Former Proteas and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) all rounder Michael John Procter died on Saturday night at Netcare uMhlanga Hospital. The KZN Cricket Union, together with the sports fraternity, is grieving the loss of the cricket legend. While his passing leaves an unquestionable void in the cricketing world, Procter’s legacy will endure as an inspiration for generations to come.
Many who knew him agreed that Procter had been known for his dynamic all-round abilities. He etched his name in cricketing history with a fierce bowling prowess that struck fear into the hearts of opponents and a batting style that commanded respect. His illustrious career spanned from the 1960s to the 1970s, leaving an indelible mark on the sport, friends and colleagues said.
Mr Procter was born on September 15, 1946 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
He attended Highbury Preparatory School and Hilton College. Mr Procter was widely regarded as one of the world’s all-time cricketing greats. At Highbury Preparatory School, he scored five centuries, including 210 not out against an under- 13 Transvaal side. He was a natural athlete, his contribution to school sports at Hilton College was enormous. He was one of the most versatile sports boys of his time, having excelled in rugby, cricket, hockey, squash, lawn tennis and athletics. He was the fly-half in the Rugby XV at Hilton College.
KZN Cricket Union’s President, Yunus Bobat extended his sincere and heartfelt sympathy and condolence to Procter’s wife, Maryna and their family. He said that Procter’s devotion to cricket had been strong and unwavering.
“It was an honour to have recognised Michael Procter at our recent 100-year celebration where we handed him a Kingsmead Celebration blazer as a tangible thank you for legacy that Michael has helped Kingsmead build. A true gentleman of the sport, who will be greatly missed by the KZN and South African cricket fraternity,” said Bobat.
Procter inherited a love of cricket from his late father, Woodrow Procter. A fast bowler, who bowled with brilliant hostility, and a hard hitting and swashbuckling batsman, Procter proved himself as an immense cricketer, said Bobat.
Following his retirement from playing the game, Procter was appointed to the elite panel of match referees by the International Cricket Council, for officiating cricket matches. After retiring, he served as the Director of Cricket for the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, as well as Northamptonshire county in England. Mr Procter was appointed as the first post-isolation coach of the South African cricket team, and he was the coach for the tours of the West Indies, India, Sri Lanka and Australia.
“Procter embodied the spirit of cricket. His sportsmanship, dedication and love for the game endeared him to fans worldwide. Whether donning the South African jersey or contributing to the cricketing world in various capacities post-retirement, Procter’s influence extended far beyond the boundary ropes,” said Bobat.
While he was known as the person most able to give effective leadership, Procter was widely regarded as a systematic and meticulous individual with a gentle courage rooted in a deep love for humanity and an absolute belief in equality and freedom, Bobat added.
“When asked about his career being shortened due to international ban on cricket in South Africa during apartheid, Mike Procter proudly stated that his pain was nothing compared to the pain that was felt by millions in South Africa at the time,” said Bobat.
Procter led a full and remarkable life, simple and without pretence, and one that serves as a source of inspiration to all those who had the good fortune to know and interact with him, said Bobat.
He led a life dedicated to his family, friends, colleagues and players.
Heinrich Strydom, the CEO of the KZN Cricket Union added that Procter had been a kind-hearted man who had always been available to share his wealth of knowledge.
“On behalf of the KZN Cricket family, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Maryna and the family. Mr Procter was a great man who served the game with distinction. May his soul rest in peace.” said Strydom.
