18/09/2026
In Memory of Mr. Rangam Mitra
A Legacy That Lives On
On 7 July 2026, the Federația Română de Cricket (Cricket Romania) had the great honour of receiving the ICC Long Service Award in recognition of the extraordinary contribution of our late Vice President and CEO, Mr. Rangam Mitra.
This award is not simply a recognition of years of service. It is a recognition of a vision, a journey and a legacy that changed the course of cricket in Romania.
Mr. Rangam Mitra was one of the founding pioneers of cricket in Romania, together with Mr. Gabriel Marin, Mr. Andrew Begg, Mr. James Kodor, and many other passionate cricket lovers who believed that cricket could find a home in Romania and could become a force for sporting development in Eastern Europe.
Their journey began in 2009. Through dedication, perseverance and a clear vision, their efforts led to the creation of a fully functional cricketing body in Romania during 2011–2013, laying the foundations for what Cricket Romania has become today.
One of the greatest milestones of that journey was the establishment of the Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground, which has grown into one of the finest cricket grounds in Europe and a symbol of Romanian cricket.
But Rangam's vision went far beyond building a cricket ground.
He was a true innovator and one of the driving forces behind the development of cricket in Romania. He was instrumental in creating and supporting initiatives that included:
The Continental Cup, which has become a lasting legacy of his vision.
School and grassroots cricket programmes.
European Union development programmes.
The development of cricket infrastructure and competitions.
Building Romania's relationship with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Securing ICC affiliate membership and ultimately contributing to Romania's journey towards Associate Member status.
Creating a vision for Romania to become a centre for the development of cricket across Eastern Europe.
Rangam understood that cricket was not simply about playing matches. He believed in building institutions, developing people, creating opportunities and establishing a sustainable future for the sport.
Today, that vision has become a reality.
Cricket Romania has become a hub for cricket in Eastern Europe. During 2025 and 2026, Romania hosted a record number of international and domestic cricket matches, welcoming players, officials and teams from across Europe and beyond.
The federation has also continued to receive international recognition for its development work, including ICC recognition for women's cricket development and the ICC Cricket 4 Good Social Impact Initiative of the Year Award.
These achievements are part of the legacy that Rangam helped build.
Behind every successful institution there are people whose contribution may not always be visible, but whose influence remains present in everything that follows.
Rangam Mitra was one of those people.
He was a mentor, a visionary, an administrator, an innovator and, above all, a great human being. His professionalism, determination and belief in the future of cricket inspired generations of players, administrators, volunteers and cricket lovers.
Sadly, Rangam Mitra is no longer with us.
But his vision remains.
His work remains.
His values remain.
And his spirit remains at the place that he helped make possible.
Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground is more than a cricket ground.
For those who knew Rangam, it will always be a part of his story — a living monument to the dreams of the pioneers who believed that cricket could flourish in Romania.
Every match played there, every young cricketer who walks onto the field, every international team that visits Romania, and every new generation that discovers cricket carries a small part of that original vision forward.
The legacy continues.
Rangam may no longer be with us, but he will always live in our hearts.
And at Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground, his presence will always remain.
He was one of the architects of Romanian cricket.
His vision became our foundation.
His legacy is our responsibility.
And his spirit will forever be part of Cricket Romania.
Rest in peace, Rangam Mitra.
You will never be forgotten.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u1gIh2L4e5k&ra=m
