But the legendary leg-spinner insisted his friendship with station owner Kerry Packer would remain unimpaired by the decision.

Warne, 35, separated from his wife Simone last month after a series of sex scandals, allowing Channel Nine to trigger a clause in his latest contract for dismissal due to unsatisfactory off-field behaviour.

"It's disappointing. I've been 12 years with Channel Nine and I've enjoyed the TV side of things," Warne told reporters at Australia's London hotel on Wednesday.

"It was something I was looking forward to getting into when I finished cricket whenever that may be. I wanted it to be with the Nine network because they've been very good to me and I've enjoyed my time with them.

"They taught me a lot of stuff about television, how it works. Twelve years is a long time to be associated with someone. They were my first sponsor for want of a better word."

News Limited newspapers reported that Warne had been personally informed of the decision to drop him by Packer, Australia's richest man.

And Warne added: "I've become personal friends with the Packers, both Kerry and James (Kerry's son). They've both been very good to me and I'm sure my friendship with them won't change at all.

"I'm disappointed but I understand their decision. I accept that and move on. I maybe have to look elsewhere or weigh up my options when I finish," said Warne, who confirmed this would be his last Ashes tour of England.

"Things happen. You've got to take the good with the bad and move on," said Warne, Test cricket's leading wicket-taker with 583 wickets.

During his year-long drugs ban throughout 2003, Warne became a regular member of the Nine commentary team, winning praise for his efforts behind the microphone and was set to join the station's roster of other Australian greats Richie Benaud, Mark Taylor, Ian Chappell and Bill Lawry on retirement.

Earlier this week Warne took responsibility for the collapse of his marriage but stressed Wednesday it would not affect his performance in the Ashes Tests, which start at Lord's next week, where Australia are looking for a ninth successive series win.

"My major focus is on the Ashes series. One of my strengths as a cricketer over the years has been the ability to overcome any obstacles. Whatever's been put in front of me, I think I've always responded pretty well."