Indian cricket set for Prince’s rule: Ganguly to take over as chief of BCCI

Chennai: With India generating 70 per cent of the revenues in international cricket, newly elected BCCI president Sourav Ganguly will soon be sitting on the seat of real power after the poll results are made formal at the BCCI AGM on October 23.

An independent-minded cricketer who became one of the country’s best captains because he refused to see India as north, south, east, west or central, Ganguly has the task of restoring cricket administration to its rightfully elected administrators. In his first comments as President-elect, he has said very positively that his priority would be the state of the domestic game.

As captain, he derived his power to lead the Indian team out of the original betting scandal by the backing of Jagmohan Dalmiya, the businessman president of BCCI. He did a fantastic job of restoring fortunes with his bold approach and in sticking to what was best for Team India and backing his players to the hilt in selection meetings.

Ganguly would not compromise to the extent of joining the BJP just to get this plum post of president. He comes in as an administrator on his own right after performing as CAB president.

The secretary Jay Shah, who is Amit Shah's son, and the Treasurer, who is another BJP politician's son and brother of former BCCI president Anurag Thakur, would make up the team that will take back the reins of admin and run cricket from here.

If they are as straightforward as Ganguly and follow the best principles and practices of honorary administrators, they will make a great team.