Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been now formally elected new Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president.
Sourav Ganguly Elected as the President of BCCI
On Wednesday, Ganguly formally took over as the new boss at the apex body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai.
Sourav Ganguly, who played 113 Tests and 311 one-day internationals and led India to 21 Test wins, has also arrived at the BCCI headquarters on Wednesday that is located in Mumbai for the AGM. Particularly, Ganguly filed his nomination for the role of BCCI president after eleventh-hour drama that was held previous this month. He has been selected unopposed as the president of richest body in world cricket.
Ganguly has already been an administrator for his home state association, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
Ganguly is expected to serve as BCCI president only for 9 months as the “Cooling Off” period section in the new BCCI constitution which makes it compulsory for board officials in order to step down after 6 years in office.
Sourav Ganguly made it clear that his first priority is going to be to look after first-class cricketers as well as to improve the standard of domestic cricket in the country. After an unrestrained period of administration under the CoA, Ganguly has also said taht he is keen on making the sure BCCI’s image is repaired.
After his name was finalized in an informal meeting of BCCI state units, he said, “My first priority will be to look after first class cricketers. I had requested to the CoA and they have not listened. Ranji Trophy cricket will be the focus. To take care of cricketers’ financial interest,”
Indian cricket was in muddy waters when Ganguly took over as India captain in the year 2000, picking up pieces after the match fixing scandal. But after his arrival as team’s captain, he drove Indian cricket to safety as well as instilled belief that India can also win overseas.
Now with BCCI’s influence suggestively reduced at the ICC, the former skipper’s board-room tact is going to be at test.
“I am happy with the appointment because this is the time when BCCI’s image has got hampered and it’s a great opportunity for me to do something.” he said.
Ganguly has served as the Cricket of Bengal President from the year 2015, before turning out to be the first cricketer in 65 years in order to take charge as full-time BCCI President after Maharaja of Vizianagaram in 1954.
“I congratulated him. It’s great that he has become BCCI president,” said India skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday on Ganguly’s appointment, after his side completed a 3-0 sweep over South Africa.
Wriddhiman Saha, who has played under Ganguly for Bengal, stated last week that his appointment as the BCCI President is going to be “immensely benefit” the national side. “He is aware of players’ demands and knows what goes on between them. It will be an added plus to the team and individual players,”
