International reaction to passing of Hughes

Local, domestic, national and international cricket bodies have reacted with devastation to the news of the passing of Phillip Joel Hughes, three days before his 26th birthday.

Universally respected and loved as one of cricket’s most genuine characters, Hughes’s passing has triggered an incredible reaction worldwide as the sport attempts to come to terms with such a tragic incident.

Read: Cricket Australia official media release

The New Zealand and Pakistan cricket boards have suspended play in the current Test match between the two sides, with what was scheduled to be day two to now be treated as a rest day.

Meanwhile, cricket grounds around the world, including the MCG and SCG, and Lord's Cricket Ground in London, where Hughes enjoyed time playing with County side Middlesex and the venue at which Hughes played his final Test, have lowered their flags to half-mast.

International Cricket Council

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has offered its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes who has passed away following an injury he suffered during a first-class match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

ICC Chairman Mr Narayanaswami Srinivasan said: “We are all shocked and saddened with the news of Phillip’s passing. On behalf of the entire cricket community, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said in Dubai: “He was a naturally gifted player who entertained many with his attacking approach to the game. All those who play, have played or are in any way connected to the game are devastated by the news. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy at this difficult time.”

New Zealand Black Caps

NZC Chief Executive David White today extended his deepest sympathy to the family of Phillip; his friends, colleagues, team-mates and opponents alike – and to Cricket Australia for their loss.

“Cricket is a family,” said Mr White. “Quite apart from its super-competitive edge, it is a game of kinship, mateship and friendship; of camaraderie and community.

“To lose one of our own in such tragic circumstances is unthinkable, and our thoughts are with those who are close to Phillip; who know him, or have simply enjoyed the wonderful brand of cricket he brought to the game.

“To those people, and all others who share in his loss, may I pass on our heartfelt condolences.”

Black Caps coach Mike Hesson also expressed his sympathies on behalf of the New Zealand team.

“Today isn’t about cricket, it’s about Phil,” said Hesson. “Like the rest of the cricketing family, the BLACKCAPS players and management are devastated to hear about Phil’s tragic passing.  It’s an unthinkable loss and I can tell you it’s an incredibly sombre dressing room right now.

“To those who were close to Phillip, we extend our deepest sympathies.  Our thoughts are with you during this extremely difficult time.”

New Zealand Players Association

Pakistan Cricket Board

"It's a sad day for cricket," PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said in a statement.

"Pakistan's cricketing fraternity is saddened by Hughes' passing away, all our thoughts and prayers are with Phil and his family."

Pakistan team manager and chief selector Moin Khan said the whole team "is shocked and saddened" with the tragic death of Hughes.

"He (Hughes) was here with the Australian limited-overs squad and was very cheerful," Khan said.

Board of Cricket Control for India

A statement from the touring India team reads: “The touring Indian team joins the cricketing fraternity across the world in offering condolences to the family of Phillip Hughes, who has departed from our midst. In this moment of grief, we pray that they are bestowed with divine strength to overcome this unfortunate tragedy.

“As fellow cricketers we cherish the memories of playing along with him and deeply respect his contribution to the game of cricket.”

England and Wales Cricket Board

Cricket South Africa

Sri Lanka Cricket

West Indies Cricket

Bangladesh Cricket

South Australian Cricket Association

SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw said today “while everyone at SACA is hurting, the immediate thoughts of all staff and players are for Phillip’s family who were with him at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney”.

“He was a very popular member of both the West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers cricket teams and a favourite of the SACA members and cricket fans across South Australia and Australia, and we are all struggling to come to terms with the news,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“Loved by everyone, Phillip was a really terrific person and a remarkable talent. He had many friends and teammates here and interstate that will need support, and it is important we offer them our love and care as we all come to terms with this tragic event.

“The outpouring of support for Phillip over the past few days has been overwhelming, and a testament to how much of an impact he had on so many people.”

New South Wales Cricket

“The entire NSW cricket community offers our heartfelt  condolences to Phillip’s mother and father Virginia and Greg, sister Megan and brother Jason at this most difficult of times,” said Cricket NSW Chairman John Warn.

“Their grief is being felt across the country and around the cricket world as the extended cricket family comes to terms with the sad loss of a very popular and talented young player.

