Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale passed away in New York due to cardiac arrest. He was 47.
Kale, along with MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik, had travelled to the United States to watch the India versus Pakistan T20 World Cup game. He was elected as the MCA president in 2022, defeating former India middle-order batsman Sandeep Patil.
Patil condoled Kale’s death and paid a glowing tribute. “Very sad news,” he told RevSportz. “He (Kale) was a very efficient cricket administrator and did a lot of good work as the MCA president. After assuming office, he increased the match fees of domestic cricketers and the MCA was the first association to do that.”
In fact, under Kale’s presidentship, the MCA doubled the match fees of domestic cricketers. He was also instrumental in erecting a statue of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium. Only a few days ago, at an MCA meeting, his proposal of felicitating Sunil Gavaskar on his 75th birthday was unanimously approved. The batting maestro and the former India captain would turn 75 on July 10.
A statement from the MCA said: “We are deeply saddened by the unexpected loss of our President, Shri. Amol Kale.
“On behalf of Apex Council, Member Clubs, Staff & our entire MCA family, we offer our deepest condolences to his family. His visionary leadership & efforts will be remembered in our hearts forever.”
Kale, who was originally from Nagpur, was a popular office-bearer, someone who cared for cricket and cricketers. Under his presidentship, Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy this term, after a gap of eight years.