Former South African first-class cricket umpire Faizel Samsoodien passed away this week. He was 63 years old.
Samsoodien umpired 30 first-class and 20 List A fixtures. His last were in March 2017.
He also stood in five women’s ODIs and three women’s T20Is.
“Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Faizel Samsoodien, who sadly passed away in the early hours of the morning,” read a statement from South Western Districts Cricket.
“Faizel was on SWD’s first-class panel umpire. He also served in various capacities as a member of the executive committee of the SWD Cricket Umpires’ Association.”
What SWD Cricket president Rudy Claasen said
“On behalf of the cricket fraternity of the SWD, I would like to honour his contribution towards SWD Cricket. Our heartfelt condolences to the Samsoodien family. He will surely be missed,” said Claasen.
What former SWD Cricket Umpires’ Association chairman Jean Neethling said
“This is such shocking and sad news. Faizel was a legend in cricket circles. A true gentleman. I went to countless tournaments with him. We spent countless meetings together,” said Neethling.
“Faizel was always in control of any situation. He was our first first-class umpire. He did great things for the SWD Cricket Umpires’ Association as training coordinator and chairperson.
“He was also a true and loyal friend. We will miss him greatly. RIP, my old friend.”