Sourav Ganguly’s tenure as a BCCI president has been a roller-coaster ride so far. Initially, he received praise for organizing India’s first-ever Day-Night Test match but then things became difficult with COVID-19 outbreak disrupting the game.
Under his leadership, the Indian board couldn’t stage the Ranji Trophy last season while he garnered criticism for doing enough for women’s cricket.
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In the last few months, Ganguly has come under the scanner over the controversy surrounding the end of Virat Kohli's captaincy stint and his alleged influence in the selection committee meeting.
In an exclusive chat with PTI, however, the former India captain rubbished the allegations thrown at him.
“I don't think I need to answer anybody anything (on this) and dignify any of these baseless accusations. I am the president of BCCI and I do the job of what the president of BCCI should be doing,” Ganguly said.
“Also just to let you know, I see a picture doing the rounds (of social media) showing me sitting in a selection committee meeting.
“I want to make it clear, that picture (where Ganguly can be seen sitting with secretary Jay Shah, skipper Virat Kohli and joint secretary Jayesh George) wasn't from a selection committee meeting.
“Jayesh George isn't a part of selection committee meetings. (I have played) 424 international matches for India. Not a bad idea at times to remind people about it, isn't it? (laughs),” he added.
After he stepped down as T20I captain last year, BCCI sacked Virat Kohli from the ODI captaincy as well. Last month, Kohli also resigned from the Test captaincy after the series loss to South Africa.
When asked what kind of a new Test captain he is looking at, Ganguly replied: “Obviously, there are certain parameters of leadership and whoever fits the bill will be the next Indian Test captain. I believe selectors will have a name in mind and they will discuss it with office-bearers -- President and Secretary -- and it will be announced in due course of time.”
The BCCI boss also informed that the board is working on things to conduct the Women’s IPL going forward.
“We are at the level of formulation to have a full-fledged WIPL. It is certainly going to happen. I strongly believe that next year i.e. 2023 will be a very good time to start a full-fledged women's IPL which will be as big and grand a success as men's IPL.”
Sourav Ganguly also dismissed the reports of a possible rift between him and BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
“I share a fantastic relationship with Jay. He is a very dear friend and a trusted colleague. Me, Jay, Arun (Dhumal) and Jayesh (George), we have all been working together to get the board going in these difficult times especially with COVID-19 in these two years. To make sure that cricket happens. I would say it has been a fantastic two years. We have all done it as a team."
The BCCI chief said that the 2022 edition of IPL will be held in India and the venues will be zeroed in some time.
“Well, as BCCI has always maintained that this is the Indian Premier League and we would ideally want to hold it in India. Yes, we haven't yet officially announced as we are still tracking the COVID-19 situation in the country. Yes, we would finalise the venues in some time. The plan is very much to hold it in India and we are preparing accordingly."
(With PTI inputs)
