In sad news for Associate cricket fans, Patricia Kambarami, the International Cricket Council (ICC) regional development manager for Africa has passed away. An influential cricket administrator, her sudden death shook African cricket circles with tributes pouring in from all quarters.
Patricia Kambarami was the best cricket administrator in Africa. She made her mark in South African cricket and then led the way in developing cricket on the continent. We have lost a giant 🙏 #RIPPatriciaKambarami https://t.co/czIxJchP1W
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) May 17, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Patricia Kambarami, the ICC Africa Development Manager.We extend our deepest condolences to her family,ICC Africa office and the Africa cricket fraternity Her dedication and contribution to the game will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/ccNibAlKfN
— Rwanda Cricket Association (@RwandaCricket) May 16, 2024
Career
Kambarami, a citizen of Zimbabwe, hailed from a family of famous sports administrators. She was the sister of the late Chingoka brothers Peter and Paul who had led the Zimbabwe Cricket board and Tennis Zimbabwe, respectively in the past.
She herself enjoyed a long and illustrious career in cricket administration since entering the field in 2003. Starting off as a Marketing and Events Manager at Northerns Cricket Union, she earned a promotion to the role of Chief Operating Officer at South Africa’s domestic franchise Titans in 2014.
Kambarami’s tenure as a COO there was an unqualified success. She successfully negotiated title sponsorship deals with Nashua and The Unlimited, and oversaw a period of on-field dominance for the franchise with the Titans winning multiple trophies in all three formats. The Momentum eKasi Challenge, a List A competition which took place from 2014 to 2018, was also her brainchild.
She then went on to serve as Development Manager at Cricket South Africa before eventually landing a job as ICC’s Regional Development Manager for Africa in 2017.
Mama Africa
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Patricia Kambarami.
Her light and love will always be remembered.
Rest in peace Mama Africa. pic.twitter.com/REmRBSQ16O
— Nigeria Cricket Federation (@cricket_nigeria) May 16, 2024
Charged with overseeing the development of cricket on the African continent, Kambarami oversaw considerable growth of the sport in the western and eastern regions, with Rwanda and Nigeria being notable success stories. Under her reign, cricket was also featured at the African Games for the first time last year, giving the sport a considerable uplift in profile on the continent.
Cricket South Africa hailed her many achievements in a Facebook press release stating; “Across her career, she has masterfully managed top-tier international events from the Champions League Twenty20 to the FIFA World Cup Fan Park and the Indian Premier League. Her expertise spans diverse spectacles like the ICC Champions Trophy and the IT Davis Cup, showcasing her ability to orchestrate successful events across the globe.”
Her tireless work in promoting cricket on the continent earned her the affectionate moniker of “Mama Africa”.
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