.

Waugh stepped down earlier week after announcing he, like Warne, was joining the star-studded list of commentators signed up with new broadcaster Foxtel.

Cricket Australia said it wouldn’t immediately fill Waugh’s spot, which was chiefly to select the national Twenty20 team, and instead would look at restructuring the selection set-up.

Warne has strong links to the shortest form of the game having played in the Big Bash as well as maintaining a coaching role in the Indian Premier League after a lengthy playing career in the cashed-up competition.

He expressed his desire to not just potentially be a selector, but also part of the coaching staff sometime in the future when he can commit the time necessary to the role.

“A selector is an interesting role. I am going to be involved in the IPL for a few more years with my contract with the Rajasthan Royals. I love watching T20, I am around it, and I have contact with the modern day player,” Warne told News Corp Australia.

“The only problem with being a selector is time. I’m not sure I could do it justice. I would love to be a selector at some stage, I‘d love to be involved in the coaching set up, but it’s the time needed.

“I was on the road for a long time playing cricket so since I stopped, I’ve tried to spend as much time at home as possible to be with my kids and help them. They need me now.

“Family is first, then I have my businesses and commentary and poker, to give the time to being a selector, something would have to give. At the moment I am pretty happy with my lot.”

Warne said the longer he stayed involved in the game, as a commentator and coach, the more likely he was to take up any role with CA, if the opportunity presented itself.

“As long as you don’t get too old and too out of it, and being involved in commentary keeps you current, as does working in the IPL,” he said.

“Down the track I would love to be involved on a full-time basis. But there is no time frame on it.”