BCCI Pays Tribute to Mumbai Spinner Padmakar Shivalkar
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Synopsis
The BCCI mourns the loss of Padmakar Shivalkar, a legendary Mumbai spinner and Ranji Trophy star who passed away due to age-related issues. His remarkable career included 589 wickets in 124 matches, and he was celebrated for his skill and dedication to the game.
Key Takeaways
- Padmakar Shivalkar was a renowned left-arm spinner.
- He played 124 first-class matches and took 589 wickets.
- He is remembered for his performance in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final.
- Shivalkar never played for the Indian national team.
- He received the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed profound sadness over the passing of former Ranji Trophy star and a pillar of Mumbai cricket, Padmakar Shivalkar, who left us due to age-related health issues on Monday.
Shivalkar's legacy is firmly established in the history of the Ranji Trophy, where he had a remarkable career that spanned more than two decades. Over the course of 124 first-class matches, he secured an impressive total of 589 wickets with an extraordinary average of 19.69.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) deeply mourns the unfortunate demise of Shri Padmakar Shivalkar, who died on March 3, 2025. The legendary left-arm spinner was a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, renowned for his unmatched skill and dedication to the game," the BCCI stated in an announcement released on Tuesday.
His ability to produce sharp turn, paired with his impeccable accuracy, made him a formidable challenge for opposing batters. His most memorable performance occurred in the 1972-73 Ranji Trophy final, where he single-handedly dismantled Tamil Nadu with astonishing figures of 8/16 and 5/18, leading Mumbai to yet another championship.
BCCI president Roger Binny paid homage to the late spinner, stating, "Indian cricket has lost a true legend today. Padmakar Shivalkar's mastery over left-arm spin and his profound understanding of the game made him a cherished figure in domestic cricket. His remarkable career and selfless contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket will be eternally remembered."
Secretary Devajit Saikia added, "Shivalkar Sir was a beacon of inspiration for generations of cricketers. His consistency, skill, and longevity in the sport were truly remarkable. While he might not have played for India, his influence on Indian cricket, particularly in Mumbai, is undeniable."
Despite his brilliance, Shivalkar never had the chance to represent India on the international stage, as his prime coincided with that of the legendary Bishan Singh Bedi. Nevertheless, his contributions to Indian cricket did not go unrecognized. In 2017, he received the esteemed Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his significant impact on domestic cricket.
