New Delhi, September 16: Having retired from the international cricket last year, Ganguly had said he wanted to join cricket administration.
The southpaw from Bengal has already entered into the Cricket Association of Bengal’s Annual General Meeting and working committee this year, representing different clubs, and he is also the chairman of the CAB’s newly formed cricket development committee.
After retiring from international cricket last year, Ganguly had expressed his desire to get into the cricket administration, which eventually snowballed into speculation that he was eying the BCCI post in 2014, when it will be the term of East Zone.
On home turf, the task is almost impossible for Ganguly as the Cricket Association of Bengal chief Jagmohan Dalmiya is likely to represent in the AGM later this month.
There was speculation that he might represent the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) at the BCCI’s AGM scheduled for September 24, but that was rubbished by the association.
“There is not even a fraction of truth in this… It’s purely baseless and without any logic. I will represent our association in the BCCI AGM. I don’t understand why everybody is speculating about Sourav,” TCA Secretary Arindam Ganguly told PTI.
The speculation about Ganguly’s representation in the AGM grew thicker especially after the southpaw attended the annual prize distribution ceremony of the TCA two days ago.
“He had just come for the function and we did not have any discussion about the BCCI meeting. In fact, I will be representing TCA in the AGM,” Arindam Ganguly said.
The TCA, however, can change its decision if the state chief minister Manik Sarkar intervenes into the matter. The ace cricketer reportedly met Sarkar during his visit to the state.
“Our chief minister never interferes in cricketing affairs. Whatever we decide is final at the TCA,” Arindam Ganguly said.
To become the Board’s president, Ganguly must attend two AGMs from the same zone before filing his nomination and has to be an office bearer.
Besides, Ganguly also must have the support of at least three units from the zone he is representing.
Meanwhile, Kapil Dev hailed Ganguly’s decision to enter cricket administration, saying that former players like him are the ones best suited for the role, and not politicians.
Taking an indirect dig at the BCCI’s mandarins who have political affinities, the World Cup winning captain said, “Politicians should do politics, like doctors in medicine and engineers in engineering.”
“Ganguly is a great cricketer and I believe he would do justice to cricket administration. If great cricketers like him do not get into the cricket administration than who else should? Cricketers should take a cue from Ganguly and run the show for the betterment of the game,” said Kapil.
Kapil Dev also opposed master batsman Sachin Tendulkar’s idea of splitting one-day international matches into four innings with 25 overs each and said the proposal was a “pre-mature” one.
“It’s pre-mature to think of splitting ODIs. Each format of the game — Test, one-dayers and Twenty20 — will remain to exist and the popularity will remain,” said the 1983 World Cup winning captain.
However, Kapil heaped praise on Tendulkar for yesterday’s match-winning 44th century and said, “He is a great player and is very passionate about the game. If he is fit, he can continue as long as he wants. It’s up to him to decide when to retire.”
Tendulkar cracked 138 to help India lift the title.
Kapil cited the example of yesterday’s Compaq Cup final that India won against Sri Lanka by 46 runs and insisted that one-day format becoming more attractive with every passing day.
“Did not you see yesterday’s match and the interest it generated? Interest in ODIs is improving day by day and TV revenues are also increasing,” he said.
—–PTI