St.John's (Antigua), Aug 6 (IANS): The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has described its late president Peter Short as an "an extraordinary man" who was a "powerful voice" in the elevation of cricket in the Caribbean.

In a statement released late on Wednesday, the WICB said it is saddened to hear of the passing of its former president and secretary following a lengthy illness in Barbados, reports CMC.

Short, who also served as WICB's representative on the International Cricket Council (ICC), died early on Tuesday morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was 89.

"The Directors, management and staff of the WICB send our collective, heartfelt condolences to the Short family and pledge to honour his life and legacy," said WICB president Dave Cameron.

"He was an extraordinary man. There are many in the Barbados and West Indies cricket community who will deeply mourn his passing, as his was a life of service, compassion and excellence."

Short was the longest serving president of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) between 1973 and 1993 before resigning to take up the presidency of the then West Indies Cricket Board of Control which he held until 1996.

He was first elected to the board of management of the BCA in 1964 and became its president, when he succeeded Eric Inniss, who died suddenly in office.

Only twice during his leadership of the BCA was short challenged for the post.

"Although Capt. Short was a military man, this was not reflected in his style of leadership," said Cameron.

"Rather, he believed in diplomacy and team work which was the hallmark of his time in charge of the game in Barbados and West Indies."

In 1989, Short was awarded Barbados’ Silver Crown of Merit for his contribution to cricket.

Short, who was born in Trinidad and was married to a Barbadian, is a former captain of Barbados Division One champions Wonderers.

He was also a cricket commentator from 1957 until 1979, covering every first-class and Test match at Kensington oval.

Short was predeceased by his wife Ann, but leaves to mourn his son Walter, daughters Sally and Susan, along with four grandchildren.