Past Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) senior executive Gary Fray admits he was “surprised” to receive the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Lifetime Service Award for his many contributions as a sports administrator.“I am very surprised because I wasn’t expecting anything like this which I didn’t even know existed,” a humbled Fray told The Royal Gazette. “It’s definitely nice to be recognised by the world governing body for cricket.”Fray’s award was one of three ICC Development Programme Awards for 2012 the ICC awarded to the BCB.Although he enjoyed a successful playing stint that saw him represent Somerset in Cup Match, Fray is perhaps best remembered for his many contributions as an administrator. He served in various capacities for more than two decades at the BCB, including treasurer and disciplinary committee chairman.Asked what inspired him to give so much of his free time to the BCB, Fray replied: “I did it for the love of the game. When you love something you want to do as much as you can to support it and that’s where I was at.”Fray, 64, said being a part of the BCB when Bermuda qualified for the 2007 ICC World Cup proved to be the pinnacle of his administrative career.“I thought the players at that time made the whole country proud and I think that was my highest point as an administrator,” he added.Fray also takes pride in being involved in the amalgamation of the Somers Isle Cricket League (SICL) and Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) into what is today known as the BCB.“Myself and others where the ones who instigated one body,” he recalled. “A few club officials got together and we were able to do it. It was through us that it happened.”The SICL and BCBC amalgamated in the early 1990s.Fray resigned as the BCB’s first vice president in June 2008.Asked was it difficult to resign, Fray replied: “It wasn’t really hard because you have to make room for younger people and it was time to step down. Like anything else after a long period of time you get tired and stagnate so it was time to move on.”Prior to his tenure as an administrator Fray made a name for himself as a medium pace bowler and batsmen who had the ability to bat anywhere from number one to seven in the order. He also held his own as a fielder.“I actually started out in the slips but as you get up in age they have to sort of hide you,” Fray grinned. “I started in slips but ended up in the outfield.“Fray’s playing career began at Devonshire Rec before he moved on to Warwick Workman’s Club and eventually earned a place on Somerset’s 1970 Cup Match team led by Randy Horton.“My biggest achievement playing cricket was to participate in Cup Match because in those days that was the biggest thing that happened unlike today when you are able to go and play international matches,” he said. “I came in when Randy was captain and at the time he was teaching at Warwick Secondary with Lloyd James. Lloyd and I played together at Warwick and he was the one who encouraged me to go to Somerset because at that time St George’s had a strong team that no one could get into.”Former Director of Youth and Sports, Brenton Roberts, said Fray is worthy of the ICC’s recognition.“Gary was on the Board for a very long time and was well respected, not only as treasurer of the organisation, but as a person that brought sensibility to the debate because he was a cricket enthusiasts and was quite knowledgeable both as a player and administrator,” he said. “He is absolutely deserving of this award because he made a long contribution to cricket.”