From rock stars to sports royalty, from prime ministers to the public, Shane Warne's death has been met with raw shock around the world.

Warne's death at a luxury villa in Thailand has, like his life, transcended his sport of cricket.

Mick Jagger, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe are among celebrities openly mourning the death of the Australian cricket great.

Warne's on-field foes-turned-friends including Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Viv Richards and his Australian cricket colleagues are also paying tribute.

His fellow Australian cricketers Glenn McGrath and Mark Taylor summed up the sentiment for the larger-than-life legspinner.

"I thought nothing could ever happen to him," said McGrath. "He lived more in his life than most people would live in 20."

Taylor said: "He has had a turbulent life but a very full life ... you just felt, I certainly did, he would go on forever."

On social media, Indian legend Tendulkar wrote he was "shocked, stunned & miserable".

Sir Vivian Richards said: "I am shocked to the core. This can't be true" and his fellow West Indian Brian Lara said: "We have lost one of the greatest sportsmen of all time!"

Warne's long-time Australian teammates, also on social media, were similarly stunned.

"Numb," said Adam Gilchrist.

"It's just unfathomable," said Mark Waugh.

"The RockStar of cricket! Gone too soon," said Brett Lee.

Prime ministers and politicians, and sports officials from Australia to England to India and beyond, also expressed their sympathy on social forums such as Twitter and Instagram, as did rock stars and actors.

I'm so saddened ... he brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever," Mick Jagger said.

Elton John said he was heartbroken, posting: "Shane was a magical bowler and such huge fun."

Pop star Ed Sheeran wrote he was "absolutely gutted" at Warne's passing.

"Shane was the kindest heart ... such a gentleman. He gave so many hours and years of his life to bring joy to others, and was such an amazing friend to me," Sheeran wrote.

Australian actor and movie director Russell Crowe said Warne was a "genius player. Grand company. Loyal friend."

His fellow Oscar winner Hugh Jackman wrote: "Like you all I am in shock to wake to the news ... I'm grateful to have known him, and to have witnessed his once-in-a-generation talent."