England T20 captain Jos Buttler and Piers Morgan have led the tributes to David English following news of his death.
Buttler, who on Sunday will lead his side out in the World Cup final against Pakistan, took to Twitter to post: "So sad to hear the news of David English passing away. One of life’s great characters, so fun to spend time with and producer of some of the best English cricketers through his wonderful Bunbury Festivals. RIP."
English, who in 2010 received a CBE for his services to cricket and charity, played for Marleybone CC and also worked on the ground at Lord's. But it was his founding of Bunbury Cricket Club, and support for the festival, which made him such an iconic figure.
The club raised £14 million for good causes and the festival was first held in 1987, financed by English. With England Schools Under-15s teams competing, the tournament hosted the likes of Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff and Joe Root, while 10 of 11 England players in the 2019 Cricket World Cup final played in it as pupils.
TV personality and avid cricket fan Morgan echoed Buttler's sentiments, tweeting: "RIP David English. Had many of the funniest days of my life at Lord's with this wonderfully ebullient and brilliantly entertaining character. A great cricket man whose Bunbury Cricket Festival developed so many England stars, who all loved him. Very sad news."
Gary Lineker responded to Morgan's post with: "Terribly sad news. Such a charismatic man." The England Barmy Army account described him as "One of the most important figures in English cricket."
The ECB also released a statement via social media, saying: "The ECB is saddened to learn of the loss of David English CBE. He did so much for the game, and for charity, and he played a part in the rise of many England Men’s cricketers. Our thoughts at this time are with his friends and family."
English, 76, also worked as a journalist and became President of RSO Records, famously signing up the likes of Eric Clapton. He also worked as an actor and most notably appeared in the film A Bridge Too Far.
But it was his work in sporting circles that earned him the nickname the 'Godfather of English cricket'. Since news of his death, countless fans have urged Buttler and co to win the World Cup in his honour at the MCG.
