Arun Jaitley, former BCCI vice-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 Shri Arun Jaitley. He donned several hats successfully, including that of a cricket administrator. India has lost a distinguished parliamentarian. My condolences to his family and friends.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 24, 2019
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) August 24, 2019
Deeply saddened on the passing away of #ArunJaitley Ji My deepest condolences to his family. His contribution towards our country & cricket has been priceless. May his soul rest in eternal peace 🙏
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 24, 2019
But under his leadership at the DDCA, many players including me got a chance to represent India. He listened to needs of the players & was a problem solver. Personally shared a very beautiful relationship with him. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones. Om Shanti https://t.co/Kl4NpprR6W
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2019
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 father 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) August 24, 2019
Saddened by 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. #riparunjaitely
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 24, 2019
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri. Arun Jaitley. Fondly remember our conversations around cricket. His contributions in every field will remain unparalleled. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 🙏🏽
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 24, 2019
Rest in Peace #ArunJaitley ji. 🙏🏻
It is a huge loss to the nation.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/lsSZUUQICF— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) August 24, 2019
RIP #ArunJaitley Ji.. My sincere condolences to your family and loved ones 🙏
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2019
Saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri #ArunJaitley ji. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti ! pic.twitter.com/13m7zBwiE7
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2019
Deeply saddened by the demise of #ArunJaitley ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 24, 2019
Our country loses yet another great leader. He was not only an able politician and advocate but also an authoritative cricket administrator. #ArunJaitley ji #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/gp0MVr8Jbb
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) August 24, 2019
Grieved to know about the demise of @arunjaitley sir. Heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace.
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 24, 2019
Deeply saddened to hear #ArunJaitley Sir has passed 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) August 24, 2019
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. #riparunjaitley
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 24, 2019
Extremely saddened to hear that #ArunJaitley sir is no more. A stalwart in politics, he also played a stellar role in the growth of Delhi cricket. His help transformed the careers of many players. We will miss you. #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/oDCzV27JFt
— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana) August 24, 2019
Deeply saddened and pained on the demise of #ArunJaitley ji .A visionary and luminary par excellence.Always helped and had time for cricketers at DDCA . Beautiful memories will always remain with me ,condolences to the family and close ones #Om shanti!! #RIP 🙏
— Mithun Manhas (@MithunManhas) August 24, 2019
Multiple roles, extreme talent and skill. A big loss as @arunjaitley ji leaves us, may his soul rest in peace.#arunjaitely #rip pic.twitter.com/oJ1WKj8V83
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) August 24, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to the family and followers of #ArunJaitley Ji. Will always remember your contributions towards cricket, RIP Sir. 🙏
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) August 24, 2019
