The cricket world has been in mourning this week following the passing of Warwickshire County Cricket Club legend Keith Piper, with tributes from several former players posted online.
Brian Lara (@BrianLara) on X
Heartbroken to hear of Keith’s passing. When I look at this photograph, I don’t see a cricket match or a scorecard. I see a great friend, a teammate, and a moment of genuine joy shared between two people who loved the game and the camaraderie it brought. I was exhausted and champagne-fuelled, and you kindly insisted on driving me to London that evening. We stopped in Oxford to visit Trini friend of mine and, once we got back on the motorway, we laughed and chatted until the day finally got the better of me and I suddenly nodded off.
‘BC, wake up we’re in London.’ That was the next thing I heard.
Keith was one of the good ones, warm-hearted, loyal, and someone whose presence made the dressing room a better place to be. The years may pass, but the memories of those shared moments, the laughter, and the freidnships forget through cricket never leave us. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him and to have been a part of his journey on earth. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Rest easy, Keith. You will be remembered with great affection and missed by many. #warwickshire #treblewinners #rip
Allan Donald (@allan.don33) on Instagram
Absolutely rocked by the news that Keith Piper had passed away peacefully last night with family and friends at his bedside. Keith has been battling cancer for a couple of years now and it seemed to have cleared up but unfortunately it turned for the worse again. I have had the privilege to have the best glove man I have ever seen behind the stumps period. He made keeping look so easy and graceful as the cricket ball simply melted into those magic hands. He loved a scrap as that brought the best out of him with the bat as he scored some tough runs when we were under the pump. When he came on trial at Grace Road Leicestershire in 1988 and took 7 catches in the game we all knew that this kid is the real deal. Keith John Piper you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. You can now rest easy as the suffering is finally gone. RIP Little magic man @warwickshireccc #onceabearalwaysabear
Ian Bell (ian_bell) on Instagram
Absolutely gutted to hear the news. Pipes was one of my heroes from the Warwickshire Team that won everything in the 90s. Watching him keep wicket to Donald, Small, Munton & Smith and making it look so easy that had every Bears fan in awe…absolute pure class. To then share a dressing room and play alongside was a dream come true. A true @WarwickshireCCC legend. Rest in peace Pipes.
Jack Russell MBE (jackrussellart) on X
Sad news of the passing of Keith Piper. One of the most naturally gifted keepers you’ll ever see. Great hands. Made it look easy. Instrumental in @WarwickshireCCC success in the 1990’s. Would have graced any international team, any. Above all, such a nice guy. RIP my friend
Paul Nixon (Paulnico199) on X
Absolutely gutted to be told about the sad passing of Keith Piper last night. Pipes was @WarwickshireCCC finest, the most naturally gifted WK I ever played against & toured with. Deepest love & condolences to Keith’s family at this devastating time. #RIP
Chris Adams (@grizz598) on X
Perspectives for the world of cricket and life, RIP Keith Piper. Lovely lad, super wicketkeeper, a Warks icon in his day and will be sorely missed by many, gone way too soon.
Charles Dagnall (@CharlesDagnall) on X
It’s heartbreaking when you hear of a team mates passing. Even more so when it’s away too soon. RIP Keith Piper. The little genius had the most wonderful hands. Always had your back. A sad night.
Moeen Ali, speaking to The Cricketer
Pipes until this day is the best keeper I have ever seen. The way the ball just melted in his gloves was just like poetry.
He was a great man deep down. Very caring. He really looked after me as a 16 or 17-year-old in a professional environment. He was also a brilliant coach, which is why, last year, I got him to coach my son’s wicketkeeping. His passion was still there for the art he had mastered. I’m very sad he’s gone, but I will never forget him.