The B.C. Roy Club House at the Eden Gardens, which became the symbol of transformation in world cricket under the stewardship of Jagmohan Dalmiya in the late ’90s, remained mute witness to the passing away of the iconic administrator on Monday.
Dalmiya, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), passed away at a private hospital here on Sunday evening, leaving the cricket fraternity recalling his achievements and speculating on an ‘eligible’ successor.
Cricketers, sports administrators, politicians, educationists and many others from various walks of life streamed in to pay homage to Jagguda, whose lifeless body lay on the same lawn in front of the dressing room of the giant stadium where he sat in the evenings with colleagues discussing cricket in Bengal, India, Asia and the world.
Over the last three decades, the Eden Gardens remained the permanent address of the many roles that Dalmiya played in various administrative capacities ever since he made his debut as treasurer of the CAB in 1977.
Later in the ’90s and following the turn of the new millennium, the address bore new insignia when he became president of the International Cricket Council, chairman of the Asian Cricket Foundation and the BCCI.
“He was one man who redefined cricket in India and the world.
“Be it generating broadcasting revenue or becoming the first non-white president of the ICC, Dalmiya initiated path-breaking reforms in world and Indian cricket.
His loss cannot be compensated and he will always be remembered as the one responsible for making India a superpower in world cricket,” Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI CAO and a veteran administrator who saw Dalmiya from close, said.
Sourav Ganguly, who became India captain during Dalmiya’s presidency and joined him as CAB secretary last year, was overseeing arrangements and greeting visitors.
Most of the BCCI office-bearers converged on the Eden Gardens to pay their last respects to Dalmiya, whose body was kept in a special air-conditioned glass case under a canopy on the lawn.
Many had trooped to his home at Alipore in the morning to get a last glimpse. His body arrived at the Eden Gardens a little past noon, where the gathering was building up since morning.
“He was a visionary and his dynamism as an administrator made him a household name in India and abroad.
“He will be remembered for the reforms he brought to the game of cricket,” said BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur.
IPL governing council chairman Rajeev Shukla echoed Thakur’s sentiments while offering tribute to Dalmiya, who had reinstated him in the prominent position during his second tenure as BCCI president.
Former BCCI presidents Sharad Pawar and Shashank Manohar also offered tributes. Dalmiya’s immediate predecessor in the Board, N. Srinivasan, arrived at the venue a bit late and could not offer floral tributes as the hearse carrying the late BCCI chief’s body was already on its way to the crematorium.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was among the last political personalities to arrive.
She had, on Sunday night, announced Dalmiya’s cremation with full State honours.
A gun salute was accorded at the stadium to the accompaniment of tunes by the city police band, in fitting tribute to an eventful life dedicated to the ‘globalisation’ of cricket.
Tribute tweets
My thoughts are with the family of Shri Jagmohan Dalmiya in this hour of grief. May Shri Dalmiya’s soul rest in peace. — Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Worked hard for the game of cricket and excelled as an administrator. — Sachin Tendulkar
Respect to Mr Dalmiya for his contribution in Cricket. May his soul Rest in Peace. Strength and warmth to his loved ones. — M.S. Dhoni
Saddened to hear the news about Dalmiya Ji’s demise. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. — Virat Kohli
Heartfelt condolences to Dalmiya Ji’s family. Dalmiya Sir’s contribution to @BCCI will always be remembered. — Ishant Sharma
Saddened by Mr. Dalmiya’s death. Immense contribution to Indian and world cricket. A huge loss. Always a players man! Condolences to family. — Anil Kumble
I am deeply saddened to know about the demise of Jagmohan Dalmiya. He will always be remembered as the first person from a third world country to hold the office of the ICC. He made BCCI a powerful and influential cricket body in the field of sports. May his soul rest in eternal peace. — Former ICC chief Sharad Pawar
Jaggu’s vision energy & dedication built Indian crckt into a global powerhouse I can never 4get & recall today our long innings 2gether RIP. — Former administrator I.S. Bindra
Dalmiya’s eyes donated
Jagmohan Dalmiya, who died on Sunday, donated his eyes to Vanmukta Eye Bank, a part of Susrut Eye Foundation and Research Centre, here.
The late BCCI president was instrumental in initiating the social welfare programme ‘Eradication of Blindness’ which aimed at restoration of eyesight through cornea grafting and transplantations.
This was popularised through the themes — ‘Cricket for Life beyond Death’ and ‘Chance of Second Innings’.
“Mr. Dalmiya had wished that his eyes would be gifted to a little girl who would be able to see the world through them,” said the CAB treasurer Biswarup Dey while announcing the decision of Dalmiya.
