ICC pays respect to Nelson Mandela

ICC pays respect to Nelson Mandela
PTI | Dec 6, 2013

DUBAI:

The International Cricket Council on Friday joined the world in mourning the death of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, saying that the former South African President was a "towering symbol of resistance" who would inspire generations to come.

ICC President Alan Isaac and Chief Executive David Richardson issued a statement to pay tribute to Mandela who passed away at the age of 95 in South Africa after prolonged illness.

"Nelson Mandela was a towering symbol of resistance, a leader, an activist, and a man who recognised the power of sport to inspire and bring people together," Isaac said in his message.

"Mr Mandela never compromised his principles and his beliefs in justice and equality. As South Africa's first black President, Mr Mandela recognised and utilised sport as a mechanism to unite the divided people of South Africa and create a shared national identity and pride. As a statesman, he was remarkable, and as a man, he was inspirational."

Richardson echoed the sentiment. "This is extremely sad news not only for all those in my home country of South Africa, but around the world. Mr Mandela was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to human rights, equality and respect.

"He was and will forever remain a true hero," he said. Madiba, as Mandela was fondly known, had been battling health issues in recent months, including a recurring lung infection that led to numerous hospitalisations.

Mandela, who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid before becoming the country's first black leader, had faced several health scares.

His most recent hospital stay spanning over three months was his longest since he walked free in 1990.

Mandela is respected worldwide for his role in fighting racism in South Africa, and for forgiving his former white captors after his release from prison.

    The International Cricket Council along with the world mourns the death of a world renown anti-apathied icon the Honorable Nelson Mandela. International Cricket Council President Alan Isaac and Chief Executive David Richardson issued statements to pay tribute to President Mandela who passed away at the age of ninety five(95) in South Africa after prolonged illness.
    President Mandela was a towering symbol of resistance, a leader, an activist and a man who recognized the power of sport to inspire and bring people together said Mr. Isaac. He further state that President Mandela never compromised his principles and his belief in justice and equity. As a South Africa black president Mr. Mandela recognized and utilized sport as a mechanism to unite the divided people, create a shared national identity and pride. As a state man he was remarkable and as a man he was  inspirational.
    Chief David Richardson state that this is extremely sad news not only for the south Africans but world wide.President Mandela was celebrated for his unwavering dedication and human right, equity and respect.
    President Mandela was a symbol of resistance who would inspire the generations to come. He was and forever remain a true hero.

Where de  fcuk were all these people during the apartheid yrs .
The all commin out so much later when I used bust my ass  pickitin and protestin during my youth 

The ICC ensured SA was excluded from international competition.

What else they did I am not sure, but we must keep in mind the ICC cannot really get involved in the politics of various member nations.

History of apartheid  did not start  with the release of Mandela in the 90ties . it went back much further and veto powers were held by  South Africa in the ICC up to 1964.
History will tell you that the ICC were in bed with South Africa and it was only pressure from African and Caribbean Govt and decent white people that dragged the ICC in to an anti Apartheid mode

What I know is things have changed and I am sure there is always a long way to go.

The Cricket ban actually started with the D'Oliveira affair in 1968.

The issue of apartheid and how this was/is dealt with was/is down to politicians, not sporting administrators but clearly taking a stance does not have to depend on politics. 

Everyone was in bed with each other until then and perhaps afterwards.

Did Mandela ever play Cricket ?

In jail or out ....