Dalmiya passes away

Dalmiya, a former head of the International Cricket Council (ICC), is widely regarded as the man who turned BCCI into the game’s powerhouse during his previous stints as the head of the Indian cricket board.

“The greatest sports administrator of India has passed away, an era ends,” BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said on Twitter.

Dalmiya was dumped by the board in 2004 over allegations of financial irregularities but returned as BCCI president earlier this year after his predecessor N Srinivasan was forced out by a corruption scandal.

A businessman known for his marketing acumen, Dalmiya was a key figure in bringing the 1987 World Cup to the sub-continent and was elected ICC chief in 1997.

“The ICC extends its deepest condolences upon the passing away of BCCI President and former ICC President Jagmohan Dalmiya," the global cricket body tweeted.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cricket great Sachin Tendulkar also took to Twitter to mourn the cricket administrator's death.

“Heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Had met him in June. Little did I realise that it would be the last (time),” Tendulkar tweeted.

“Will always cherish his encouragement & support over the years. Worked hard for the game of cricket & excelled as an administrator,” added the retired batting great.