2024 was a year of loss for the cricket world, as we bid farewell to several prominent figures who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Among those who passed away were:
1. Graham Thorpe (52)
A stylish left-handed batsman and a formidable leader, Graham Thorpe was a cornerstone of England’s resurgence in the 1990s and early 2000s. His elegant strokeplay and gritty determination made him a fan favourite, while his astute captaincy guided England to several memorable victories.
Thorpe’s Test debut in 1993 marked the beginning of a glittering career that saw him amass over 6,700 Test runs, including 16 centuries. His partnership with Alec Stewart formed the backbone of England’s batting line-up for many years, and his calm demeanour and tactical acumen made him an invaluable asset as a captain.
Even after his retirement, Thorpe remained deeply involved in the game, serving as England’s batting coach and nurturing a new generation of talented players. His untimely passing in July 2024 shocked the cricketing world, leaving behind a void that will be difficult to fill.
2. Datta Gaekwad (95)
One of India’s oldest living Test cricketers, Datta Gaekwad was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. His elegant batting style and astute captaincy made him a force to be reckoned with in the early days of Indian cricket.
Gaekwad made his Test debut in 1952 and went on to represent India in 10 Tests, scoring 490 runs at an average of 35.71. He was also a successful captain, leading India to victory in their first-ever Test series win against New Zealand in 1967-68.
Beyond his cricketing achievements, Gaekwad was a respected administrator, serving as the president of the Baroda Cricket Association and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His contribution to Indian cricket extended far beyond his playing days, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
3. Mushtaq Mohammad (76)
A flamboyant batsman and a shrewd tactician, Mushtaq Mohammad was one of Pakistan’s most charismatic cricketers. His attacking style of play and his ability to turn the tide of a match made him a crowd favourite.
Mohammad made his Test debut in 1964 and went on to play 57 Tests, scoring 3,002 runs at an average of 39.71. He was also a successful captain, leading Pakistan to victory in several Test matches.
Beyond his playing career, Mohammad remained deeply involved in the game, serving as a coach and selector. His passion for cricket was infectious, and he inspired countless young players to take up the sport. His passing in February 2024 marked the end of an era for Pakistani cricket.
4. Alan Mullally (57)
A tall, lanky fast bowler with a distinctive action, Alan Mullally was one of England’s most successful bowlers in the 1990s. His ability to extract prodigious bounce and seam movement made him a nightmare for batsmen.
Mullally made his Test debut in 1990 and went on to play 64 Tests, claiming 180 wickets at an average of 27.07. He was particularly effective in English conditions, where his ability to swing the ball both ways made him a potent weapon.
Mullally’s career was plagued by injuries, but he always bounced back with renewed vigor. His passion for the game was evident in his every delivery, and his competitive spirit made him a true warrior on the field. His passing in March 2024 was a sad day for English cricket.
5. Derek Underwood (77)
A master of spin bowling, Derek Underwood was one of England’s greatest left-arm bowlers. His ability to extract prodigious turn and bounce from the pitch made him a difficult proposition for batsmen.
Underwood made his Test debut in 1969 and went on to play 81 Tests, claiming 297 wickets at an average of 29.27. He was particularly effective in English conditions, where his ability to swing the ball both ways made him a potent weapon.
Underwood’s career spanned over two decades, and he was a key member of several successful England teams. His passion for the game was evident in his every delivery, and his competitive spirit made him a true warrior on the field. His passing in April 2024 was a sad day for English cricket.
These are just a few of the prominent cricketers who passed away in 2024. Their contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.
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