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The 66-year-old West Indies offspinner of the 1980s,
Clyde Butts, passed away in Guyana on Friday. Several Caribbean publications
claim that Butts passed away in an accident.
Butts, who captained Guyana in the 1980s as well,
played 87 games in the format during his first-class career, which spanned from
1980–81 to 1993–94. In addition, he participated in seven Test matches, making
his home debut in Georgetown against New Zealand in April 1985. He then played
in Pakistan, India, and New Zealand.
Butts wasn’t able to quite make an impression in
international cricket despite being a very successful bowler in the Caribbean
domestic circuit, amassing 348 first-class wickets at an average of 24.19,
including 23 five-wicket hauls. He took just ten wickets at an average of 59.50
in those seven Test matches, five of which were played in the subcontinent.
Following his retirement, Butts managed the West
Indies Under-19 squad and, more recently, led the selectors when the country
won the men’s T20 World Cup in 2012.
“Clyde Butts, a stalwart figure in West Indies’
first-class history, displayed extraordinary adeptness as an off-spinner and
captain for Guyana. His legacy extended beyond the field, earning him
recognition as a statesman and ambassador for the game in Guyana and the
region,” Dr Kishore Shallow, Cricket West Indies president, said in a
statement. “In retirement, his unwavering commitment to coaching reflected
his dedication. He tirelessly invested hours, nurturing young talent and
passionately fostering their development within the sport.
“He served with distinction as Team Manager for
the West Indies Under-19 team. His exceptional leadership as Chairman of
Selectors notably resulted in forming the triumphant team that won the 2012 ICC
T20 World Cup, a victory that brought immense pride and glory to the people of
the West Indies.”