Jagmohan Dalmiya: Indian cricket's visionary passes away

Dalmiya, who had joined the BCCI in 1979 and became its treasurer in the historic year of 1983, fought his way upwards. In 1997 he reached one of the high points in his career when he was elected as the president of the ICC and eventually became a name to reckon with in the world of cricket administration.

Earlier he was also responsible for bringing the World Cup to the subcontinent in 1987.

On Sunday evening, Dalmiya, who was a powerful force in the world of cricket administration, was finally defeated as he passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata at the age of 75. The hospital in a statement said he died after an angioplasty suffering a massive gastro intestinal bleeding.

His death, ended an era in world cricket which saw India become a commercial hub of the game.

Dalmiya was born in Kolkata on May 30, 1940.

Serving as a treasurer of the BCCI in 1983, Dalmiya, along with, Inderjit Singh Bindra helped to win the right to stage the World Cup in South Asia in 1987 and 1996.

Aiming for the top spot, Dalmiya was  elected as the President of BCCI several times.

In 1996 he received 23 votes to 13 for Australia's Malcolm Gray in an election for Chairman of the International Cricket Council, but failed to attain the two-thirds majority necessary under the ICC Constitution. However, in 1997 he was unanimously elected President of the ICC and served in the position for three years.

Dalmiya served Indian cricket for 36 years and even when death came he was heading the board as its president and was attempting the difficult task of cleaning the IPL scam mess that had hurt the game badly in the country.

In June 2013, he was appointed as the interim president of the BCCI after N. Srinivasan stepped aside till the probe on Srinivasan's son-in-law's alleged involvement in spot-fixing in the 2013 Indian Premier League was completed.

Srinivasan resumed the presidency in October 2013. But Dalmiya returned as full time BCCI president after a 10-year gap, replacing N. Srinivasan, on Mar 2, 2015.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the rest of country in mourning the death of Dalmiya.

He tweeted, "My thoughts are with the family of Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya in this hour of grief. May Shri Dalmiya's soul rest in peace."

Meanwhile, BCCI condoled the death of the administrator who had even served as the ICC President in 1997.

BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur said in a statement: "On behalf of all the members of BCCI, I wish to submit our condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Dalmiya. As a visionary and a father figure of Indian cricket, Mr. Dalmiya worked towards the development of the game of cricket in India. The cricketing fraternity will miss him dearly.”

“Mr. Dalmiya played a significant part in positioning Indian cricket at the global level and the astute administrator in him, guided Indian cricket to greater heights. His untiring efforts will be remembered for generations to come and his contribution to Indian cricket will remain unparalleled," he said.

The ICC also joined the rest of the cricket world in mourning the death of its former president as it tweeted:"The ICC extends its deepest condolences upon the passing away of BCCI President and former ICC President Jagmohan Dalmiya."

Bangladesh Cricket Board posted on its Twitter homepage: "Bangladesh Cricket Board expresses their deepest condolence on the passing away of @BCCI President Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya."

IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said: "Very sad to hear about the demise of Jagmohan Dalmia.He was a great administrator,his contribution to Indian and world cricket was immense."

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said: "Heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Had met him in June. little did I realise that it would be the last .Will always cherish his encouragement & support over the years. Worked hard for the game of cricket & excelled as an administrator. Was touched by his efforts to make my penultimate Test at Eden Gardens very special. RIP Jagmohan Dalmiya."

Ex-Indian skipper Anil Kumble said: "Saddened by Mr. Dalmiya's death. Immense contribution to Indian and world cricket. A huge loss. Always a players man! Condolences to family!"

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman tweeted: "Deeply saddened 2 hear the news of the demise of Dalmiya Ji.My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.May his soul RIP @BCCI."

(Writing by Supriyo Hazra, Image courtesy: BCCI website)