Former South Africa all-rounder Mike Procter’s passing is regretted by the ICC.

Procter was one of the original full-time members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and a brilliant player, according to a statement from ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice.

Mike Procter’s wife and two daughters survive him; he passed away in a Durban hospital on February 17.

The news of Mike Procter’s passing is depressing. In his day, he was one of the most feared opponents and one of the most admired cricket players. He was an excellent offensive hitter and quick bowler who outperformed any opposition. Graeme Pollock and Barry Richards were among the other notable players on Mike’s excellent South African team. In a number of significant series, he also served as an ICC Match Referee. Allardice stated, “His passing will leave the cricket world a poorer place.

Procter played seven Test matches against Australia between 1967 and 1970. His brother Anthony and father Woodrow were both first-class cricket players. His first-class record provides a clearer indication of his extensive credentials than his innings-captured 226 runs and 41 wickets. In 401 first-class matches, Procter finished with 1,417 wickets and 21,936 runs, including 48 hundreds. He amassed 6,624 runs and claimed 344 wickets in 271 List A games.

Before resigning in November 2008 to assume the position of Convenor of Selectors for Cricket South Africa, Procter officiated 47 Tests, 162 ODIs, and 15 T20Is as a Match Referee.