Softball cricket fraternity pays tribute to the late Anil Persaud
The local cricket fraternity continues to mourn the loss of former cricket administrator Anil Persaud, and many organisations have expressed grief at this loss to the sport of cricket.
Anil Persaud (left) and Seemangal Yadram (2nd left), pose with other members of the Enterprise Legends at a team function
Among the latest organisations to openly declare their regret at Persaud’s passing are the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated and the Enterprise Legends Cricket Team.
Local cricket administrator Anil Persaud’s actions had touched many persons in his lifetime, especially those in the field of cricket. As a cricket organiser, coach and selector, Persaud’s responsibilities had been endless, but because of his love for the game, this late resident of Enmore, East Coast Demerara had still found time to have some fun on the field of play, at least at the softball level.
Persaud had, for two consecutive years, participated with distinction in the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup, a tournament organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated (GSCL). He had, in 2018, turned out for the Enterprise Legends; while, in 2019, he had suited up for the visiting Tropical Springs Masters.
A release from the GSCL has said, “Cricket has lost a fighter, he did it all for cricket, for the love of the sport. He was a true all-rounder, a champion. He will be missed. May his humble soul be granted eternal peace.”
His former Enterprise Legends teammates have also had this to say, “His passing shocked us in the team, and in cricket generally. He was very reliable and passionate. He was more than a teammate to us; he was our friend and brother. Cricket will miss him. On behalf of all of us at Enterprise Busta Cricket Club, Enterprise Legends and our families, I would like to express our condolences to his wife Sunita and his children Rejane and Renuka. May his soul rest in peace.”
Anil Persaud passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 1, at the age of 48 years. At the time, he was serving as Assistant Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board and member of the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club. He was usually very visible on match days at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, EBD, where he did his best to ensure the ultimate fan experience. He has generally been described as “the true cricket all-rounder”.
His funeral takes place today, Sunday July 5.
