ICC tribute to Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge

The ICC has paid tribute to Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, who died earlier today.

As a past Chairman of the Council in 1987 and again from 1990 to 1993, Lord Cowdrey was a courageous and inspirational leader of the international game.

During his tenure of office he guided cricket through a number of important and sensitive issues including the re-admission of South Africa to the international game. He also pioneered the introduction of the ICC Code of Conduct and the move to independent officials in Test and One Day International matches.

Current ICC President Malcolm Gray, who knew Colin Cowdrey as both friend and colleague for 20 years, paid his own tribute. Speaking from Melbourne today he said: "Colin was a remarkable character who combined the ability to think clearly with the resolve to make tough decisions with tact and diplomacy.

"He was cricket through and through and was loved and respected for his approach and achievements as player and official. He always kept in touch with ICC affairs and only recently discussed at length his thoughts and concerns about current cricket matters. The news of his death comes as a great shock and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."