Warne expected to regain Channel 9 contract

Shane Warne has been rumoured to regain his lucrative Channel 9 contract after it was terminated last summer owing to Warne's off-field conduct. The late Kerry Packer, a good friend of Warne, reluctantly ended his contract in Just of 2005 owing to Warne's off-field antics ahead of the Ashes. Warne, 36, had a series of alleged affairs in England which culminated in his split from wife Simone.

The Herald Sun reported that Warne's management and Eddie McGuire, Channel 9's chief executive, have held talks and are expected to announce a AUS$300,000 a year deal within six weeks. The new contract is expected to involve more than cricket commentary and related matters.

Warne has found himself the object of some hot sponsorship offers. He recently signed a long-term cotract with Mitre, a British sporting goods company, which could have a deal with his own clothing brand. Network executives in Australia believe Warne's strong on-screen personality would be ideal for hosting shows. Warne even impressed as a cricket commentator in 2003 during his year off following a drug suspension.

Both Channel 9 and Warne's management remained concerned about Warne's standing among female viewers, however. Channel 9 even had a clause inserted in Warne's last contract allowing it to terminate the deal if his off-field conduct was unsatisfactory, but it is unknown whether that will remain in the deal. Both McGuire and James Erskine, a leading leading sports entrepreneur and Warne's manager, refused to comment.

Warne is currently in Melbourne spending time with his three children before leaving this weekend for England to captain county side Hampshire.