Happy to get an opportunity in a tough situation, says Ganguly

Kolkata: Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is all set to become the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the affiliated units of the cricket board unanimously selected him for the top job in Mumbai on Monday.

Back in the City of Joy on Tuesday, Ganguly said his top most priority will be to change the life of the first-class cricketers as they deserve attention.

Speaking to the media at the Kolkata airport, Ganguly not only thanked the people for their support, but also promised that he will leave no stones unturned for the betterment of the Indian cricket.

“It is a great responsibility and hopefully I can do a good job. Its a two different lives — one is cricketer and the second one of an administrator. Firstly, I think what makes me more happy is that I got an opportunity in a tough situation and it gives me tremendous confidence and makes me feel that they have confidence in my ability. I have a young team and it will be new for all of them, but all of us will work to the best of our abilities and we won’t lack anywhere,” he expressed.

Speaking on his priorities after taking over, Ganguly said: “First-class cricketers will be my priority and we will change their life. You only look at the top but we will also look at the bottom as many gems of Indian cricket lie there and we will change their life.”

The T20I World Cup is slated for the next year and commenting on India’s expectation at the showpiece event, he said: “India is a good team and they are playing well. Yes, I know they haven’t won a big tournament, but I know they will turn things around. (Virat) Kohli is a champion player and he will turn it around.”

The Cricket Association of Bengal, meanwhile, rolled out the red carpet for their favourite son.

Akhtar, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under the captaincy of Ganguly, believes the Prince of Kolkata had transformed Indian cricket during its tough phase besides changing the players’ mentality as he has brilliant cricketing knowledge.

“One person that transformed Indian cricket was Sourav Ganguly, never felt before 97-98 that India could beat Pakistan. I never felt India had the system to beat Pakistan until Sourav Ganguly became the captain. Sourav Ganguly changed the mentality of Indian cricket. He had an eye to pick a talent to play for India,” Akhtar said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“Sourav Ganguly is a great leader, he is honest person when it comes to picking up talent. He is a brilliant cricketing knowledge,” he added.

Ganguly had filed his nomination at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Monday and said that taking care of first-class cricketers and setting the house in order will be his top priorities.

However, Ganguly’’s appointment will be a short one as he will have to go in for a cooling off period from September 2020, under the new rules.

The former India captain has been holding posts in Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for the past five years where he currently serves as president. An administrator can only serve six years on the trot.

On October 23, the CoA will hand over power to the BCCI office-bearers.

Agencies