Dr Bannon, who died in hospital on Sunday aged 72, believed strongly in engaging Aboriginal people in cricket.
He oversaw recent governance changes to Australian cricket as co-chair of the National Indigenous Cricket Advisory Council.
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Cricket Australia chairman David Peever paid tribute to Dr Bannon for his work in Adelaide on Sunday.
"Throughout that time he championed cricket's efforts to better engage Indigenous communities," he told media. "A cause he was fiercely passionate about."
He served as a director on the South Australian Cricket Association board since 2000 and on the Cricket Australia board since 2008.
Throughout that time he championed cricket's efforts to better engage Indigenous communities ... a cause he was fiercely passionate about
Cricket Australia board chairman David Peever said Mr Bannon's long illness never dampened his passion for cricket or his contribution to public life.
"On a personal level I will miss his friendship, wisdom and guidance. He was always selfless in the way that he was prepared to share his knowledge to better other people and the game," Mr Peever said.
"Despite his tremendous experience and depth of knowledge he carried himself with great humility, never imposing his will on others. Our game and our country has lost a remarkable man."
SACA president Andrew Sinclair said Dr Bannon was made an honorary life member of SACA in 2014 for his life-long contribution to the game.
John made a massive contribution to South Australian cricket, Australian cricket and the recent redevelopment of Adelaide Oval
"John made a massive contribution to South Australian cricket, Australian cricket and the recent redevelopment of Adelaide Oval," he said.
"Through negotiations of the Adelaide Oval redevelopment and Australian cricket governance reforms, he was always a voice of reason; calm and considered."
Dr Bannon, a scholar of the game's history, drove many museum and historical projects for SACA, Mr Sinclair said, including a leading role in negotiations with the State Library to have the Bradman Collection relocated to the Adelaide Oval.
