Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
The NSW cricket community is in mourning following the passing of former Cricket NSW Chairman and NSW Cricket Association Life Member, Bob Horsell.
One of the most widely revered cricket administrators in the country, Horsell dedicated over six decades of service to the sport, tirelessly serving the cricket community since 1959.
First joining the Cricket NSW Board in 1995, Horsell was elected Chairman two years later in 1997, serving in the role until 2008, with his 11-year tenure remaining the second-longest in the history of the Association.
In addition to his role with Cricket NSW, Horsell served on the Board of Cricket Australia and as Chairman for the Bradman Foundation.
A Life Member of Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, Horsell stood as the club’s President for 19 years, beloved by his local community and regarded as one of the best executives in the game.
Beginning a lifetime of involvement in cricket, Horsell became Treasurer of Paddington District Cricket Club in 1959, later serving as Treasurer, Secretary, and then President of Eastern Suburbs (formerly Waverley Cricket Club), additionally serving as a delegate to the Sydney Cricket Association (SCA) and a member of the SCA Committee of Management.
In 2011, Horsell’s much-loved home ground, Waverley Oval, announced the naming of the pavilion’s grandstand – the O’Sullivan Horsell Grandstand – in honour of the contributions made by Horsell and fellow Eastern Suburbs great, Phil O’Sullivan.
Inducted as a Life Member of the NSW Cricket Association in 2002, Horsell was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2012 for Services to Cricket Administration, recognising his unwavering commitment to the sport.
Cricket NSW Chairman John Knox said Horsell’s passing had left the cricket community saddened.
“Bob Horsell contributed immensely to cricket at club, state and national level and was deservedly awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2012 for Services to Cricket Administration” Knox said.
“He is the second-longest serving Chair of Cricket NSW, a Life Member of our Association and highly respected by all of our cricket family.
“Bob’s commitment to our sport and cricket community was unwavering and he will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts are with Bob’s children Kate and Michael at this sad time.”
