Cricket administration was among the many hats Arun Jaitley wore in public life and in his death and the cricketers remembered the man who seamlessly juggled roles and stood for them in testing times. A seasoned politician, an astute lawyer and a raconteur with innumerable friends across party lines, Jaitley died on Saturday after a prolonged period of illness. He was 66. While politicians cutting across party lines were quick to mourn the death of the former union minister, the cricketers also took to twitter to express their condolences. Former India opener and BJP member of Parliament, Gautam Gambhir, who was close to Jaitley, said a part of him was gone with his demise.
The BCCI condoled the demise of Jaitley, describing him a "remarkable statesman" and an "able and respected" cricket administrator. "A remarkable statesman, Mr Jaitley was a passionate cricket follower and will always be remembered as one of the most able and respected cricket administrators," BCCI said in a press release.
The BCCI also lauded the former DDCA president for bringing in change in state cricket's administration. "During his long tenure as the President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association, he brought about a tremendous change in the cricketing infrastructure. A close friend of the cricketers, he always stood by them, encouraged them and supported them in their quest for excellence," it stated. "The BCCI shares the pain and grief of the Jaitley family and prays for the departed soul," the Board said.
Cricket Association of Bengal joint secretary Avishek Dalmiya, whose father late Jagmohan Dalmiya worked closely with Jaitley during former's stint as BCCI president also sent his condolences. "Shri Arun Jaitley ji was one of the few persons who has genuinely loved Indian cricket and someone who always came forward to protect the BCCI when chips were down," Dalmiya said. "Being an eminent lawyer, he would take the centerstage in such adverse situations and guide the Board on the way forward. In fact, he would certainly have been the obvious and unanimous choice for the BCCI Presidentship on a number of occasions had he given his consent to occupy the chair," Dalmiya junior said.
Jaitley, a lawyer by profession, had been a key member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet in the NDA government's first term. He held the finance and defence portfolios, and often acted as the chief troubleshooter of the government. Jaitley did not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election owing to ill-health and was admitted to AIIMS for treatment in May this year.
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Gautam Gambhir joined the BJP after retiring from all forms of cricket.
- Arun Jaitley was a prominent member of the DDCA.
- Arun Jaitley was also a key member in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet.
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