Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the death of cricketer Vijay Hazare. Following is the text of Prime Minister's condolence message:

"Cricket lovers in India and the world over will receive with deep sadness the news of the passing away of Padmashree Vijay Hazare. I join his admirers and fans in paying tribute to the first Captain to lead our cricket team to victory. He did so at a time when India had not yet made its mark internationally, and it is through the contributions of pioneering sportsmen such as Shri Vijay Hazare that our cricketers are amongst the best in the world.

I am sure Shri Hazare believed that he had lived a full and satisfying life, watching the cricketers he had nurtured and inspired taking the game to new heights.

I convey my sincere condolences to his admirers and cricket lovers across the country."