Jagmohan Dalmiya's Contribution to World Cricket Invaluable, Says International Cricket Council

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed sadness on the sudden demise of its former president Jagmohan Dalmiya, who held the office from 1997 to 2000. (South Africa And Bangladesh Mourn The Death of A Friend)

In a condolence message to the family, friends and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ICC chairman N. Srinivasan said Dalmiya will be remembered for his invaluable contribution to cricket. (The Man Who Broke White Domination in Cricket)

"I am saddened with the passing of Mr. Dalmiya. He was a visionary cricket administrator, who dedicated his life to cricket. Cricket flourished in India during his tenures as the BCCI president, while global cricket got stronger when he was the ICC president. Cricket has lost one of its most loyal, committed and dedicated servants," said Srinivasan.

ICC chief executive David Richardson said: "Mr Dalmiya was widely appreciated for his dedication to the game and the respect with which he always treated the players and his fellow administrators from around the world.

"It was under his watch as ICC president that the game first took the globalisation seriously with the launch of the ICC Knock-Out tournament (now known as the ICC Champions Trophy), the revenue from which was reinvested into cricket development around the world.

"Cricket can't thank Mr Dalmiya enough for his significant contribution. On behalf of the ICC, I extend my condolences to all those associated with Mr Dalmiya."

The 75-year-old Dalmiya, who was admitted to B.M. Birla Hospital in Kolkata on Thursday night, died on Sunday. He is survived by his wife Chandralekha, daughter Vaishali and son Abhishek.