The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
THE Sport and Recreation Commission has paid special tribute to veteran administrator David Ellman-Brown who died on 31 December.
Ellman-Brown (82) was the surviving member of the trio of Zimbabwe Cricket’s “Godfathers’’.
In his condolence message, Sports Commission board chairman Gerald Mlotshwa saluted Ellman-Brown for his dedication to domestic cricket which stretched over five dedaces.
“On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the Sport and Recreation Commission, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to Jan, and the entire Ellman-Brown family on the passing away of David Ellman-Brown on the 31st of December, 2020.
‘Ellers’ as he was known to many, had a deep love and appreciation for the game of cricket in Zimbabwe, dating back to the early 1960s when he was Treasurer of the Mashonaland Cricket Association.
“David was also manager of the national cricket side from 1982 to 1990, during which period Zimbabwe made its inaugural appearance at the 1983 World Cup, famously recording a victory over Australia. “Along with the Late Alwyn Pichanick and Peter Chingoka, David, as Chairman of the then Zimbabwe Cricket Union, played a pivotal role in the country’s campaign for Test status, which was eventually granted in 1992.,’’ Mlotshwa said.
The Sports Commission boss also chronicled Ellman-Brown’s long association with domestic cricket.
“A Chartered Accountant by profession, David retired from the partnership of Coopers & Lybrand to become Chief Executive of the Union as the game entered a professional era following its admission as a test cricket playing nation – much of the cricket infrastructure we see today, particularly at Harare Sports Club, and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, was the result of David’s focus and commitment to the game. “Very much respected within the cricketing world, David was also a member of the International Cricket Council’s Finance Committee and Cricket Management Committee. Indeed, for his services to Zimbabwe cricket, ‘Ellers’ was, in 1992 and 1993 respectively, made Honorary Life President of Zimbabwe Cricket and Honorary Life Member of the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London.
“Upon his retirement from Zimbabwe cricket administration, David was appointed as a Commissioner of the SRC, a post he held during the years 2009 to 2016.
“In 2019, at the request of the SRC, David returned to cricket administration as the Chairman of the Interim Cricket Committee charged with overseeing the restructuring of Zimbabwe Cricket, a role he admirably fulfilled culminating in the execution of a legal framework, with the consent of Zimbabwe Cricket, for betterment of the administration of the game. These efforts are starting to bear fruit.
“Born in Bulawayo 82 years ago, and schooled at St George’s College in Harare, ‘Ellers’ will certainly be missed by all who knew him; but his legacy is firmly established within the administrative corridors of the game of cricket. May his soul rest in peace,’’ Mlotshwa said.
ZC, through their chairman Tavengwa Mukhuhlani, also expressed sadness on the passing on of David Ellman-Brown who was the association’s honorary life president. Ellman-Brown, who was the ZC president when Zimbabwe attained Test status in 1992, had a long career as a cricket administrator dating back to the 1960s, serving in various capacities including as board member, provincial treasurer and national team manager along the way.
He would later assume the role of ZC chief executive before he went into retirement.
“The death of Mr Ellman-Brown is sad news for all of us in cricket as he was widely acknowledged and respected for his contributions to the growth of the game in Zimbabwe.
“On behalf of ZC, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,’’ Mukuhlani said.
A former senior partner of Coopers & Lybrand, Zimbabwe, Ellman-Brown also held many directorship positions in Zimbabwe, including being chairman of Cairns Holdings Limited and Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe (a subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group).
