ICC signs Sourav Ganguly as a commentator for Champions Trophy

Sourav Ganguly, apart from being recognised as the former Indian captain and one of the ‘Fabulous 5’, is also known for his impeccable English and vocal skills. He has done commentary after retirement but this time around, the president of Cricket Association of Bengal will be seen doing commentary for the prestigious 50-overs Champions Trophy in England this June.

Dada, as Bengalis fondly call him, is one of the two Indians signed up as part of the commentary panel for the International Cricket Council (ICC). The other member is Sanjay Manjrekar.

After Ganguly took up the post of Bengal Cricket Association’s office-bearer, he had to give up on his commentary job. However, it will not interfere with the Champions Trophy as his tenure at CAB ends in July.

Now that the Supreme Court appointed Committee of Administrators are in power, most decision-making is done by them. Thus it was assumed that Ganguly may first have to require a permit from CoA to confirm his availability for the new job. However, when Ganguly spoke to the Mirror, he said, “I am doing (commentary) for a foreign network, so I don’t need any permission.”

With the ICC hiring only two Indians for the global feed, it is likely that other Indian commentators like Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar could be work with Star Sports. But nothing is finalised yet.

Meanwhile, several changes were suggested by Marylebone Cricket Club to the Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee of the ICC. Among other rules, MCC empowered the umpires to send the players off the field on grounds of misconduct.

All of the new changes will be taken up and discussed at the ICC Cricket Committee in May. The decisions from the meeting will be passed to ICC Chief Executives’ Committee for approval. Meanwhile, Champions Trophy 2017 is scheduled to begin on 1st June and India will looking to defend their title. India won the 2013 edition of the tournament bt beating England by 5 runs in the final.