(Image source from: Deccanchronicle.com)

Ex-BCCI GM M V Sridhar Passes Away: Following a massive cardiac arrest, former BCCI General Manager Dr MV Sridhar (51), passed away on Monday at his residence in Hyderabad. Mr. Reddy had recently resigned from his position.

For nearly four years, Mr. Reddy was in charge of BCCI’s cricket operations, till last month. It has been learnt that Sridhar succumbed to a massive heart attack, as he was getting ready to have lunch.

During the 1990's, Sridhar was one of the pillars of Hyderabad cricket and was also one of their better captains. It was Sridhar and Abdul Azeem, who shouldered the burden of Hyderabad batting when Mohammed Azharuddin was busy on national duty for most of the 90's.

Sridhar scored 6701 runs at a healthy average of 48.91. the right-handed opening batsmen played 97 first- class matches for Hyderabad and South Zone. Sridhar understood the demands of a professional cricketer, as he was a top level first-class player. On many occasions, in crisis situations, Sridhar was BCCI's ‘Go To Man’.

During the infamous 'Monkeygate', his role as an administrative manager in Australia, involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds was laudable. Throughout the hearing, Sridhar was present and he was the link between the team and the board.

Following Anil Kumble's resignation, after his much-publicized differences with skipper Virat Kohli, the Indian Cricket Board sent Sridhar to West Indies, in July this year. To have the players in good frame of mind, Sridhar was sent to the Caribbean and also get a first-hand account of their requirements. Mr. Sanjay Bangar handled the coaching.

Sridhar also represented as the secretary of the Hyderabad CA, and it is this stint that there were conflict of interest allegations leveled against him and allegations of his involvement with multiple clubs. And this was the main reason behind his resignation from  GM's (Cricket Operations) post.

Sridhar or 'Doc', as he was fondly known in the fraternity, was a genial man and always accessible regarding any cricket-related issue.

SUPRAJA