The world of cricket lost several greats in 2024, and each of them left behind a legacy that will forever be remembered by fans and players alike. From England to India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia, these cricketers played an important role in shaping the history of the sport. In this blog post, we take a moment to pay tribute to those we lost in 2024, remembering their contributions to the game and the memories they left behind.
1. Tribute to Robin Hobbs: A Legacy of 1,099 Wickets
Died: 20 January 2024 – 89 years old
Robin Hobbs was one of the most prolific leg-spinners in the history of first-class cricket. Over a career spanning two decades, he took an astonishing 1,099 wickets in 440 matches. His career began in the 1960s, and although he played only seven Tests for England between 1967 and 1971, his impact on the domestic scene was undeniable.
Hobbs, who had a deep passion for the game, reflected on his career with great pride, especially the achievement of over 1,000 wickets. “I was very, very lucky in my career,” he told the BBC in 2020, acknowledging the challenges modern-day cricketers face due to the reduction in county cricket matches. His legacy as a leg-spinner who achieved feats that may never be matched again will remain etched in cricketing history.
2. Tribute to Dattajirao Gaekwad: India’s Oldest Living Test Cricketer
Died: 13 February 2024 – 95 years old
Datta Gaekwad, who captained India and played 11 Tests between 1952 and 1961, was not just a player but a symbol of India’s rich cricketing heritage. At the time of his death, he was India’s oldest living Test cricketer at the age of 95. Gaekwad’s contributions to Indian cricket were significant, and his leadership on and off the field was admired by many.
Since his passing, Chingleput Gopinath, at the age of 94, has become India’s oldest living Test cricketer. The cricketing community mourned Gaekwad’s loss, but his legacy lives on, especially through his leadership and dedication to the game during its early years in India.
3. Tribute to Mike Procter: A South African Cricketing Genius
Died: 17 February 2024 – 77 years old
Mike Procter was a true giant in world cricket. Known for his aggressive all-round game, Procter played seven Tests for South Africa between 1967 and 1970. He took 41 wickets in those Tests and was also a destructive batsman. But Procter’s influence went far beyond his playing days. He became the head coach of the South African team in 1992 and later served as an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee from 2002 to 2008.
Former teammate Barry Richards called him “a genius,” emphasizing Procter’s natural talent and impact on every team he played for. Procter’s loss was deeply felt across cricketing circles, especially given his tremendous contributions both as a player and as a coach.
4. Tribute to Derek Underwood: England’s Most Prolific Spinner
Died: 14 April 2024 – 78 years old
Derek Underwood’s name will forever be synonymous with spin bowling in England. Over his Test career from 1966 to 1982, Underwood took 297 wickets for England, making him the country’s most prolific spinner in Test cricket. His skill and consistency on the field earned him the respect of both teammates and opponents.
Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell said, “It was a privilege to compete against such a tough but exemplary opponent.” Underwood’s contributions to English cricket are immeasurable, and his passing was a significant loss to the cricketing world.
5. Tribute to Raman Subba Row: A Stylish Batsman for England
Died: 17 April 2024 – 92 years old
Raman Subba Row, a stylish middle-order batsman, played 13 Tests for England between 1958 and 1961. He was known for his elegant stroke play and scored three centuries during his Test career. His final Test innings was a memorable 137 against Australia at The Oval, showcasing his class and resilience.
ICC General Manager Wasim Khan remembered him as a “respected cricketer of his era,” while England Wales Cricket Board chairperson Richard Thompson described him as “a great cricket man with a successful career.” Subba Row’s contributions to English cricket will not be forgotten, and his death marked the loss of a true cricketing legend.
6. Tribute to Graham Thorpe: England’s Hero with the Bat
Died: 4 August 2024 – 55 years old
Graham Thorpe was one of England’s finest left-handed batsmen. He played 100 Tests for England between 1993 and 2005, scoring three Ashes centuries and remaining among England’s top 15 highest run-scorers in Test cricket. Thorpe’s calm and composed batting in the face of pressure made him a standout player of his generation.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram, who had bowled to Thorpe on numerous occasions, said, “Graham was the best left-handed batsman I ever bowled to.” England batsman Ben Duckett added, “He was my hero.” Thorpe’s untimely passing at the age of 55 left a hole in the cricketing world, but his contributions to the game will always be remembered.
