ICC President pays tribute to Peter Robinson

International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani today paid tribute to Peter Robinson, the distinguished South African journalist, who has passed away at the age of 54.

Mr Mani said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of Peter's death and I would like to pass on sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of everyone at the ICC to his wife Jo, his family and his many friends throughout the cricket world.

"Although I did not know Peter personally, I knew of him by reputation thanks to his enormous contribution to cricket journalism through the host of publications he wrote for.

"He was a gifted writer who helped bring the world of international cricket to life for his many readers after South Africa's re-admission to the official competition in 1991 and he will be sorely missed."

During his career "Robbo" wrote for The Star, The Sunday Independent, the Natal Witness, Cricinfo, Sports Day and This Day. At the time of his death he was the Sports Editor of The Citizen.

He also played a significant role in the production of publications for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003.

"Peter was one of our senior writers who wrote features and articles for the main tournament brochure and match programs," said Rodney Hartman, the Co-Director of Communications for the Event.

"He also contributed to the content of the Tournament Handbook with pen pictures of players and officials and venue details, information that media throughout the world were able to use.

"On top of that, Peter was also part of a committee of senior media figures in South Africa ahead of the tournament who had the experience of covering previous ICC Cricket World Cups.

"He was able to provide insights into what we needed to do to ensure facilities were up to scratch and his input into the overall media plan was invaluable. He was a leading light and we will all miss him," added Mr Hartman.

Peter passed away following a brave battle against cancer. He was diagnosed with lung cancer late last year and although an operation to remove the tumours and chemotherapy seemed to have caught the disease in its tracks, four inoperable and untreatable tumours were found on his brain last month.