Dubai: Nelson Mandela was a keen cricket enthusiast. It was because of his initiative that South Africa returned to World Cricket after they were suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1970 from playing in international cricket because of their government’s policy of apartheid.

On November 10, 1991, South Africa played its first One Day International match against India at Kolkata following deconstruction of the apartheid policy.

Ever since that day, Mandela made sure to follow every match that his national team played and used to even telephone and congratulate top performers.

In fact, South Africa made its first appearance in the 1992 World Cup owing to Mandela. The team was not planning to play in the World Cup as it had hardly played One-day matches on return to international cricket. Mandela made a statement in a press conference that South Africa must play in the World Cup. Australia, who were the hosts of the 1992 World Cup, immediately got into the act as soon as soon as Mandela’s comment was flashed around the world. Australia canvased for South Africa’s entry into the World Cup. The ICC immediately scheduled a meeting to discuss South Africa’s return to the tournament. This important meeting was held in Sharjah.

The ICC, which is now based in Dubai, paid tribute to Mandela immediately on hearing the news of his demise. Former South African Test star David Richardson, who is the chief executive of the ICC, said: “This is extremely sad news not only for all those in my home country of South Africa, but around the world. Mr Mandela was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to human rights, equality and respect. He was and will forever remain a true hero.”

Alan Isaac, the ICC president, said: “Nelson Mandela was a towering symbol of resistance, a leader, an activist, and a man who recognised the power of sport to inspire and bring people together. Mr Mandela never compromised his principles and his beliefs in justice and equality. As South Africa’s first black President, Mr Mandela recognised and utilised sport as a mechanism to unite the divided people of South Africa and create a shared national identity and pride. As a statesman, he was remarkable, and as a man, he was inspirational.”

Though Mandela was an amateur boxer he loved watching keen cricket contests. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser once recalled an incident of his first meeting with Mandela who was then in prison in 1986. Mandela’s first question to Fraser was about cricket and about Don Bradman — whether he was still alive. Years later Fraser got a bat signed by Bradman for Mandela. On that bat Bradman, after putting his signature, wrote: “in recognition of a great unfinished innings.”

AB De Villiers, the South African One-day team captain, said: “We often felt, especially in my early days in the Proteas, that Madiba [Nelson Mandela] showed a personal interest in the team and in us as individual players. This motivated us to be better. His memory will not only inspire us in our current series against India, but also to always stick together as a team representing a nation into the future. We will miss him.”

Nelson’s innings as the greatest leader of the era will live forever.