Cricket West Indies (CWI) last week paid tribute to David Holford, the former West Indies all-rounder who died recently in his homeland in Barbados.
A leg spinner and lower and middle-order batsman who played 24 Tests matches between 1966 and 1977, his finest hour came during the Lord’s Test of 1966 when he made an unbeaten century as part of a historic partnership of 274 with his cousin Sir Garfield Sobers.
He was also captain of Barbados and led them to the Shell Shield title, and briefly played for Trinidad and Tobago.
After retirement, Holford held several roles including director of the Barbados Cricket Association, West Indies selector and manager of the West Indies team.
CWI President Ricky Skerrit said Holford epitomized the values of cricket both on and off the field and was the quintessential West Indies cricketer and ambassador.
West Indies Player’s Association (WIPA), the organization which Holford served as the first CEO, also expressed its condolences.
WIPA President Wavell Hinds said Holford was a true gentleman and statesman of the game and West Indies cricket.