CUTTACK 10-Feb-2010 119
Bibhuti Bhusan Das, an administrative legend of cricket in Orissa, passed away at his residence in Cuttack today. He was 85. Well-known for making Orissa a force to reckon with in cricket, Das served the state cricket association as its secretary for 24 years (1976 to 2000). A skillful official, Das also functioned as the secretary of Orissa Olympic Association and Mayurbhanj Athletic Association.
He assumed the highest position in the administrative setup of cricket in India by becoming the Vice-President of The Board of Control for Cricket in India in 1985. Orissa Cricket Association secretary Asirbad Behera condoled the demise of Das and described him as ‘a legend of Orissa cricket’.
Paying tribute to Das, former Orissa Ranji captain and coach Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra said: ‘‘He lifted the standard of cricket in the state when there was not much money in the game. During his tenure, the state team made its presence felt in the Ranji Trophy.’’
