Mumbai Cricket Association President Amol Kale died due to a Cardiac arrest, hours after the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 match in New York. The MCA president had went to enjoy the India vs Pakistan match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York along with MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik and apex council member Suraj Samat.
The news broke on Monday evening and sent shockwaves in the cricket community. Kale, 47, was at an MCA function last Monday to launch a three-month off season camp.
All you need to know about Amol Kale
Amol Kale became the MCA president in October 2022 after defeating 1983 World Cup winner Sandeep Patil. He has made some noteworthy decisions at his time at the MCA head post. He was a torchbearer at the MCA for promoting the domestic red-ball cricket. Under his tenure, the MCA doubled senior Mumbai players' match fees after the Board of Control for Cricket in India raised the fees of the domestic players.
MCA had also given an additional Rs 5 crore prize money to the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy winning team Mumbai. "MCA President Amol Kale and Apex Council has decided to double the Ranji Trophy prize money. The MCA will pay an additional sum of Rs 5 crore to the winning Mumbai Ranji Trophy team," an MCA statement from secretary Ajinkya Naik read at the time of announcement.
Hailing from Nagpur, Kale was in Mumbai for more than a decade. He set up several businesses and has worked up with many private entities and government departments. He had strong relations with renowned business people.
Kale was also a trustee in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. He was also vital in searching for land for Lord Shri Venkateswara Temple in Navi Mumbai. Kale was also a close associate of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis.
Cricket personalities and politicians expressed their sorrow over the passing away of Kale. "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 India head coach Ravi Shastri wrote on X.
"Very Disturbing and Shocking news of Amol kale.. The president of the Mumbai Cricket Association is no more due to a cardiac attack last night.. RIP Amol bhai," former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh wrote on social media. "Deeply shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Shri Amol Kale, President, Mumbai Cricket Association! He will always remembered for his gentle, affable demeanour and who sincerely endeavoured to take MCA ahead. My prayers with his family members!" former Maharashtra CM Sharad Pawar said.
