Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to take over as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and has earmarked improving the board’s image and looking after first-class cricketers his priorities.
Ganguly, 47, emerged as the only candidate for the top post after a meeting in Mumbai on Sunday. Ganguly commands considerable respect and power in India; he is seen as one of the greatest Indian captains of all time and also leads the Bengal cricket association.
With the announcement of his election just a formality when elections are held on October 23, Ganguly said his priority as president will be to repair BCCI's image.
"I am taking over at a time when BCCI has not been in the 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," he told the Press Trust of India.
"Financially, India is a cricketing powerhouse, so it will be a challenge.”
The Indian board lost clout within the International Cricket Council over the last three years. Since 2017, the BCCI is being run by administrators appointed by the Supreme Court after its office-bearers failed to implement administrative reforms. The Court-appointed administrators will hand over responsibilities once the board elects new office bearers on October 23.
Ganguly said his priority right now is to look after first-class cricketers and also meet all stakeholders in Indian cricket.
"We will speak to everyone first as we take 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," added Ganguly.
Ganguly admitted that being elected unopposed is a big responsibility.
"Whether unopposed or not, there has to be responsibility as it is the biggest organisation in world cricket," he said.
Ganguly said he had never aspired to be BCCI chief but hoped his experience as captain would stand him in good stead. "We have lot of things to do, to get the administration in order," he said.
"Cricket on the field has been brilliant for India, the team has played exceptionally well.”
Former India batsman Brijesh Patel is likely to become chairman of the Indian Premier League. Jay Shah, son of India's home minister Amit Shah, is expected to the named secretary.
