Taranaki Cricket Legend Alistar Jordan Honored at Funeral

Hundreds of mourners are set to gather at New Plymouth Boys’ High School on Sunday, March 3, 2024, to pay their respects to renowned cricketer Alistar (Ali) Jordan, who passed away at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades in the sport, particularly within the Taranaki and Central Districts regions.

Jordan’s impact on cricket was profound, with tributes flooding in from the cricket community following his death. The New Plymouth Old Boys Cricket Club, where he spent a major part of his life, hailed him as its greatest player. The club recognized his unwavering commitment to enhancing the sport, noting, “For the past 59 years, he has been fully invested as a player, committee member, coach, volunteer, groundsman, and president, influencing countless lives within and beyond the club.”

His journey in cricket began at the young age of 16 when he was selected to represent Taranaki. Over the course of 25 seasons, he played 104 matches, claiming an impressive 375 wickets. His remarkable performances during Taranaki’s early 1970s Hawke Cup era earned him a spot in the New Zealand Hawke Cup team of the Century, recognized in 2011.

While actively playing, Jordan simultaneously contributed to the development of young cricketers at Mangorei Primary School, where he dedicated a decade to managing the school’s cricket program. He was instrumental in establishing an artificial pitch and ensuring children had access to coaching opportunities.

At just 18 years old, he was selected to play for Central Districts, where he made a remarkable impact by playing 55 consecutive games over 11 seasons. His talent on the field culminated in a selection for the New Zealand national team, which toured Australia in 1973.

After retiring from competitive play, Jordan devoted 22 years to coaching and selecting for Taranaki, guiding the team to a Hawke Cup victory. He also enjoyed a successful stint coaching the first XI at New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

Close friend and former teammate Ian Snook reflected on Jordan’s character, stating, “He was the person you wanted holding on to you if you were hanging over a cliff. He was loyal, reliable, fiercely competitive, determined, enduring, physically powerful, and mentally strong.” Such qualities made him not only a cricketing giant but also a beloved friend to many.

In recognition of his contributions, Jordan was named a life member of the Central Districts Cricket Association in 2023. Chief Executive Lance Hamilton praised Jordan’s dedication, stating, “No individual has given more of his time for the advancement of Taranaki cricket and its players over the past 50 years. Ali embodied what it means to be a cricketer from Taranaki, elevating both the district’s and Central Districts’ cricket history through his performances.”

Jordan is survived by his wife, Dianne, and their three children, Amanda, Kate, and Kent, along with seven grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence on cricket and the lives he touched will be felt for generations to come.