This refers to the report, “BCCI's iconic chief Dalmiya dead” (September 21). If there is one man responsible for making Indian cricket commercial and a financial hub of the world, it is Jagmohan Dalmiya. An astute strategist, he knew how to play his cards well. His power was gauged by the fact that he forced the erstwhile South African board president Ali Bacher to withdraw Mike Denness from match referee's position after the latter alleged that Sachin Tendulkar had tampered with the ball during the 2001 Port Elizabeth Test match. He was truly a player's man who stood firmly behind cricketers.
Though it was alleged that he was involved in financial irregularities during the 1996 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India could not prove misappropriation in the court. And Dalmiya became the president of BCCI again in 2013. Sadly, this tenure was short lived. With BCCI not being in the best of footing at this moment, it will be interesting to see who replaces him and fills his very big shoes.