Cricket NSW joins the wider cricket community in mourning the passing of Graham Reed OAM, aged 91 - a respected umpire, mentor, and servant of the game whose influence stretched across more than six decades.
Vale Graham Reed OAM
Co-Patron of the New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association (NSWCUSA), a Life Member of both NSWCUSA and the Sydney Cricket Association (SCA), Reed joined NSWCUSA in 1964, beginning a lifetime of service to umpiring and the cricket community.
Before moving into officiating, Reed played first grade cricket for Sydney University (cap no. 402), and also represented Mosman and Northern District.
He went on to umpire 13 first-class matches, including international tour fixtures such as NSW v Sri Lankans in Canberra (1989) and NSW v Indians in Lismore (1991). Reed also stood in four international youth and women’s Tests at North Sydney Oval and three matches in the domestic One Day Cup, including the 1987-88 McDonald’s Cup semi-final between NSW and Victoria at the SCG.
In total, he officiated 161 matches in the Sydney Cricket Association, including 80 in first grade.
After retiring from on-field umpiring, Reed continued to serve the game as a Cricket Australia Umpire Coach and Match Referee, overseeing matches in the Sheffield Shield, One Day Cup, Women’s National Cricket League and Women’s Big Bash League. He also served as an honorary SCA umpire observer for 33 consecutive seasons, mentoring generations of umpires and helping lift officiating standards across the state.
Reed’s dedication was recognised with the NSWCUSA George Borwick Memorial Award (1984-85), Life Membership of NSWCUSA (2000), induction into the NSWCUSA Hall of Fame (2016), Life Membership of the SCA (2023), and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to cricket in 2023.
Graham Reed will be remembered for his integrity, humility and generosity - a man who gave so much to the game and those within it. His legacy will continue through the countless umpires and players he guided and inspired.
Cricket NSW extends its deepest sympathies to Graham’s wife Jo, his family, friends and all who were touched by his remarkable life and contribution to cricket.