South Africa cricket legend and former national coach Mike Procter passed away on Saturday at the age of 77. His wife, Maryna Procter, confirmed the news, stating that he suffered a complication during surgery and never regained consciousness.
Procter was a remarkable all-rounder and became South Africa’s first coach in the post-isolation era. He also had a controversial stint as an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee.
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His international playing career was cut short in 1970 due to South Africa’s banishment from world cricket because of its apartheid government. Despite losing a Test career, Procter remained humble and focused on the bigger picture.
He famously said, “Yes, I lost a Test career. But what is a Test career compared to the suffering of 40 million people?”
Procter’s impact on the cricket world extended beyond his playing days. He led the South African team to the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup as their coach. He also achieved legendary status during his 14 seasons with English county Gloucestershire, five of them as captain.
David Graveney, a former teammate of Procter, praised his abilities, saying, “He was a fantastic player and quite rightly regarded as one of the best all-rounders that has ever represented Gloucestershire.”
Procter’s remarkable feats on the field were even more impressive considering the pain he endured due to a knee injury.
Procter’s legacy will always be remembered in South Africa, where he played most of his cricket for Natal, the province of his birth. He scored over 21,000 runs and took 1,357 wickets in first-class cricket.
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Mike Procter was not only a superb all-rounder but also a great person. Journalist Pat Murphy, who worked closely with Procter, fondly remembers their time together and describes him as a “great guy.”
Procter’s passing is a loss to the cricketing world, but his contributions and impact will forever be cherished. He leaves behind his wife and two children, continuing his legacy in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
