Former ICC chief Dalmiya dies at 75

Tuesday, 22 September 2015 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Jagmohan Dalmiya, hailed as the architect of India’s rise as the game’s financial superpower, passed away in a private hospital in Kolkata on Sunday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president was admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack on Thursday. He was 75.

“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,” BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said in a statement. 24-6

A businessman known for his marketing acumen, Dalmiya was a key figure in bringing the 1987 World Cup to the sub-continent and was elected ICC chief in 1997.

“The ICC extends its deepest condolences upon the passing away of BCCI President and former ICC President Jagmohan Dalmiya,” the world governing body tweeted.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket great Sachin Tendulkar also took to Twitter to mourn the cricket administrator’s death.

“Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Had met him in June. Little did I realise that it would be the last (time),” Tendulkar tweeted.

“Will always cherish his encouragement and support over the years. Worked hard for the game of cricket and excelled as an administrator,” added the retired batting great.