The former veteran cricketer Ramchand Goala, renowned back in the days as a left-arm spinner for Bangladesh, passed away Fridaymorning at his residence in Mymensingh.
He was 79.
He was suffering from various physical problems since his second stroke last year.
He had another stroke three years ago.
The left-armer spent 15 consecutive seasons at Abahani Limited, but made his debut for Victoria Club in the Dhaka League in 1962.
He also played for Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited, Town Club, Shantinagar and Lalmatia Club.
He played the game until he was 53 and featured for the national team a few times.
He was part of Bangladesh's tour of West Bengal in 1983.
He also turned out for the national team in 1985 when Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Cricket Board and Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh expressed their condolences at the death of Ramchand.
BCB’s chairman of the media and communications committee, Jalal Younus, a former teammate of Ramchand, paid tribute to his perseverance and strength: “Ramchand received his first national call-up when he was over 40, and played at club level until 53 years of age. He is a unique example of mental and physical fitness, passion for the game and most importantly, self-discipline. These are traits the cricketers of today should aspire to emulate.”
Ramchand was a mentor of Bangladesh T20I captain Mahmudullah at the beginning of his career in Mymensingh.
