Mumbai Cricket Association president Amol Kale died of a heart attack in New York after attending a T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.
On Sunday, Kale visited the Nassau County Cricket Stadium along with other MCA officials, including general secretary Ajinkya Naik and supreme council member Suraj Samat, to watch the match between the arch rivals.
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our chairman, Amol Kale,” the MCA said in a statement on its social media pages.
“On behalf of the Apex Council, member clubs, staff and the entire MCA family, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the family. His visionary leadership and hard work will remain forever in our hearts,” the MCA added.
Former India and Mumbai cricketer Ravi Shastri, who was in the US as a commentator for the T20 World Cup, paid tribute to Kale.
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of Mumbai Cricket Association President Amol Kale. His passion for the sport and unwavering commitment to its development has left a huge hole in the world of cricket. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” Shastri wrote in X.
Former BCCI president and MCA chairman Sharad Pawar posted, “Deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Mumbai Cricket Association President Amol Kale.”
“He will always be remembered as someone with a kind and approachable demeanor who made sincere efforts to take MCA forward. My prayers go to his family,” Pawar, who was also ICC president from 2010 to 2012, added.
Jitendra Aughad, a Maharashtra politician and member of the MCA’s Supreme Council, wrote, “Sad news to hear of the passing away of Mumbai Cricket Association president Amol Kher. A great organiser and cricket lover. Amol, you were not yet old enough to say goodbye to the world. A personal loss for me.”
Kale, 47, became the MCA president after defeating former India and Mumbai cricketer Sandip Patil in the elections held in October 2022.
During his tenure, the MCA has taken several key decisions, including bringing match fees for all red-ball players at par with BCCI’s for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
