ICC pays tribute to Hanumant Singh

Dubai, Nov 30 (UNI) International Cricket Council (ICC) President Percy Sonn has expressed deep shock and sadness at the death of former India batsman and Match Referee Hanumant Singh.

''I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear this news and would like to take this opportunity to pass on my sincere condolences to Hanumant's family and friends,'' Mr Sonn said in a statement after the death of the 67-year-old in Mumbai yesterday.

''People like Hanumant are the lifeblood of our sport who first entertain as players and then give something back to the game after they finish playing,'' he added, Doug Cowie, ICC's Umpires and Match Referees Manager, said Hanumant was a great servant of the game.

''It's a sad day for cricket. Hanumant was a thoughtful and understanding match referee with all the right attitudes about the Spirit of Cricket. He had a true understanding of how things should be in the cricket world. I will miss chatting with him,'' Cowie said.

The nephew of legendary KS Ranjitsinhji, Hanumant Singh played 14 Tests between 1964 and 1969 in which he scored 686 runs at an average of 31.18.

Hanumant's role as an ICC Match Referee spanned the years 1994 to 2001, during which time he officiated in nine Tests and 54 ODIs.

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