ICC pays tribute to Hanumant Singh

International Cricket Council (ICC) President Percy Sonn today led the tributes from the game's governing body for Hanumant Singh, the former India batsman and ICC Match Referee, who passed away at the age of 67.

Mr Sonn said: "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.

"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."

Doug Cowie, ICC's Umpires and Match Referees Manager, said Hanumant Singh was a great servant of the game.

"It's a sad day for cricket," said Mr Cowie. "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," he added.

The nephew of legendary KS Ranjitsinhji, Hanumant Singh scored 105 on his Test debut against England at Delhi and followed up with 94 against the Australians at Madras. He played 14 Tests between 1964 and 1969 in which he scored 686 runs at an average of 31.18.

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