Family of former South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) chief Keith Bradshaw confirmed that the former athlete has passed away at the age of 58.

The former Sheffield Shield batsman, who played 25 first-class and nine one-day games for Tasmania, had been battling multiple myeloma since 2008. However, the former cricket chief lost his battle to cancer on Monday afternoon, with his family announcing the news on Tuesday.

Bradshaw was known for dedicating his life to the sport of cricket; venturing to off-field careers in the sport such as briefly serving as the chief of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and spending nine years as the CEO of SACA.

The former chief took leave from his position in June to spend time with his family after he learned of the news that his cancer had spread.

The tragic death of the beloved SACA chief has left the Australian cricket community in mourning.

Cricket Australia chairman Richard Freudenstein said: “Although many within the cricket family were aware that Keith was battling a serious long-term illness, the news of his passing at such a young age is devastating for cricket and all who had the good fortune to know him.”

“Keith’s contribution to cricket in Australia and the UK cannot be understated. His legacy is an ongoing testament to a lifetime of achievement in the game."

“His great skill as a cricket administrator was to be an innovator yet appreciate and understand the importance of tradition."

"He had the clearest of vision when it came to strategy and yet the lightest of touch when it came to empowering his staff to carry it out."

“He fought his long-term illness with courage and fortitude and despite whatever he was going through, he always had a smile and lots of time for everyone he met."

“Cricket will be much the poorer for his passing and myself and everyone at Cricket Australia sends our love and thoughts to his fiancé Helen, children Juliet, Eliza, Donald and Jack and son-in-law Patrick at this time.”

Bradshaw fronted the lobbying efforts for the day-night cricket Test match under lights, which became a success as the Adelaide Oval hosted the first pink-ball Test in 2015.

He was also the first non-English chief executive of the MCC where he spent 5 years.

SACA President Andrew Sinclair paid his respects to Bradshaw, saying he had "the trust and respect from all who dealt with him”.

Sinclair said: “The remarkable thing with Keith was how consistent that respect was expressed internationally and not just within cricket circles."

“Keith’s reputation preceded him and on arrival he delivered much for the SACA membership of which many may not be aware. His ability to access international cricket contacts has enormously enhanced the SACA membership experience over the past nearly 10 years.”

Other athletes mourned the death of Bradshaw including Adelaide Strikers bowler Meghan Schutt who wrote: “Extremely heavy heart today. An incredible human being, who shared so much love and kindness to those around him."

“Keith was a once in a lifetime man, he will be missed beyond belief… thank you for everything.”


Former South Australia player Theo Doropoulos, also paid tribute to the late cricket chief, writing: “Whenever I would call to ask his opinion on a range of issues, for guidance or just to chat about cricket, he always made time."

“He would end by saying ‘Please always call, and I’ll always try to answer’. We have lost a beauty.”

Australian Test selector Tony Dodemaide wrote: “Terrific bloke who was unfailingly positive and cheerful.”

“Will be deeply mourned on both sides of the cricket field fence and both hemispheres.

“Uniquely embodied and enhanced the personalities of both Lord’s and Adelaide Oval as CEO - no mean feat! RIP Keith.”

A celebration of Bradshaw's life will be held at the Adelaide Oval in the coming days, according to SACA.

The Australian cricket community has been going through tough times recently as the devastating news comes just days after it was reported that Test greats Ashley Mallett, Alan Davidson, and Peter Philpott died in space just last month.