BCCI officials, cricketers pay tribute to Arun Jaitley

New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) Just like the political world, the cricketing fraternity too was saddened by the demise of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (66), who passed away after prolonged illness at the AIIMS here on Saturday.

Not just a political leader of repute, Jaitley also served Indian cricket as BCCI Vice-President and President of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Considered a vital cog in the BJP's functioning over the years, Jaitley's untimely passing away saw condolences pouring in from cricketers and officials.

Taking to Twitter, former India opener and now a BJP MP from East Delhi, Gautam Gambhir, wrote: "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 (sic)."

Virender Sehwag also expressed his grief, saying: "Pained at the passing away of #ArunJaitley ji. Apart from having served greatly in public life, he played a huge role in many players from Delhi getting an opportunity to represent India. There was a time when not many players from Delhi got a chance at the highest level 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 (sic)."

V.V.S laxman expressed his thoughts, tweeting: "Saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri #ArunJaitley ji. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti! (sic)."

Noted news anchor and current DDCA chief Rajat Sharma also paid tribute, writing: "#ArunJaitley , my dear and close friend for 5 decades, is no more. In his passing away, #India has lost an able administrator, a fine jurist and an incorruptible politician. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Om Shanti. @arunjaitley (sic)."

BCCI President C.K. Khanna said: "It is indeed a very sad day for the whole of India as we have lost Arun Jaitleyji to a long and tough battle with health...A truly humble, self-made man who rose to greats heights, and has etched a place for himself in the history of modern India, with his genius, grit, charisma and commitment! It is a deep personal loss for me...Our association goes back to our college days in Shri Ram College Of Commerce where we worked together, he as the President, and me as the General Secretary of the College Union.

"I also had the privilege of inviting and closely working with him in the Cricket Administration in DDCA and BCCI. His contribution in the field of cricket shall be remembered forever...Today the Nation has truly lost a great Statesman and I have personally lost a very dear friend...May his soul find peace. Om Shanti!!"