Anthony de Mello (cricket administrator) facts for kids
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| Born | 11 October 1900 Karachi, Bombay Presidency, British India |
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| Died | 24 May 1961 (aged 60) Delhi, India |
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| Bowling | Right-handed medium pace | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: CricketArchive
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| 6th President of BCCI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 1946–1951 |
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| Preceded by | P. Subbarayan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | J. C. Mukherji | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Anthony Stanislaus de Mello (born October 11, 1900 – died May 24, 1961) was an important person in Indian cricket. He helped create the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He also played a big part in starting the Asian Games. He was the main organizer for the first Asian Games in Delhi in 1951.
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About Anthony de Mello
Anthony de Mello was born in Karachi. His family was from Goa. He went to school at St. Patrick's High School and later studied at the University of Cambridge. He started his career working for a businessman named R. E. Grant Govan in Delhi. Together, they worked to create the BCCI.
His Work in Sports
Starting the BCCI and CCI
The idea for the BCCI began in 1927. Key people like Anthony de Mello, R. E. Grant Govan, and the Maharaja of Patiala met with Arthur Gilligan, who was the captain of a visiting cricket team. They decided to form a new cricket board for India. The BCCI was officially started in December 1928. Grant Govan became its first president, and De Mello was the secretary.
De Mello also helped create the Cricket Club of India (CCI). This club was meant to be a major center for cricket. Even though it was first planned for Delhi, it ended up being built in Bombay. De Mello played a big role in finding the land for the famous Brabourne Stadium in Bombay.
Leading the BCCI
Anthony de Mello was the Secretary of the BCCI from 1928 to 1938. Later, he became the President from 1946 to 1951. In 1934, he suggested creating a national cricket championship. This idea led to the famous Ranji Trophy, which is still played today.
During his time as President, De Mello faced some challenges and disagreements. His term as President ended in 1951. He tried to become president again in 1952 but decided not to run when he saw he might not win.
As a Cricketer
Anthony de Mello also played cricket. He was a medium pace bowler. He wasn't a very famous player. However, he did have a great moment in a match in 1930-31. In that game, he took the wickets of famous players like Jack Hobbs, Herbert Sutcliffe, and C. K. Nayudu. He also captained a team in the Bombay Pentangular tournament.
Other Organizing Roles
De Mello was a very active organizer in many sports.
- In 1948, he helped start the Asian Cricket Council.
- He was also the president of the Table Tennis Federation of India.
- He helped create the Table Tennis Federation of Asia.
- In 1949, he launched the National Sports Club of India.
- He helped organize the 1952 World Table Tennis Championships in Bombay.
- He was also a key organizer for the 1950 National Games in Bombay.
One of his biggest achievements was being the main organizer for the first Asian Games in Delhi in 1951. He also helped improve Delhi's transport system as the General Manager of a transport company.
Later Life
Anthony de Mello passed away on May 24, 1961, after an operation. He was buried in York Cemetery in New Delhi. He also wrote a book called Portrait of Indian Sport, which was published in 1959.
