New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is saddened to learn of the passing this week of Life Member, Mary Brito, a visionary and pioneer for women's cricket.
Mary was born on 21 July 1931 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, where she developed her love for cricket at a young age. In 1967 she moved to Adelaide and was selected, as a left-arm spinner, to play in the South Australian team to play England in 1968. Not long after she moved to Wellington and became involved in cricket administration.
In 1974, Mary was elected Chair of the New Zealand Women's Cricket Council, a role she held for 12 years. She worked tirelessly for New Zealand women's cricket and was one of a group who pushed for NZWCC to host the 1982 World Cup on its own. Gaining Hansells NZ as major sponsor, as well as the services of leading world umpire Dickie Bird (a friend of Mary's from her Yorkshire days) attracted much media attention. The World Cup was a great success and even came out with a small surplus.
Mary continued her quest for more tours for New Zealand women cricketers, which led to Shell NZ offering a 3-year deal for annual matches between New Zealand and Australia for the Shell Rosebowl, first competed for in 1985-86. The Rosebowl is still regularly played for today with Australia having held it since the late 90s.
After retiring from her volunteer role with NZWCC, Mary continued to contribute, with her appointment as President of the International Women's Cricket Council from 1995 to 2000. Highlights of this were the 1997 World Cup in India, along with the pride at seeing the WHITE FERNS win the the 2000 World Cup in Christchurch.
Mary was one of the many legends of our game who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for many years; as one player said, “she was part of the fabric of women's cricket in New Zealand.” She was fittingly made an Honorary Life Member of the MCC in 2017, an award she cherished.
NZC extends its condolences to Mary's wide circle of friends.