Krish Reddy News
Krish Reddy, the former record-keeper of black and non-racial cricket in South Africa, has died of cardiac arrest at the age of 77.
He was most well-known for his dedication to compiling and keeping the records of athletes who would otherwise go unacknowledged in South Africa during the apartheid era.
According to the reports, Reddy died from heart failure.
Yunus Bobat, KZN Cricket president, paid tribute to Reddy, “This is a great loss for KZN and a sad day for the South Africa cricket fraternity. We will always appreciate and honour the unwavering passion Krish showed to uplift our beautiful game.”
Reddy had an active role in the sport as a player, official, selector, and historian. His dedication to gathering and maintaining is what people will remember him for most. Reddy wrote The Other Side in 1999, an anthology of black cricket in Natal.
Krish Reddy’s book
In 2002, he also co-wrote the book Black in Whites. The book explores the challenges faced by cricket players of colour in KwaZulu-Natal. Statistics on Basil D’Oliveira playing black cricket in South Africa were there in the appendix of Peter Oborne’s book D’Oliveira: Cricket and Conspiracy – the Untold Story.
“No words to describe the personal loss I am feeling at the news of the passing away of cricket statistician, cricket historian, administrator and friend Krish Reddy. 223 non- racial matches became 1st class matches all thanks to Krish Reddy.” tweeted by someone close to Krish Reddy.
No words to describe the personal loss I am feeling at the news of the passing away of cricket statistician, cricket historian, administrator and friend Krish Reddy. 223 non- racial matches became 1st class matches all thanks to Krish Reddy. #friend #statistics #cricket pic.twitter.com/vYmWhcQMaA
— Dev Govindjee (@matchref1) October 16, 2022
Statistician of the Year 2006
Krish won the Statistician of the Year in 2006. In accepting the honor on his behalf. Peter Griffiths called the AGM’s attention to the effort Krish did in locating information. Regarding the 223 non-white matches played during the apartheid era. Now recognised as first-class, often under extremely trying circumstances.
Krish wrote a letter that was read aloud by Peter.
‘Sincere appreciation to the committee for choosing him for the award. I am delighted in being the recipient of such a prestigious accolade. And am particularly pleased for all those cricketers. Almost all of whom I saw play and several of whom I knew personally. Whose efforts on the field I have had the pleasure of researching and recording.
It does my heart glad to know that at long last their performances have been recognised by the rest of the cricketing world. And for this I am indebted to the Association. And more particularly to two members, namely Andrew Samson and Robin Isherwood. These two gentlemen have been kind enough to scrutinise my work with meticulous precision. Their professional approach has enabled the work of an amateur enthusiast to be presented in an acceptable form for publication in the M & F South African Cricket Annual.’
He also served on the committee that chose Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century, which included 100 players, writers, umpires, historians, and other international sports fans.
