To take care of Ranji cricketers financially is Sourav Ganguly's main motto as BCCI president

If you are an Indian cricket fan who grew watching Indian cricket in the early 2000s, in times where Indian cricket was growing possibly its worst phase, you’d know and realize the contribution of the Prince of Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly. Back in 2000, to say that Indian cricket was in turmoil will be an understatement; it was in shambles. The match-fixing allegations had reared its ugly head and were taking celebrated cricketers like Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, Nayan Mongia along with it, every passing day.

Enter Sourav Ganguly. Ganguly was a natural leader of men. For him, the ultimate priority was to restore the respect of Indian cricket back. And, that could have only happened with performances. He knew how to back his players and get the best out of them and so emerged raw-talents like Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag and later MS Dhoni, who would go on to become the flagbearers of Indian cricket in the next 15 years.

Sourav Ganguly lays down the marker for the challenges ahead of him as BCCI President

Fast forward to 2019. And, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing the same issue. Ever since that 2013 Indian Premier League spot-fixing scandal, the board’s reputation has taken a lot of it. And so, in the wake all this, Ganguly’s appointment comes as a refreshing change. And, the former Indian captain recognizes the biggest challenge in front of him: Repair BCCI’s image.

Monday is the last day of filing the nominations but no elections will be held as all candidates have emerged unopposed after weeks of lobbying. But, Ganguly reckoned it still is a big responsibility irrespective of whether he is elected unopposed or otherwise, “Whether you are elected unopposed or otherwise, it’s a big responsibility because it is the biggest organization in the world of cricket. India is a powerhouse. It will be a challenge,” the former Indian captain told India Today.

Ganguly, who is currently serving as the President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) but as per the BCCI rules, he will have to demit his post in July next year as he will go into compulsory cooling off-period, “That’s the rule. So we will have to deal with it. My first priority will be to look after first-class cricketers,” added Ganguly.

Apart from restoring the image of the BCCI, Ganguly said his foremost goal will be to take care of Ranji Trophy cricket and the cricketers’ financial interest, “I had requested the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and they have not listened. Ranji Trophy cricket will be the focus. To take care of cricketers’ financial interest,” he added.

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