<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Former Mumbai captain Milind Rege passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest. He was 76. He is survived by his wife Raj and two sons.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Mumbai Cricket Association took to X to share the condolence message: "Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Milind Rege. A stalwart of Mumbai cricket, he served with dedication as Captain, Chairman of the Senior Selection Committee, Managing Committee Member, and Advisor. His legacy will forever be remembered. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones."</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The stalwart of Mumbai cricket, Rege was part of five consecutive Ranji Trophy title-winning seasons. An off-spinning all-rounder claimed 126 wickets in 52 first-class matches between 1966-67 and 1977-78. He also amassed 1532 runs, averaging 23.56 in those games.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Following his playing career, Rege remained closely involved with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), holding various roles including selector and chief selector at different times. In 2020, he was appointed as an advisor to the MCA.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Deeply saddened by the passing of Milind Rege Sir. A true stalwart of Mumbai cricket, his invaluable contributions as a player, selector, and mentor shaped generations of cricketers. His unwavering support and guidance will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire. He always stood by me, and I will forever be grateful. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace," said MCA chief Ajinkya Naik.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Both the Mumbai and Vidarbha teams in the ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final in Nagpur observed a minute's silence before the start of the third day's play in Rege's memory. The Mumbai players also wore black arm bands.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Former India cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri also condoled the demise of his friend. "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," he shared on X.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Renowned as a cricket 'God' across the world, former India legend Sachin Tendulkar also took X and expressed his condolences. "Sad to hear about Milind Rege Sir's passing. He was a true Mumbai cricketer with immense contributions to the city's cricket. He and other CCI members saw potential in me and asked me to play for CCI, which, as I look back now, was a landmark moment in my career.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He could pick out a talented player from a sea of hardworking hopefuls. He had a special sixth sense to pick talent at all levels, but especially at junior levels.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">He leaves behind a void, one that's tough to fill. He may not be around, but his imprint on people's lives will always live on. He made a difference to so many lives and definitely made a difference to mine. Thank you, Sir, for everything.</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Heartfelt condolences to his friends and family," he wrote.&nbsp;</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>&mdash;IANS</strong></em></span></div>

Milind Rege was appointed as an advisor to the MCA in 2020

Mumbai team players wear black armbands in Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha

Ex-Mumbai Captain Milind Rege Passes Away

Mumbai team players wear black armbands in Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha

February 19, 2025 | 14:44 IST