The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Lakshmi Ratan passes away

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 27, 2005

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Sport - Cricket

Lakshmi Ratan passes away

CHENNAI, FEB. 26. V.R. Lakshmi Ratan, former Secretary, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, passed away here on Friday. He was 93. " Naina," to his friends and admirers, Lakshmi Ratan played a prominent role in establishing and strengthening the administration of cricket in the State.

As Secretary of Madras Cricket Association between 1938-40, and again from 1951-52, Lakshmi Ratan was instrumental in launching the popular Sport & Pastime (now The Hindu Trophy) limited overs tournament sponsored by the management of The Hindu.

A student of P.S.High School in Mylapore, he worked for Philips India Ltd. with distinction, and retired as General Sales Manager from Kolkata in 1969. He was also the founder of two leading city league clubs— Minerva and Eccentrics.

Lakshmi Ratan is remembered as the pioneer for recruiting talented cricketers to corporate jobs. He helped several players to gaining employment in Philips India. The list includes Test player, V.V.Kumar, and state cricketers, A. K. Sarangapani, J. Ramakrishnan, Rajsekhar Shetty and P.R.Sundaram.

As a dynamic administrator, Lakshmi Ratan enjoyed good rapport with many sportsmen of his time. Vijay Merchant and Vijay Hazare were prominent among them. Vijay Merchant always was the guest of Lakshmi Ratnan whenever he visited this city. Lakshmi Ratnan is survived by his son, Ramesh.

Mr.S.R.Jagannathan of Straight Bat Magazine and a long time friend said the state had lost a stalwart administrator in the death of Lakshmi Ratan. Mr. N. Srinivasan, President and Mr. C.R. Vijayaraghavan Hon. Secretary, TNCA also condoled the death.

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