TANZANIA's cricket fraternity has faced a huge blow as the sport's prominent administrator, Kutbuddin Dossaji, passed away in Dar es Salaam last Friday.

A Tanzania Cricket Association (TCA) official revealed the body mourns the passing of a true legend of the country's cricket.

Kutbuddin was a reputed cricket player and later on, the sport's influential administrator at Dar es Salaam's Annadil Burhani Club.

The TCA official said Kutbuddin was more than just a cricketer, as he was an icon whose contributions shaped the fabric of the country's cricketing history.

He disclosed that Kutbuddin had, from his early days in Mikese, Morogoro and Tanga to turning into the pillar of Coast Gymkhana, inspired generations via his journey in the game.

The former national cricket team member was later the visionary head of the Annadil Burhani Club's Cricket Section.

Known affectionately as 'Mr Sixer', the TCA official, revealed that Kutbuddin's fearless batting, unmatched consistency, and unwavering dedication to the game brought countless victories and memorable moments to Tanzania's cricket.

His leadership in recent years sparked a remarkable resurgence at Annadil Burhani Club's cricket team, guiding the squad to numerous titles between 2020 and 2024.

Annadil Burhani, against all odds, triumphed in the Dar 20 Over DIV B1 League 2024, defeating Unisoft Rising Stars by five wickets in the final in December.

An equally memorable success for the club in the tournament was an individual prize won by the eventual winners' seasoned cricketer Firoz Dahodwala, who emerged as the final's Man of the Match.

Dahodwala further walked away with the Player of the Tournament prize to cap the club's tremendous run in the league.

Kutbuddin's legacy is not only written in record books and newspaper headlines but also in the hearts of all those who had the privilege to play alongside him, learn from him, or simply watch him walk out to bat.

The TCA official noted on behalf of the entire cricket fraternity in Tanzania, the association extends heartfelt condolences to Kutbuddin's family, friends, teammates, and the Annadil Burhani community. 

The TCA official prayed for the departed's soul to rest in eternal peace, and his contributions continue to inspire the cricketing spirit in Tanzania.