Today the Attorney-General and Acting Minister of Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Kathy L. Simmons, JP, MP, offered condolences on the passing of Mr. Shiraz Ali. 

A deeply respected Cup Match legend, Mr. Ali represented Somerset for 11 years from 1964 to 1975. For him though, cricket was not a game, and matches were not battles. Instead cricket was an art and science, and matches were opportunities to show mental strength, physical readiness, and self-discipline while also trying to be victorious.

Throughout his cricket career he played for several local teams in the West, including Somerset Cricket Club, Southampton Rangers Sports Club, and Warwick Workman’s Club.            

The Attorney–General/Acting Minister said, “Mr. Ali was born in Trinidad and moved to Bermuda in the early 1960s and made Bermuda his home. Dozens of young Bermudian boys benefitted from his quiet disposition and the gentlemanly way he handled and steered them to always make the long-term choices and to be prepared for opportunities. Many men can attest to the quality of the cricket camps he held in the late 60's and 70's.

"He was an outstanding cricketer, and over the years Mr. Ali was recognized for his batting and bowling legacy. However, if you had the pleasure of meeting him, you would know that his legacy to Bermuda’s youth is the record of which he would be most proud. On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend sincere condolences to Mr. Ali’s wife Lynn, daughters Rehanna and Nisha as well as his friends.”