Former Kenyan cricket boss Ghai dies after illness

Former Cricket Kenya (CK) and Kenya Table Tennis Association chairman Sharad Ghai is dead.

Ghai, who had been ailing for sometimes, died at 4am on Saturday at Aga Khan Hospital where he had been admitted for the last 12 days with health complications.

The sports marketing Guru was elected Kenya Cricket Association (later Cricket Kenya)) chairman in 2003 after defeating incumbent Jimmy Rayani. Ghai was then the fixtures secretary.

Ghai served in the position until May 2005 when he opted not to defend his position, paving way for Samir Inamdar as the chairman under Cricket Kenya.

Ghai also served as KTTA chairman between 2001 and 2005.

CK chairperson Jackie Janmohamed mourned Ghai as a selfless person who revolutionised sports marketing in Kenyan sports especially cricket.

“Sharad Ghai was cricket and cricket was Sharad. He changed how we looked at marketing and brought in the era of serious sport marketing,” she said in her condolence message. “It is with great sadness that we have come to learn of the death of Ghai and we take this time to join the rest of the family members in prayers and May God rest his soul.”

KTTA president Andrew Mudibo said Ghai whom they fondly called “Sharad” was a dependable person who was ready to  get someone the best marketing deal. “He always ensured that the best and right agenda was pushed through for the benefit of cricket and table tennis,” said Mudibo.

“He was always ahead of the game and came out on top all the time.”