Gifted batsman Irvine Shillingford, a legendary cricketer from Dominica has died at the age of 78.
Shillingford, the first Dominican to represent West Indies, yesterday.
Cricketers, friends, and others from his home country and abroad sent condolences to his family on social media.
Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shillingford.
“We have lost a true icon who brought great joy to the cricket-loving Dominican public. He stood as an example of all that was achievable for Dominican players of the most beloved sport in the West Indies. He played for the West Indies Cricket Team in 1977/78 and is still the only Dominican to have scored a test century. For an all too brief moment, he represented the dreams and aspirations of many Dominican cricketers who hoped to achieve similar glory,” Skerrit said in a statement.
“He never lost his love for the game, leading his local club, Cavaliers, well into his 60s and inspiring young cricketers to pursue their own passion for the sport. He also served for many years as a national selector. Irving Shillingford was a source of pride for us all and his name is forever etched in the minds and hearts of the Dominican people. We will continue to honour his memory and celebrate his legacy. On behalf of the Government and People of Dominica, I extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family and others who mourn his passing,” Skerrit wrote
Dominica Cricket Association also issued a statement, saying that the cricket fraternity in Dominica and wider Caribbean by extension mourns the loss of Irvine Theodore Shillingford, a former West Indian cricketer from Dublanc.
“The Dominica Cricket Association extends its condolences to the family and all affected by the passing of Irvine Shillingford,” the statement added.
Shillingford played four Tests and two One-Day Internationals for West Indies during the 1970s, managing to score a hundred against Pakistan in Georgetown in only his second Test.
So sad; the newshas brought tears to my eyes. A cricket legend, an inspiration, humble yet personable. I knew him well, and have interacted with him. We have indeed lost an icon, a tower of strength and determination with bat in hand at the crease. Those were the glory days of island and regional cricket. I extend heartfelt sympathy to his wife, children, family and friends. He will always be remembered, that cool, handsome dude of cricket and more – sll of which he shared with us. May he rest in eternal peace 🙏🏾 Stay strong even as you mourn his passing, for life is not eternal