Arun Jaitley, former BC꧂CI vꦯice-president, passed away aged 66, on Saturday (August 24) due to an illness.
Jaitley, who has been associated with Indian cricket since the 1990s, also served as the President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) for almost 🐻14 years.
“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,” the BCCI said in their statement condoling Jaitley’s death.
“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.”
Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper, also paid tribute to the former administrator: “Shocked & saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. He was genuinely a good person, always willing to help others. He took out his precious time back in 2006 when my father passed away to come to my home and pay his condolences. May his soul rest in peace.”
Here’s how the cricketing fraternity reacted on Twitter:
Saddened to hear about the demise of S൲hri Arun Jaitley. He donned several hats successfully, including that of a cricket administrator. India has lost a distinguished parliame🅠ntarian. My condolences to his family and friends.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt)
Shocked & saddened to hear about the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley🅷 ji. He was genuinely a good person, always willing to help others. He took out his precious time back in 2006 when my father passed away to come to my home & pay his condolences. May his soul rest in peace.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli)
Deeply saddened on the passing away of Ji My d♛eepest condolences to his family. His contribution towards our country & cricket has been priceless. May his soul rest in eterna♊l peace 🙏
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12)
But under his leaders🙈hip at the DDCA, many players including me got a chance to represent India. He listened to needs of the players & was a probl𒆙em solver. Personally shared a very beautiful relationship with him. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones. Om Shanti
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)
A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father figure teaches u to march on. A f𒈔ather gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir.
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir)
Saddened 🌌ꦗby the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley. Besides being a successful lawyer, a former Minister and a Member of Parliament, he was a great lover of the game of Cricket.
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99)
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri. Arun Jaitley. Fondly remember our conversations around cricket. His contri𒐪butions in every field will remain unparalleled. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 🙏🏽
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074)
Rest in Peace ji. 🙏🏻
It is a huge loss to the nation.
My heartfelt condolen⭕ces to his fa﷽mily and friends.— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349)
RIP Ji.♔. My sincere condolences to yourꦓ family and loved ones 🙏
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25)
Saddened to learn about the passing away of S🐭hri ji. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirer💃s. Om Shanti !
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281)
Deeply sad✤dened by the demise of ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif)
Our country loses yet another great leader. He was not only an able politician and advocate but also an authoritati𒊎ve cricket administrator. ji
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha)
Grieved to know about the demise of sir. Heartfelt ꦍcondolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks)
Deeply saddened to hear Sir has pa♉ssed away. Was fortunate to have his blessings throughout.Apart from being a devoted politician he was a die hard cricket fan.His support from my early days at DDCA has been tremendous. U will b missed sir.Big loss to the nation. RIP
— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9)
Deeply saddened to hear that Mr. Arun Jaitley is no more. A scholar…a cricket lover. Always helpful. Would remember the names of the kids doing well at U-19 level too. World will be poorer in your absence, sir.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
Extremely saddened to hear that sir is no more. A stalwart in politics, he also played a stellar role in the growth of Delhi cricket. His help transformed t🎶he careers of many players. We🅠 will miss you.
— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana)
Deeply saddened and pained on the demise of ji .A visionary and luminary par excellence.Always helped and had timeꦍ for cricketers at DDCA . Beautiful memories will always remain with me ,coไndolences to the family and close ones shanti!! 🙏
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas)
Multiple roles, extreme talent and skill. A big loss ꦍas ji leaves us, 💦may his soul rest in peace.
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh)
My heartfelt condolences to th♔e family and followers of Ji. Will always remember your contributions towards cricketꦚ, RIP Sir. 🙏
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa)
