Domnic, just to add to what you posted about Anthony D'Mello. My late uncle Elly (Eleuterio) who played in the Pentangular for the Rest and later on for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy (he was based at Patiala teaching at the Yadavindra Public School) used to recount to us stories and anecdotes about Tony D'Mello. From what I recollect, Tony D'Mello had a dominating personality and a fiery temper. He brooked no nonsense and bowed to no one. Those were the days when the cricket administration was dominated and controlled by the various maharajahs and elite business houses. Tony was all alone without organisation support. But it was the sheer force of his personality and drive that led him to the presidentship of the BCCI. His downfall was the tiff with Lala Amarnath who was sent back from England by Tony D'Mello who was the team manager.After that episode, his detractors ganged up against him and ousted him from the BCCI.
Tony was, however, a great institution builder. He was instrumental in constructing the Brabourne Stadium and National Stadium in Bombay and also the National Stadium in New Delhi. He played an important role in hosting the first Asian Games held in New Delhi. Tony D'Mello was a goan to the core of his heart. After my uncle shifted to Delhi, Tony would drop in sometimes to share in the typical goan food and listen to some great music which he relished very much. It is a pity that barring for a trophy which has been named after him, he is all but forgotten by the cricketing fraternity. Regards, Marshall
