A memorial dinner planned to celebrate the life of legendary Jamaican cricketer George Headley was cancelled just a few days before it was to take place in Birmingham.

The prestigious black-tie event was due to happen at the ICC in Broad Street on Saturday to mark the centennial year of Mr Headley and his contribution to international cricket.

It coincided with a week of events planned in Jamaica, including the unveiling of a statue at the country’s national gallery and the commissioning of a stamp in honour of the batsman.

George was the first batsman to score three and then four test centuries before the age of 21 and was credited with becoming the first black man to captain the West Indies team in 1948.

On a website promoting the event, billed as the first Annual Memorial Gala Dinner and Dance, the organisers promised to bring together an array of sports personalities from all disciplines, “to revel in a night of the finest dining experience, exquisite company and exceptional entertainment” in remembrance of the Jamaican hero. Son Ron Headley and grandson Dean Headley, both cricketers, were listed as guests to the event along with dignitaries from county cricket clubs across England.

Among supporters of the event were Birmingham’s African Caribbean Millennium Centre, the Professional Cricketer’s Association and London-based The Voice newspaper. Birmingham magazine, Streetcred, was named as its promoters.

None of the promoters or organisers were available for comment.

An ICC spokeswoman said the venue was aware of the cancellation in advance, but had not been told when a new date would be booked.