Lele's cricket love recalled

VADODARA: Former Indian test cricket player Chandu Borde on Friday paid a fitting tribute to late Jaywant Lele, who passed away on September 19 last year. Borde recalled the moments he spent with Lele, who held the post of secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Lele also held the post of Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) secretary for about three decades.Lele was an astute cricket administrator, Borde said at a talk organized by the Revival Group of the BCA here.
The talk was organized in the memory of Lele who passed away last year after suffering a massive heart attack. Former international players like Anshuman Gaekwad, Kiran More and Atul Bedade attended the talk along with former BCA president Chirayu Amin, Lele's son Ajit and BCA officials. "We organized the talk in the memory of Lele who had contributed immensely to Baroda cricket and Btoo. We all miss his presence," More said.
Borde, who was also chairman of national selection committee, said instead of five-star hotels, Lele preferred staying with the cricketers at a guest house during his visits to Mumbai. "It was a perfect tribute to a man who made significant contribution to the BCA and BCCI. We will organize such programmes every year in his memory," said Ajit Lele.
A former national kho kho player, Lele held the post of BCA secretary till 2001 when he lost elections. His membership was cancelled after allegations of financial irregularities were levelled against him. The allegations, however, were never proved. Lele's membership was restored some days ago by the Revival Group that has majority in BCA's managing committee.
Meanwhile, the BCA has organized J Y Lele Memorial All India Under-19 Invitation Tournament in the memory of Jaywant Lele. The tournament will begin on Sunday in the city.