Photo Credit: Cricket NSW

Former Cricket NSW board member, philanthropist and mentor Basil Sellers AM has accepted the honour of becoming Vice Patron of Cricket NSW. 

Sellers was anointed to the role, previously held by the late Alan Davidson AM MBE, at the association’s Annual General Meeting earlier this month. 

Sellers was born in India in 1935, before growing up in the Railway Colonies of that country. 

His family migrated to Australia in his early teens, moving to Adelaide where he would leave school at 16 and begin a prosperous career in banking and stockbroking. 

Sellers had a knack for turning around companies that were on the wane, earning a global reputation in his sphere of excellence.  

His greatest achievements, however, have been in the field of philanthropy, where he has been a doyen of charitable works in the arts and sports – most relevantly cricket – in both Australia and India. 

A former NSW Cricket board member, Sellers has created a legacy with the establishment of the coveted Basil Sellers Scholarship Program, which is now entering its 16th year this season. 

The scholarship is awarded to promising male and female cricketers from across the state, aged between 16 and 19, supporting scholars and their families with education, training, employment and social skills, particularly those rural and regional cricketers who may need to adjust to a city lifestyle. 

So far, the total number of scholars inducted since 2006/07 totals 144. Incredibly 20 male and female cricketers have gone on to represent Australia in the Test, One-Day or T20 arenas. 

CNSW Chairman John Knox said cricket was indebted to Sellers, who was most deserving of the Vice Patron title. 

“Basil is far more than just a financial supporter of cricket and those fortunate enough to be part of his scholarship program,” Knox said.  

“He is a role model in every sense of the phrase – a man who values character and leadership above all else.  

“Basil stands for and promotes the spirit of cricket, championing the way cricket builds character in those who play it, the importance of playing it the right way on the field, and with respect for the game and opposition. 

“We are honoured to have him recognised in this way.”