Cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly have offered their condolences on the demise of former India football captain Pradip Kumar Banerjee, who passed away on Friday (March 20) after a prolonged illness.

Fondly referred to as PK Banerjee by his fans, the 83-year-old drew his last breath at a private hospital in Kolkata.

"Heartfelt condolences on the passing of the great Indian footballer PK Banerjee! Have fond memories of meeting him on a few occasions and the positivity he spread. May his soul Rest in Peace," Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

Taking to the micro-blogging site, BCCI President Ganguly said Banerjee had a great influence on his career when he was a teenager.

"Lost a very dear person today...someone who I loved and respected enormously...someone who had so much influence in my career when I was a 18 year old boy...his positivity was infectious...may his soul rest in peace...lost two very dear persons this week," tweeted Ganguly.

Banerjee represented India in 36 official matches and led the national side in 6 of them. In the process, he struck 19 goals for the country.

PK Banerjee was the first Indian footballer to be conferred with the Arjuna Award (in 1961). He also received the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 1990.