Ex-Bengal cricketer Aloke Bhattacharjee passes away

Aloke
Dead body of Shree Aloke Bhattacharjee at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: Former Bengal cricketer Aloke Bhattacharjee breathed his last on Saturday  in Kolkata. He was 63 years of age.

Mr. Bhattacharjee was born August 24, 1953 at Howrah in West Bengal. He was an elegant right-hand batsman and slow right-arm offbreak bowler.

“We are deeply saddened at the sudden demise of Mr. Bhattacharjee. Our deepest condolence for his close ones; may they find strength to cope with this loss,” said CAB President Sourav Ganguly on learning about his death.

Playing for Bengal over a decade and half from 1970/71 to 1986/87, he scoring 575 runs in 42 first class matches at an average of 15.54, and took 134 wickets at an average of 22.67.

“We are deeply grieved on hearing this news. May his soul rest in peace,” said CAB Jt. Secretary Subir Ganguly.

CAB Jt Secretary Avishek Dalmiya expressed grief saying, “We are in shock at the sudden demise of Mr Bhattacharjee. He was a great allrounder and served Bengal well. We pray that he may rest in eternal peace.”

After his playing days were over, he umpired in domestic and international matches. His debut as an international umpire was in an India-Kenya ODI in Bangalore and last in an India-Zimbabwe ODI in Mohali in 2002.

Mr. Bhattacharjee was a Bengal selector between 2012 to 2014, and also served in the umpires committee.