Vale Bob Cowper, the only man to score a Test triple-ton at the MCG

Possessing strong opinions about the rights of cricketers to improve their lot, Cowper had a big influence on a young Ian Chappell in particular. Their friendship would be vital to informing Chappell’s attitude when he sought improved pay and conditions for players as Australian captain.

When Kerry Packer launched his World Series Cricket breakaway in 1977, Cowper was a key adviser of the venture. Later, after peace was brokered between Packer and the ACB, Cowper held his ICC role from 1987 to 2001.

That period saw cricket’s commercial value rise steeply, while also witnessing South Africa’s return to the fold and the advent of changes like the use of television replays for umpiring decisions and the introduction of neutral officials. Cowper was also an early match referee.

In early 1993, he officiated a limited-overs triangular series between South Africa, Pakistan and West Indies that experimented with video replays, and walked away convinced that technology had to play a greater role in umpiring.

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“The Australian umpires don’t support the introduction, the administration is doubtful. I know Channel Nine have objections. I think all of it is based on ignorance,” Cowper said with typical foresight. “I have sympathy for umpires in Australia thinking it is taking something away from them, but I don’t think it does. It is part of the future.”

Cowper’s Monaco consulting business became the haven for early negotiations of the lucrative ICC global events deals that now provide the wellspring of international cricket’s funding.

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