GCB boss expresses sadness at Madray’s passing

In a release the board said, “The Guyana Cricket Board is saddened by the news of the passing of a former cricketer who has represented this country with great distinction, earning a place on the West Indies team.
The mid-50s will always be remembered as that moment in time for Guyana’s (British Guiana then) cricket when enormously talented young men were unleashed on the Guyanese, West Indian and international cricketing publics.
Ivan Madray entered the national stage having emerged as a product of the extremely successful cricket development programme organized by the Booker Group of Companies and conducted on the estates by Sir Clyde Walcott.
He wasted no time establishing himself as a quality leg spinner and prolific wicket taker in the regional tournaments.
The name of Madray would have been more popular among Guyanese cricket lovers had not his feats been overshadowed by the batting heroics of Basil Butcher, Rohan Kanhai and Joe Solomon who had emerged at the same time.
Ivan Madray’s outstanding class as a bowler is remembered by the greatest Guyanese and West Indian spinner Lance Gibbs who telephoned the Guyana Cricket Board to recall the immense skill Madray possessed and the serious threats they posed to batting teams when bowling in tandem. No better tribute can be paid than by one who is regarded as Guyana’s and the West Indies greatest spinner and one of the best ever in the game’s history.
The G.C.B. extends sincerest condolences to the family and relatives of Ivan Madray, to his colleagues and friends and to the Berbice Cricket Board, who must take great pride in his achievements.”
The Board will be represented at the funeral on Sunday by the Secretary, Mr. Anand Sanasie.