7. Tribute to David Johnson: A Passionate Cricketer with Heart
Died: 20 June 2024 – 52 years old
David Johnson was part of the Indian cricket team for a brief period, playing two Tests in 1996. While his international career was short-lived, Johnson’s passion for the game and his determination never went unnoticed. His only Test wickets were those of Australia’s Michael Slater and South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs and Brian McMillan.
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, fondly remembered Johnson as someone who “was full of life and never gave up on the field.” Johnson’s commitment to the game, even during challenging times, made him a beloved figure in Indian cricket.
8. Tribute to Billy Ibadulla: Pakistan’s Trailblazer on Debut
Died: 12 July 2024 – 88 years old
Billy Ibadulla was a special cricketer who made his mark in Pakistan’s cricketing history. He played four Tests between 1964 and 1967 and was the first Pakistan batsman to score a century on Test debut. Ibadulla’s achievements were not limited to the international stage, as he also played for Warwickshire in England.
Warwickshire president Dennis Amiss fondly remembered Ibadulla as “one of the greatest” and someone who brought joy and fun to the dressing room. Ibadulla’s passing marked the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, but his impact remains strong.
9. Tribute to Aunshuman Gaekwad: A Respectable All-Rounder for India
Died: 31 July 2024 – 71 years old
Aunshuman Gaekwad was a highly respected all-rounder who played 40 Tests for India between 1975 and 1985. Gaekwad’s strong performances, particularly in the West Zone, earned him immense respect among his peers. He was known for his fearless attitude, and his contributions were crucial for India in the 1970s and 1980s.
Ravi Shastri, the former India coach, recalled Gaekwad as his “first West Zone captain” and praised his competitive spirit. Anil Kumble, former India captain, added, “Importantly, he always had my back.” Gaekwad’s death was a loss to Indian cricket, but his legacy as a fighter and team player will live on.
10. Tribute to Mohammad Nazir: A Consistent Test Cricketer for Pakistan
Died: 21 November 2024 – 78 years old
Mohammad Nazir was a key figure in Pakistan’s Test cricket team, having played 14 Tests between 1969 and 1983. Known for his consistency and dedication, Nazir’s contributions to Pakistan cricket extended beyond his playing days. After retiring, he became an international umpire, continuing his involvement in the game.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi honored Nazir’s memory, stating, “His contributions for Pakistan cricket will always be remembered.” Nazir’s passing left a void in Pakistan cricket, but his service to the game remains significant.
11. Tribute to Ian Redpath: A Courageous Opening Batsman for Australia
Died: 1 December 2024 – 83 years old
Ian Redpath was one of Australia’s most respected opening batsmen, scoring eight centuries in 66 Tests between 1964 and 1976. He was known for his courage, sportsmanship, and dry humor, and was a mainstay of the Australian team during a golden era of the sport.
Cricket Australia chairperson Mike Baird paid tribute to Redpath, calling him “beloved by many throughout the world for his courage, impeccable sportsmanship, and wry humour.” Redpath’s passing marked the end of an era for Australian cricket, but his impact on the game will be remembered for generations to come.
Conclusion: A Fond Farewell to Cricket Legends
The cricketers we lost in 2024 were not just players but legends who shaped the history of the sport. From Robin Hobbs’ remarkable bowling career to Graham Thorpe’s elegant batting, each of them contributed to the game in their own unique way. We remember them not only for their cricketing skills but also for the memories and inspiration they left behind.
As we pay tribute to these international cricketers, let us remember their dedication, hard work, and the joy they brought to cricket fans all around the world. Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers and fans alike. May their souls rest in peace, and may their memories live on forever in the world of cricket.