Ajinkya Rahane, Dhawal Kulkarni among many to pay last respects to MCA president Amol Kale

NEW DELHI: Ajinkya Rahane and Dhawal Kulkarni, both representing India and Mumbai, joined numerous members of the cricket community in paying their final respects to Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Amol Kale, who tragically passed away in New York.
Kale's remains were repatriated to India on Wednesday afternoon following his untimely demise due to a cardiac arrest, which occurred during the night between June 9 and 10.
The late MCA president, aged 47, had traveled to New York alongside a delegation of MCA and BCCI officials to attend the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of MCA President Amol Kale. His dedication to Mumbai cricket was exemplary. Deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time," BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who also watched the India-Pakistan game, wrote on his X account.
The mortal remains of Kale were brought to the MCA Lounge at the Wankhede Stadium for approximately an hour. In attendance were Ajinkya Naik, the secretary, along with other officials from the association. Diana Edulji, a former India player who serves as the women's cricket advisor for the MCA, was also present to pay her respects.
Several prominent political figures, including Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, Ashish Shelar, a BJP leader and the treasurer of the BCCI, Sachin Ahir, a leader from Shivsena (UBT), and Jitendra Awhad, an NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader and member of the MCA apex council, also came to offer their final respects to Kale.
"Took antim darshan and offered my humble tributes to my friend, Mumbai Cricket Association President Amol Kale at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai," Fadnavis wrote on X.
Kale secured the position of MCA president following his victory over Sandip Patil, a former Indian cricketer, in the October 2022 elections.
Under Kale's leadership, the renowned Wankhede Stadium played host to a momentous event during the ODI World Cup in the previous year: the unveiling of a statue honoring the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, a figure who has left an indelible mark on the sport of cricket.
"Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of MCA President Shri Amol Kale. Condolences to his family and close ones as they find the strength to overcome this sudden loss," Tendulkar wrote on X on Tuesday.
The MCA paid tribute to Tendulkar by unveiling his statue at the Wankhede Stadium. Prior to the unveiling ceremony, the seats where MS Dhoni's match-winning six landed during the 2011 World Cup final were specially marked and adorned to commemorate the historic moment.
In a separate development, following Mumbai's triumphant campaign in the Ranji Trophy, securing their 42nd title, the MCA made a significant announcement. They committed to equaling the BCCI's remuneration for all cricketers participating in red-ball cricket during the upcoming 2024-25 season, showcasing their dedication to the sport and its players.
(With PTI inputs)