Mumbai cricket fraternity’s joy over India’s thrilling victory against Pakistan in New York is followed by news of the passing away of MCA president Amol Kale at 47; administrator had enjoyed the action in the stands with friends
MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik (left), Apex Council member Suraj Samat and president Amol Kale (right) during the India v Pakistan T20 World Cup game at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday
While the cricketing fraternity in Mumbai on Monday were still in a celebratory mood after India’s tight-finish against Pakistan at Sunday’s T20 World Cup game in New York, they were struck down by the news of the passing away of Mumbai Cricket Association president, Amol Kale.
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Less than 24 hours earlier, Kale, 47, was enjoying the cricket action in the stands of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium with MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik and Apex Council member Suraj Samat. Sadly, Rohit Sharma & Co’s Jasprit Bumrah-fuelled win was Kale’s last happy cricket memory with him succumbing to a cardiac arrest.
Best friend no more
Kale’s close friend Anirudh Palkar, who also witnessed India’s triumph with Kale in New York, told mid-day: “Amol enjoyed the game thoroughly and celebrated with all of us. After the game, he met BCCI officials including [secretary] Jay Shah. He enjoyed every minute of the match. I lost my best friend and it’s a big loss for all of us.” Former India head coach Ravi Shastri knows the kind of effect an India v Pakistan game can have on a spectator.
“It’s a game that puts everyone on edge, not just the dugout and the dressing room. A lot of people suffering from weak hearts have problems with heart attacks, a lot of ambulances are all over the place and that shows today [Sunday] with the game going,” Shastri said about the game. On Monday, Shastri wrote on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Amol Kale, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association. His passion for the sport and unwavering dedication to its development leaves a void in the cricketing community. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Former MCA apex council member Nadim Memon, who was also at the New York ground, said he met Kale just before the game. Last week, Kale was at MCA’s Bandra-Kurla Complex indoor academy, where MCA started their off-season camp in the presence of India players Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, Abhishek Nayar, Dhawal Kulkarni and Sarfaraz Khan. The MCA chief spent a lot of time with coaches, selectors and players, discussing cricket. Many were seen taking selifes with him.
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Kale was elected MCA president when he defeated India’s 1983 World Cup-winning batsman Sandeep Patil in a closely-contested election on October 22, 2022. The highlight of his tenure was the decision to double the Mumbai senior men’s match fees—taken by his committee after Mumbai emerged Ranji Trophy champions last season. “I will look to improve facilities at the grounds, and prepare new grounds. We want to develop indoor cricket academies in Thane and Navi Mumbai,” Kale told this correspondent minutes after he won the MCA elections.
Funeral in Nagpur
Kale’s funeral will be held in Nagpur. Meanwhile, it is learnt that as per the association’s constitution, the MCA needs to hold an election for the vacant president’s post within 45 days.
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