Cricket fraternity pays tribute to Anil Persaud

As the local cricket fraternity continues to mourn the loss of former cricket administrator, Anil Persaud, many organisations have expressed their grief at the loss to the sport of cricket.

Among the latest entities to openly share their sentiments are the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated, the Enterprise Legends Cricket team and Eastern American Cricket Association.

As a cricket organiser, coach and selector Persaud’s responsibilities were endless, but for the love of the game the former resident of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, still found time to have some fun on the field of play at least at the softball level.

For two consecutive years, Persaud participated in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated (GSCL) organised Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup with distinction. In 2018, he turned out for the Enterprise Legends, while in 2019 he suited up for the visiting Tropical Springs Masters.

A release from the GSCL stated: “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.”

Meanwhile, his former Enterprise Legends teammates have also shared their sentiments. “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.”

President of the Eastern American Cricket Association, Rudy Persaud, who also hails from Enmore, and Secretary of the Association, Johnny Sanasie, also extended “heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.”

“We will surely his miss the presence of this truly lovable and kind person. He has made tremendous contribution to GCB and the cricket community in and around Guyana. Anil’s contribution to the sport has made a great impact and his memory will live on with us forever.”

Persaud, who passed away suddenly on July 1 at the age of 48, was at the time the serving Assistant Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board and an executive member of the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club.

Additionally, he was very visible on match days at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, where he did his best to ensure the ultimate fan experience. He was the true cricket all-rounder. Persaud was cremated on Sunday (July 5).