Longest serving BCCI employee set to retire

To stay with a firm for 10-15 years is one thing but to be associated with it for four decades is something else. Sitaram Tambe, the longest-serving employee of the BCCI is all set to finally call it a day. During his tenure, Tambe handled various responsibilities at the BCCI.

The BCCI was not as big as it is today. It used to operate in a small office inside the Cricket Club of India at the Brabourne stadium. Tambe has been an employee since then and has become a familiar face in the backroom staff who ensures smooth conduct of India’s official cricket. “Tambe mama” as he is fondly called ensures that months of hard work that a cricket team puts to earn the coveted trophy get its due when the shining silverware reaches its deserving winner.

Start of Sachin until end of Sachin

Sitaram Tambe was the one to inform the Tendulkar household about the Little Masters selection into the Indian team. Incidentally. Tambe was also 16 when he started his career with the BCCI. “I had the pleasure of delivering the official letter to Sachin Tendulkar’s father at this residence. When he retired after a 24-year-long career, I had again gone to his house to get his autographs on some souvenirs. On my first visit, he was still a teenager, but on my next, he had become an all-time great,” he recalls with a smile in an interview with BCCI staff.

Gave his all

In the world of technology, Tambe’s work has become easier. Back then he had to make trips to Post Office to send Telegrams to selected players. Now the selections are streamed live. He also ensured that the kit-bags have been placed in the aircrafts by coordinating with the airports.

He fondly remembers the time spent with former greats Lala Amarnath, MAK Pataudi, B. S. Chandrasekhar and Salim Durani. “I had gone to deliver the Ranji Trophy to Indore last year (2016-17 season) and when I handed it over to the crew there, the top of it broke while the trophy was being removed. It weighs 15 kgs. We called a local expert, took the trophy to his workshop and sat there till the work was complete. By the time we reached the ground with the trophy, it was 2am and when Gujarat were handed the trophy, it was in pristine condition.” He added.

Tambe mama will make one last trip to Indore with the historic Ranji Trophy to crown the domestic champions of the 2017-18 season. His contribution has been immense and invaluable. Such services should not go unnoticed as these are the people responsible for looking after the well being of the game.

The BCCI would like to thank Mr Jayant Zaveri, Mr B Laxman, Mr Sitaram Tambe and Dr Vece Paes for their invaluable contribution to the organisation and wish them a joyous retirement. pic.twitter.com/8nENnFB81M

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 29, 2017

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