Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to be appointed as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Ganguly, who is currently the head of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), will be resigning from his post in September 2020.
“Yes, Brijesh was running for the President’s post with N Srinivasan actively lobbying for him. However, there was stiff resistance against him. We are happy Sourav is the new President,” – a senior official said.
It was in 2002 Natwest Final that Ganguly first grabbed the attention of the cricketing world with a thrilling victory against England. India won in several away and home series under Wright’s guidance but the biggest success of Ganguly’s career was in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, where India reached the finals to take on Australia.
Ganguly, talking to the media, said it was a great feeling to head the country’s cricket board, adding that it is an opportunity for him to do something good. Sourav Ganguly pipped Brijesh Patel to become the front-runner for the top BCCI job.
“Obviously, it’s a great feeling as I have played for the country and captained the country. And I am taking over at a time when BCCI has not been in greatest of position for the last three years. Its image has got hampered quite a lot. It’s a great opportunity for me to do something good,” – Ganguly told.
Ganguly said he would first improve the financial health of first-class cricketers to strengthen the country’s domestic cricket.
“We will speak to everyone first as we make a decision but my biggest priority will be to look after first-class cricketers. I had requested that to the CoA for three years, and they didn’t listen. That’s the first thing I will do, look after the financial health of our first-class cricketers,” – Ganguly said.
According to reports, the last day to file nominations is Monday, but Ganguly emerged as the unanimous candidate for the post as the new President.
“Whether unopposed or not, there has to be responsibility as it is the biggest organization in world cricket. Financially, India is a cricketing powerhouse, so it will be a challenge.” – Ganguly said.
“I didn’t know I would be the President when I came down. You (reporter) asked me and I told you it’s Brijesh and when I went up and I came to know it has changed. I have never been in a BCCI election and I never knew it worked like this,” – Ganguly explained.
As news of Ganguly taking over as the BCCI President was broken by the media, fans rejoiced on the Internet and remembered the golden days of Indian cricket, celebrating the announcement with great enthusiasm.
