Kuben proves the sky is the limit, with hard work
“WORK hard and never give up” – wise words from local academic and sports administration sensation Kuben Pillay, who went from humble beginnings all the way to attaining a marquee position with the International Cricket Council (ICC), the highest cricketing body in the world.
The young Durbanite hails from Phoenix, where he attended school before going on to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of South Africa.
Pillay now works in a dual role of finance and operations officer (funding) and tournament director for ICC Africa.
He recently detailed his career path, love for cricket, meetings with celebrities and more.
“After graduating in accounting and completing my articles, I had the opportunity to work for giants such as Unilever and Deloitte before finally acquiring my dream job with the ICC. Upon seeing the advert, I was super excited and remained positive.
“I put everything into the application and presentation, and was ultimately successful. If you have a dream, just go for it,” enthused Pillay.
He has just completed another successful stint as tournament director at the all-important ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup qualifiers in Potchefstroom, but this wasn’t his first rodeo.
“I had the honour of working on a number of high-profile events recently, which included the Men’s World T20 qualifiers, 2019 ODI World Cup qualifiers, U-19 Division 1 and 2 events, Women’s World T20 qualifiers and more.”
“I have always had a natural love for the game. Let’s just say that I have always eaten, slept and breathed cricket. It is a true passion of mine.”
With so many world events, Pillay has had many opportunities to meet some big-name stars, mentors and cricketing celebrities.
“I have been really blessed to have met some real legends of the game. Some are former players, who now find themselves in administration, like myself.
“I have met the likes of former Bangladesh Test captain Aminul Islam, who is involved in the ICC-Asia stream, and former Indian player Venkatapathy Raju, who now coaches their U-23 team.
“However, one of the more memorable meetings would have to be with former West Indian fast bowler and current commentator Michael Holding. What a nice guy.”
It seems the sky is the limit for this local lad, who has taken the African and international cricketing fraternity by storm.
The next time you have the opportunity of witnessing a big ICC event, keep at the back of your mind the man who is actively involved in the overall running of the event – a man born and bred right here on the East Coast of Africa.