Former South African cricketer Hira Jairam passed away

Former South African cricketer Hira Jairam passed away yesterday (25 June) and Cricket South Africa paid tribute to the former Transvaal cricketer. He passed away at his home in Lenasia. He was an immigrant and had moved to the country at a very young age in 1942. Jairam lived in the downtown area of Johannesburg. He was forced by the Group Areas Act to move to Lenasia province with his family.

In his career that spanned from 1971/72 – 1973/74 he played 8 first-class matches and picked up 24 wickets. He has been termed an excellent off-spinner who also bowled occasional off-cutters. He represented the Zenith team early in his career and then was with Hinds Cricket Club towards the end of his career. Jairam’s best bowling figures are registered as 6/48 in the match against Natal in 1970.

As per sports24.co.za he bowled an immaculate length and quick off-cutters on matting wickets which made his literally unplayable. It was his prodigious turn that made life tougher for the batsmen.

Cricket South Africa’s statement:

Cricket South Africa’s acting chief executive officer Thabang Moroe extended his deepest condolences with Jairam’s family and those close to him.

“On behalf of the CSA family, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and his many cricketing colleagues,” Moroe said.

Former South African coach dedicated a post to him on his Facebook account and wrote- “one of our finest off-spin bowlers.”

South Africa’s next assignment:

South Africa will next tour Sri Lanka where they will play two Tests, five ODIs and one T20I. The visitors will first play a two-day practice game against a local side on July 7-8.

The first Test of the series gets underway on July 12 at the Galle International Stadium. The tour will come to a close with the only T20I on August 14 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

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