Photo Credit: Queensland Cricket
Queensland Cricket is today mourning the passing of recent Life Member Brian Gaskell, a long-time cricket administrator, volunteer, businessman, coach and player.
Gaskell passed away yesterday, aged 88.
He was awarded Life Membership of Queensland Cricket in September last year after a lifetime of contribution to cricket in Queensland across a variety of roles and organisations.
Queensland Cricket Chairman Chris Simpson paid tribute to Gaskell today.
“On behalf of Queensland Cricket, I express our deepest sympathies to his extended family, many of whom continue to have strong ties to cricket,’’ he said.
“Brian lived and breathed cricket his entire life. From his playing, coaching and volunteering days through to his time in business, cricket was his life, and we are extremely grateful for the passion and enthusiasm he provided.
“People like Brian help make cricket special, and there will be countless teammates, players, volunteers and administrators who enjoyed a positive experience with him who will mourn his passing,’’ Simpson said.
His lengthy service to the game is highlighted by a senior playing career that saw him represent Eastern Suburbs in Brisbane’s First Grade competition as well as turning out for a Queensland XI against New South Wales Far North Coast in April 1961. He later coached the Queensland Cricket Association Colts team for five years and served as State Director of Coaching and Examiner of Coaches.
However, it is Gaskell’s service to the game off the field for which he is perhaps best recognised. His volunteer roles included three decades of service each with Queensland Country Cricket, Queensland Cricket Umpires Association and Warehouse Cricket Association, of which he was Patron.
In business, Gaskell was a key early figure in the Queensland Cricketers’ Club where his tenure included a stint as president in the 1980’s, while in 1978 he founded Gabba Sporting Products, a business that now boasts an international reputation of excellence in the manufacturing of sporting infrastructure and equipment.
His strong ties to cricket in Queensland encompassed his son Mark Gaskell, son-in-law Wayne Broad and grandson Ryan Broad all representing Queensland in first class and one day cricket.