“Phillip touched so many people playing for NSW, Australia, South Australia, county cricket in England and the IPL in India.

“A lovable, quiet and affectionate young man from the farming community of Macksville, Phillip has left an indelible impression on the game as a player and a person.”

Chief Executive Andrew Jones said the NSW players and staff were thinking of Phillip’s family.

“So many in the NSW cricket family know Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan personally. It is tragic that Phillip has been taken from them so young. He reflected their strong country values and warmth as a loving, caring family.

“Phillip is fondly remembered as a bright and cheeky young man with an infectious smile who emerged as an outstanding junior more than a decade ago. Like so many NSW and Australian players before him, Phillip moved to Sydney to play Grade Cricket and found a home at Western Suburbs.

“He rose quickly through the ranks, debuting for NSW and scoring a century in a Sheffield Shield final at 19.

“For all his good humour he took cricket very seriously and always worked tremendously hard at his game.

“Despite being in and out of the Australian team during his emerging years Phillip never complained when he was dropped or overlooked. He always focused on making himself a better player.

“It was typical of Phillip that he was fighting his way back into the national team again with a fine innings for South Australia against NSW at the SCG last Tuesday before suffering a freak accident. 

“Phillip had already scored 26 first-class centuries and his best cricket was ahead of him. It is unspeakably sad he cannot now achieve his potential in the game.”

Queensland Cricket

QC Chairman Jim Holding and CEO Geoff Cockerill said it was a sombre day for all members of the cricket family in the State.

“We are all incredibly saddened by the news of the passing of Phillip Hughes this afternoon,’’ Holding said.

“He was a young talented cricketer who has had his life ended in extremely tragic circumstances. All of our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who are touched by this tragedy.”

“I know that each of us will be affected in different ways with Phil's passing and those who knew Phil personally will be deeply affected by his death,” Holding said.

Queensland Bulls captain James Hopes said Hughes would be mourned by all who knew him.

“On behalf of the Queensland playing group and coaching staff, we pass on our sincere condolences to his family and many friends,’’ he said.

“Those who were fortunate enough to have been a teammate of Hughesy, or to have coached him, will cherish those memories of him. For those who met him as an opponent, he was a decent and likeable rival who enjoyed the game and the camaraderie that came with it.”

“He will be deeply missed by all of us,” Hopes said.

Western Australian Cricket Association

“This tragic event and this afternoon’s news has touched us all deeply,” said WACA CEO Ms Christina Matthews.

“Phillip was much more than a respected cricketer, he was a much loved person and his loss is truly saddening.

“I am sure I speak for all of Western Australian cricket when I say that we will miss him and our thoughts are with Phillip’s family and friends and all those affected at this difficult time.”

Cricket Tasmania

The Tasmanian cricket community has extended its sincere condolences to Phillip Hughes’ family and friends following his passing today after being injured at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Cricket Tasmania Chairman Tony Harrison said Phillip was a highly talented cricketer and a wonderful young man. He was admired by everyone involved in the sport and by all those who met him.

“This is a tragic day for the Hughes family and for the sport of cricket,” said Harrison.

“He is a great loss.

“The Tasmanian players, staff and officials who knew him well are left shattered and will miss Phillip’s comradeship and his great love of the game.  Phillip’s 138 not out for Australia in 2013 at Blundstone Arena Bellerive was a memorable moment and his talent will be missed by all Tasmanian cricket enthusiasts.

“We all send our deepest sympathy and best wishes to the Hughes family at this most difficult time.”

Cricket Victoria

Macksville community

Macksville Ex Services Junior Cricket Club, Nambucca Valley Shire Council and Bowraville Rugby League released a joint statement to the media.

It reads: “The family and friends, the local cricket community and the whole Nambucca Valley community would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the Hughes family following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes.

“We reach out to Phillip’s parents Greg and Virginia Hughes, sister Megan and brother Jason, offering our love and support during this most difficult time. We are all here for you.

“Macksville is a strong and close community. We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened to Phillip.

“We are all very proud of Phillip’s achievements and will remember him fondly as a favourite son.

“Phillip enjoyed returning home to spend time on the farm with his family and was always the warm unaffected country boy who was such a delight to be around.”