The year 2023, like every year in the grand theatre of cricket, witnessed the exit of some beloved figures. Some were legends who graced the hallowed turf with their artistry, others were unsung heroes who kept the love for the game alive on a local pitch. This isn’t merely an obituary section, but a celebration of lives lived full in the spirit of the game.
Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi was a master of deception. He was silent, deadly and could bowl variations at will. He deceived batsmen with his flight, spin and pace without any change in the action. Bedi was a First-Class cricket veteran and finished with 1560 FC wickets, more than any other Indian bowler. He had a successful county stint with Northamptonshire as well. Bedi was outspoken throughout his career and brought controversies into him wherever he went. He died on 23 October, 2023 aged 77 after a prolonged illness.
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Heath Streak
A gutsy fast-bowler with immense stamina and strength, Heath Streak was the backbone of the Zimbabwean side during his time. He bowled excellent outswing with good pace and control and gave the ball a good whack whenever he came to bat. Streak was the first Zimbabwean to reach 100 Test wickets.
Burdened with captaincy responsibilities and a deteriorating Zimbabwean side not helping his cause, Streak struggled to maintain his form in international cricket. He quit captaincy and a bitter standoff with the board made sure that his international career was over in October 2005.
Streak was diagnosed with advanced liver and colon cancer and succumbed to the disease in September 2023 at the age of 49.
Salim Durani
An all-rounder capable of winning the match either with the bat or ball, Salim Durani was a clever cricketer. An aggressive left-handed batsman, who could destroy the opposition bowlers, Durani was a joy to watch. Standing at 6’2″ tall, he could use his height advantage to get that extra bit of lift and turn.
Given his tall and handsome figure, Durani was popular among the fans and even appeared in a movie with Parveen Babi in the early 1970s. He died from cancer on 2 April, 2023 at the age of 88.
Sudhir Naik
Former India opener Sudhir Naik, who played three Test matches in 1974, died after brief illness I April this year. Naik was an immensely respected figure in the Mumbai cricket circles and a Ranji Trophy-winning captain when he led the team to blue-riband glory in the 1970-71 season. He played 85 first class games and scored nearly 4500 runs (4376) at an average of 35 plus and seven hundred including a double ton.
He did play an active role in later years as a coach and was a big influence in Zaheer Khan’s career as he brought him to play cricket in Mumbai and provided him with requisite exposure He was also a chairman of Mumbai selection committee and in later years worked as a curator of Wankhede Stadium free of cost.
Ijaz Butt
Pakistan cricket lost one of its most controversial, colourful and strong administrators when the indomitable Ijaz Butt passed away in his hometown, Lahore, due to health issues. The history of Pakistan cricket will remain incomplete without discussing the tenure of Butt, who passed away on Wednesday, aged 85.
He played eight Tests for Pakistan and held several key administrative positions.
From being a member of the 1987 Reliance World Cup organising committee to a four-year tenure as secretary of the Pakistan Cricket Board in the 80s to managing the senior team and finally heading the PCB from 2008 to 2011, Butt did everything on his own terms.
Notable mentions
Brian Booth
Brian Charles Booth was a middle-order batsman for Australia whose career spanned from 1961-1966. He played 29 Tests for Australia scoring 1773 runs at an average of 42.21. Booth was a vastly experienced First-Class cricketer and scored 11265 runs which included 26 centuries. He captained Australia for two Tests during 1965-66 Ashes. Booth died on 19 May 2023, aged 89.
Joseph Soloman
Born in Guyana, Joe Soloman played 27 Tests and over 100 First-Class matches for the West Indies. He scored a century on his first-class debut by notching up an unbeaten knock of 114 against Jamaica. Soloman bowled occasional leg-breaks but was best known for his outstanding fielding. He died at the age of 93 and was famous for the run-out which led to the famous tied Test between Australia and the Windies in 1960 at the Gabba.
Frank Cameron
The New Zealand cricketer who played 19 Tests for New Zealand as a fast bowler died on 2 January, 2023 aged 90. Cameron was a canny fast bowler who could swing the ball both ways. Cameron served as a New Zealand selector from 1968 to 1986, and as chairman of the selection panel from 1975 to 1986.
Faith Coulthard
Aunty Faith Thomas, the first Aboriginal woman to play Test cricket for Australia died on 15 April, aged 90. She was also a nurse in regional South Australia. Faith is well known for her distinguished service to the Australian Indigenous community.
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