CHENNAI, JAN 20: One could run short of adjectives while spelling out his deeds. A giant among cricket administrators and an industrial magnate, MA Chidambaram, who passed away on Wednesday night, aged 81, had few peers in both roles. In fact, the golden period of Indian cricket was from 1960 to '63 when he was the Board president.Ever the one to believe that the office-bearers should not profit from the association, he practised what he preached. The innumerable meetings he had attended were at his own expense.Born on October 12, 1918, Chidambaram was the son of Raja Annamalai Chettiar of Chettinadu. He was chairman of SPIC. He had contributed to the industrial development of the country and was closely associated with several industries, chambers of commerce and trade organisations. He was also one of those instrumental in rapid industrialisation of Tamil Nadu.Chidambaram was known for promoting Tamil music and literature through the Tamil Isai Sangam.MAC, as he was affectionately known in thecircles, ate, slept and drank cricket. That was when the commercialism had not reared its head.His association with cricket started in the early '40s, promoting club cricket with a fervour which surprised many. It was his passion and hunger for the game which culminated in him becoming president of Madras Cricket Association, as it was known then.MAC and S Sriraman, struck a long and fruitful partnership. They shared a lot in common. Incredibly, from '56 to '86, they served as president and secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, which has no parallel.Duleep Trophy was MAC's brainchild for he `smelt' the disinterest which crept into the players in the Ranji Trophy. The players' motivation took a high when the cream of the players were bunched in a zone and a good show merited National selection.MAC's master stroke was to bring in the likes of Roy Gilchrist, Chester Waston, Charlie Stayers and Lester King to play in the domestic league. The idea was to shake off the batsmen's blues, and itworked wonders.MAC's most fruitful sojourn was as the BCCI treasurer, a post he held with distinction for many years.MAC built the nucleus for bringing up the finances of the players. The players had the first feel of five-star comfort and air travel. He was the first to advocate a benefit match for an Indian, Lala Amarnath being the benefactor.MAC's life-time ambition was to have a stadium on a par with the best in the World. Brick by brick he was there to see his dreams take shape and when it became a reality at Chepauk, he was the proudest man.As chairman of Madras Race Club for well over a decade, he was the one who brought in the Classics like South India Derby, St Leger and South India Oaks.He is survived by wife, a son, A C Muthiah and a daughter, Seetha Chidambaram.`A great champion of sports'A great loss to cricket and cricketers - Former cricket captain Lala AmarnathA thorough gentleman who cared a lot for the players. It was during his tenure as boardpresident that the players started travelling in first class in trains and later by air - Former India captain Polly UmrigarA great champion of sports - AITA chief RK KhannaA great administrator who was not involved in politics - Ex-India captain Mansur Ali Khan PataudiThe first board president who realised the importance of keeping its financial health in proper condition - Former India captain Bishen Singh BediHe laid the foundation and gave direction to the board's financial affairs, long before anyone else, during his long tenure as its treasurer.Indian cricket will be indebted to him for all times to come - Former BCCI chief Raj Singh Dungarpur
