Milind Rege, Former Mumbai Captain and Cricket Stalwart, Passes Away at 76 Due to Heart Attack
Milind Rege, Former Mumbai Captain and Cricket Stalwart, Passes Away at 76 Due to Heart Attack
February 19, 2025: Milind Rege, the former Mumbai captain and a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, passed away on Wednesday following a heart attack. His demise comes just days after he celebrated his 76th birthday. The news was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an official release.
Rege had an illustrious domestic cricket career, excelling as an off-spin bowler. From the 1966-67 to 1977-78 seasons, he played 52 first-class matches, claiming 126 wickets and scoring 1,532 runs. Beyond his playing career, he remained deeply involved in Mumbai cricket, serving in various administrative roles, including as a selector and later as the chief selector for the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
The BCCI paid tribute to Rege, acknowledging his significant contributions to Mumbai cricket. His keen eye for talent and insights into the game made him a respected figure in the cricketing fraternity.
Tributes Pour In
Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri was among the first to express his condolences. In a heartfelt tribute on social media, he wrote:
“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.”
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also took to social media to mourn Rege’s passing. He recalled Rege’s influence on his career, noting that he was one of the selectors who included him in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad in 1988. Tendulkar wrote:
“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.”
A Lasting Legacy
Rege played a crucial role in Mumbai’s cricketing history, not only as a player but also as an administrator and mentor. He was an early advocate for the use of video analysis in domestic cricket, pushing for its implementation in Mumbai’s setup in 2006.
In honor of his contributions, both the Mumbai and Vidarbha teams observed a minute’s silence before the third day’s play in their Ranji Trophy semi-final match in Nagpur. Many Mumbai players, who earned their first-class caps under Rege’s selection committee, wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
Ajinkya Naik, president of the MCA, expressed his condolences, recognizing Rege’s invaluable contributions to Mumbai cricket. He emphasized that Rege’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of cricketers.
Rege was also known for his long-standing friendship with cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. The two attended the same school and college and played together at the Dadar Union Sporting Club.
Milind Rege’s passing marks the end of an era in Mumbai cricket, but his legacy will live on through the countless players he mentored and the impact he left on the game.
