Kolkata: Sourav Ganguly will succeed Jagmohan Dalmiya at the helm of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after rival factions came together to unanimously support him, some say at the instance of CM of Bengal, Mamatha Banerjee. Treasurer Biswarup Dey and joint secretary Subir Ganguly accompanied Sourav to chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s office where she announced he would take over at CAB.
“CAB needed someone to head the organisation and members felt Sourav should head it… They will decide. I am nobody. I don’t want any controversy … I just communicated their decision,” said Mamata after emerging from the meeting. Indications are that Dalmiya’s son, Avishek, will be inducted into CAB as a joint secretary. Treasurer Dey backed the CM’s move. “The way our CM brought all of us together in this hour of crisis is a great boost for Bengal cricket,” he said.
Sourav did not deny that the CM had a hand in the decision. “It was not the CM’s decision alone. I’m very happy Avishek (Dalmiya’s son) will be a part of CAB. It is an emotional time for him. We will stand by him through thick and thin.”
Sourav’s formal anointment will, however, have to wait. The entire `election’ process will take at least 17 days in spite of the fact that there will be no election. His first task will be to successfully host the third T20 International between India and South Africa at Eden Gar dens on October 8. Till then, he will function as the de facto CAB president even though he is the joint secretary.
He will resign from his present post well before the SGM date and file his nomination papers for the president’s post as the representative of Barisha Sporting Club where the Ganguly clan calls the shots. Avishek too will have to file his nomination for the joint secretary’s post from Rajasthan Club where his father was the president.
Sourav said of his new assignment, “No one can replace him. It is an irreparable loss. But I have always tried to give my best in whatever I do. I will try to shoulder this responsibility to the best of my ability.”
Sourav, however, does not see any drastic change in his job profile. “I don’t see much change in my role in Bengal cricket. Only my position will change. The future of Bengal cricket will not be compromised and I would like to see Bengal play good cricket this season,” he stated.
Sourav is also confident that he will not encounter any political interference in his new role as CAB president. “I don’t think so. This was a crisis situation in Bengal cricket and the CM was concerned.She has always come forward to support, be it in the field of art, culture, business or sport,” he said.
