MCA President Amol Kale succumbs to cardiac arrest in New York after watching Indo-Pak encounter

India won a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 encounter against Pakistan at the Nassau County Stadium in New York on June 9. Amidst the celebrations, devastating news has emerged from Long Island as the Mumbai Cricket Association President, Amol Kale has breathed his last just after the game. He was one of the attendees for the highly anticipated game and succumbed to a cardiac arrest in New York.

Amol overtook former India cricketer Sandeep Patil to become the MCA President in 2022. In a closely contested election, he defeated Patil by 25 votes to hold the chair. Under him, MCA had recently announced a 100 per cent pay rise for the senior cricketers in Mumbai cricket from the 2024-25 domestic season. He also initiated the process of giving match fees for the Mumbai players to promote red-ball cricket. The initiative was the first of a kind for any state board in India.

Also Read: 'Unprofessional, unacceptable at this level' - Sunil Gavaskar Opines on Mohammed Siraj's game-altering moment in Pakistan Clash

"The MCA will be paying additional match fees per Ranji Trophy game to each player from next season onwards. We felt that the player should earn more, especially those who play Ranji Trophy cricket. For us, red-ball cricket matters the most as Ranji Trophy holds a special place for everyone in Mumbai," Kale had said as quoted by TOI.

I had proposed to provide free one-time popcorn and cold drinks to all: Kale

In an unusual step, the MCA also provided free popcorn and cold drinks for the fans who had attended the World Cup 2023 game between India and Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Kale had quipped that the MCA would bear the cost of the freebies provided to the fans and the apex council agreed with the step.

"I had proposed to provide free one-time popcorn and cold drinks to all fans who turn up to watch World Cup games. It will be for the non-hospitality area. Fans of those who come to watch the game will have to show their ticket at the designated counter. It will get stamped and free popcorn and coke will given to each fan. The MCA will bear the cost of it. We will be starting this from the India vs Lanka game and it will be done by semis. The MCA Apex members have agreed on the proposal," Kale had said before the game.