Former Mumbai captain Milind Rege dies at 76, players wear black armbands in Ranji Trophy match
Former Mumbai captain Milind Rege passed away on Friday morning at 76 after suffering cardiac arrest. Rege played multiple roles in Mumbai cricket since he retired from the sport, remaining available for Mumbai Cricket Association throughout his cricketing career. He served as a managing committee member, was a selector, commentator and later was appointed as advisor to MCA.
Ahead of the day’s play in Nagpur in the Ranji Trophy semifinal, Mumbai and Vidarbha players observed silence as a mark of respect. The Mumbai players wore blacka armbands as well.
Rege, an offspinner, played 52 first-class matches for Mumbai in the 70s and took 126 wickets. He was also part of the organising committee during ICC-Champions Trophy held in Mumbai in 2006.
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Former India cricketer Sandeep Patil said Rege was the support system of his life. “At my book release, he said see you in Kolkata, I was waiting for him to visit me. He played a very very important role in my life on and off the field, he and his wife Raj stood behind me in my trying times. Mumbai has lost its biggest supporter, his contribution in helping and building the careers of young talents will remain unmatched. He remained loyal to Dadar Union, CCI, and MCA. Even in his late days he always wanted to be part of Mumbai Cricket as a long-serving selector and Adminrator. I will keep missing him,” the former India chief selector said.
Really sad to hear about the demise of a dear friend Milind Rege. A true Champion in his contribution to Mumbai and Tata’s cricket all-round. A Mentor Par Excellence. Heartfelt condolences to Raj and family. God bless his soul. pic.twitter.com/ZrB1fHAizg
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 19, 2025
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Diana Edulji, former Indian captain and advisor to MCA along with Rege, said he would never miss any meeting until the last one, where he had an appointment scheduled with his doctor. “He was a good cricketer in his days. He was not feeling well lately and the only meeting he missed was the last one. He always came up with good ideas and he believed in discipline during the meeting. He was never afraid of speaking his mind. He will come well prepared with all his notes written. He knew the performance of each player and coach,” Edulji said.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik recalled how he wished Mumbai does well in the Ranji Trophy before getting admitted to the hospital for a routine check-up. “He called and said I am going for a routine check-up and won’t be available for the MCA selection meeting for Ranji Trophy semis. He never missed any meetings and he was so passionate about Mumbai that his last line was ‘I hope Mumbai clinches the Ranji Trophy title this time too’. He just wanted Mumbai to do well in every section of the game,” Naik recalled.
For MCA and BCCI adminrator Ratnakar Shetty praised Rege’s versatility to wear many hats. “I have known him since his playing days. He came back to active cricket after a heart surgery. He always made it to watch Mumbai Ranji games. I last spoke to him when we won the quarter-finals against Haryana. I salute him.”
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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