Former BCCI chief Biswanath Dutta passes away

Dutta had also served as the chief of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and was also the president of Indian Football Association (IFA).

Considered one of the most powerful administrators of his time, Dutta brought in Jagmohan Dalmiya into cricket administration.

Biswanath Dutta, former president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), passed away in Kolkata on Monday morning after prolonged illness. He was 93.

A top-notch sports administrator, Dutta had also served as the chief of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and was also the president of Indian Football Association (IFA). In 1988, he was elected as the president of the BCCI for a year-long term. Dutta was behind Jagmohan Dalmiya's foray into cricket administration.

His son, Subrata Dutta, is the senior vice-president of All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Dutta came to the BCCI helm after N. Srinivasan Sriraman and was succeeded by Madhavrao Scindia.

The administrators from Kolkata maidan paid homage to Dutta. "It is hard to believe that he has left us for heavenly abode. He was a father figure of Kolkata Maidan. His contribution to the game is immense and was an enormous binding force in getting everyone together.

"Its also a huge personal loss. The bond between our families is completely at a different level," CAB secretary, Avishek Dalmiya, said.