Former Mumbai Cricket Captain Milind Rege Passes Away at 76
Former Mumbai Cricket Captain Milind Rege Passes Away at 76
Milind Rege, former Mumbai cricket captain and a key figure in Indian domestic cricket, passed away on Wednesday due to a heart attack, just days after his 76th birthday. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news in an official statement.
Rege had a remarkable career in domestic cricket, playing as an off-spinner from the 1966-67 to 1977-78 seasons. He played 52 first-class matches, taking 126 wickets and scoring 1,532 runs. After retiring, he stayed actively involved in Mumbai cricket, serving as a selector and later as the chief selector for the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The BCCI recognized his immense contributions to Mumbai cricket, especially his talent-spotting skills and deep understanding of the game.
The BCCI mourns the passing of Milind Rege, former Mumbai captain and selector. A pillar of Mumbai cricket, he played a key role in its growth and legacy. His keen eye for talent and contributions as a commentator earned admiration across the cricketing fraternity.
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 19, 2025
The Board… pic.twitter.com/LQjU8wHmgs
Tributes from the Cricketing World
Many former cricketers expressed their grief. Ravi Shastri called Rege a “mentor par excellence” and a true champion of Mumbai cricket. Sachin Tendulkar also paid tribute, remembering Rege as one of the selectors who picked him for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team in 1988. Tendulkar recalled how Rege and others at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) spotted his potential and invited him to play, which became a turning point in his career.
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. pic.twitter.com/ZrB1fHAizg
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 19, 2025
His Lasting Legacy
Rege played a crucial role in Mumbai cricket, not just as a player but also as an administrator and mentor. In 2006, he was among the first to push for using video analysis in domestic cricket. To honor him, Mumbai and Vidarbha teams observed a minute’s silence before their Ranji Trophy semi-final in Nagpur, while Mumbai players wore black armbands as a tribute.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik acknowledged Rege’s invaluable contributions and said his legacy would continue to inspire young cricketers.
Rege was also a close friend of cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, as they studied and played together from a young age. His passing is a great loss to Mumbai cricket, but his impact on the game will be remembered for years to come.
