'Rungta was an individual who lived and breathed cricket'

Board of Control for Cricket in India president N Srinivasan offered condolences on the death of former Board chief P M Rungta, describing him as an "invaluable guide".

"Mr Rungta was an individual who lived and breathed cricket. He served the BCCI with distinction as its president, and was an invaluable guide in later years. He will always be missed," Srinivasan said in his condolence message on Thursday.

Rungta died at his residence in Mumbai on Thursday after a prolonged illness.

He served as BCCI president between 1972-73 and 1974-75.

Known as 'Bhaiji' to his friends and close acquaintances, Rungta continued to be involved with BCCI affairs for several years.

Rungta's brother Kishan is a former cricketer and ex-chairman of the national selection panel while his son Kishore is a former treasurer of the Board.