Former West Indies cricketer Steve Camacho passes away

Steve Camacho (extreme left) made his mark as a cricket administrator following his retirement

Former West Indies batsman Steve Camacho, who also served as the manager of the West Indies team later on, passed away in Antigua on Saturday following a long battle with cancer. The 69-year-old former cricketer was a notable administrator and served as the CEO of West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), reports ESPN Cricinfo.

Camacho had a short International career for the West Indies, having played just 11 Test matches scoring 640 runs. His first-class record is relatively significant, though, having played 76 games and scoring 4079 runs, which included seven centuries and 24 half-centuries at an average of over 34.

More than a cricketer, Camacho made his mark as an administrator, having garnered massive respect from all quarters, while serving as a manager with the team in the 80’s and later as the secretary of the WICB, before becoming the first full-time employee of the cricket board, serving as the CEO.

The former batsman had the privilege of playing alongside other greats like Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Wes Hall, Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, Roy Fredericks and Rohan Kanhai. Camacho was known for his solid technique at the crease and usually opened the innings for West Indies.

Camacho, who would have turned 70 in a few days time, had a strong cricketing background. His grandfather and father played first-class cricket for the erstwhile British Guiana, during the early 1900’s. After his retirement, he even went on to write a book “ Cricket at Bourda: Celebrating the Georgetown Cricket Club.”

WICB president Dave Cameron paid rich tribute to the former cricketer and described Camacho as “a true stalwart, champion and leader of the game” in the West Indies.

“We the members of the cricket family of the West Indies have lost a great man, someone who would always stand up and give his best for West Indies cricket. He was a true stalwart and champion of the game in the Caribbean,” he said, as reported by the official website of the ICC.

“As a player, he represented Guyana and West Indies with pride and played his part in helping to grow the game. He was a mentor for several younger players in club cricket and played a major role in nurturing their development”, he added.

Speaking about his distinguished role as an administrator, Cameron said Camacho maintained high standards and admired his professionalism.

“He excelled off the field as well. He was exemplary as Manager of the West Indies team and maintained the highest standards as a true ambassador. He also filled the important posts Secretary of the Board and later our first Chief Executive Officer. He cared about the game and the people around him. He was very professional and hardworking and had the common touch”, he remarked.