BCCI chief Srinivasan condoles Salve's demise

Board of Control for Cricket in India president N Srinivasan on Sunday condoled the death of former Board chief NKP Salve, saying that his contribution to Indian cricket will never be forgotten.

"The passing away of Mr. NKP Salve has come as a shock to us. His contribution to Indian cricket, as President of the BCCI, can never be forgotten. It was during his tenure that we won the World Cup for the first time, in 1983," Srinivasan said in a media release.

"It was also due to his initiative that the World Cup was co-hosted by India and Pakistan, in 1987. Thus, he was responsible for the World Cup becoming the 'global' event that it is today," he added.

Salve, a former Union Minister, passed away early on Sunday morning at a private hospital here due to age-related problems. He was 90.

He is survived by son Harish Salve, an eminent advocate, and daughter Arundhati. His wife had predeceased him some time back

He had also been a minister at the Centre in charge of steel and some other ministries.

"Mr. Salve remained in touch with the Board in later years, and was a regular at Board functions. He also presented the trophy instituted in his name, to the winners of the annual triangular Challenger series, whenever possible," said Srinivasan in his message.

"On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to extend my condolences to the Salve family. Indian cricket has lost one of its pillars."

Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com