ICC condoles BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya's death

DUBAI: The ICC has expressed sadness on the sudden demise of its former President Jagmohan Dalmiya, who held the office from 1997 to 2000.

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 long remembered for his invaluable contribution to 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, passed away last evening following a massive cardiac arrest. He is survived by his wife Chadralekha, daughter Vaishali and son Abhishek.