'There's not going to be any election, so it will be uncontested' - Sourav Ganguly backs out of CAB president's race

In a surprising turn of events, the former BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly decided not to run for the post of president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Sunday (October 23). Ganguly had announced his desire to run for the upcoming elections for CAB's chief position earlier this month but has now backed out to make a way for his elder brother Snehashish Ganguly.

Ganguly was denied the second term as the chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which was a shock for many fans. Soon after his exit from BCCI, the former CAB president told reporters that he will be running for the CAB's next elections alongside his brother.

But on Sunday (the last day to file a nomination), Ganguly decided to not submit papers to pave a way for his brother to win the election uncontested which is scheduled to take place on October 31.

"I had said that I would contest only if there's the election. There's not going to be any election, so it will be uncontested. Had I been there, it would have meant two or more people would not get any posts. So, I've moved aside," Ganguly told reporters at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

I've no rival in CAB, everyone is my friend here: Sourav Ganguly

Ganguly also added that if he had been elected uncontested, then many would have not got the opportunity to work in the association.

"I would have been elected uncontested, but I don't think it's right. Others would not have got the opportunity to work for this association. They will be working for these three years now and we will see after that."

The former BCCI president also revealed that he has no rivalry in the state association and that everyone in the organisation is his friend. When asked about his next plans, he added that he is happy right now for not having any responsibility.

"Let's see. I'm free of responsibilities for some time now and I'm happy about it. I've no rival in CAB, everyone is my friend here. There are new and experienced people here to run the show. I'll also be around and they will get me at times," Ganguly added.

Now Snehashish Ganguly will likely be the next chief of CAB and Amalendu Biswas, the father of the Students Federation of India leader Mayukh, will occupy the vice-president's chair.