Mumbai cricket will miss the lovable Chhotubhai Chandarana

Chhotubhai Chandarana

One of the most popular, passionate and pleasant cricket administrators, Chhotubhai R Chandarana, passed away at the age of 84 on April 22 after a brief illness.
Chhotubhai's major contribution to Mumbai cricket was the leading role he played as secretary of the Seth Gordhandas Karsondas Challenge Shield Cricket tournament for suburban clubs since 1973.

The tournament has not been held for the last few years due to the shortage of available grounds. Chhotubhai also spared no sweat in conducting the Bhagubhai Khichadia-Khar Gymkhana Cricket Tournament for schoolboys since its inception at Khar Gymkhana in 1978.

"Chhotubhai belonged to that breed of Mumbai cricket administrators who were utterly selfless and would do anything for cricket and cricketers. That love was unmistakable, unshakable and the news of his death saddened me a great deal. The Gordhandas Shield was essentially for suburban maidan cricketers. He loved them and they loved him back," said former India bowler Balvinder Singh Sandhu, a product of suburban cricket.

Chhotubhai was on various Mumbai Cricket Association sub-committees; even serving on the finance committee.