Sourav Ganguly feels Anurag Thakur will take Indian cricket forward

Former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has reportedly thrown his weight behind Anurag Thakur’s appointment as the new BCCI president. The 43-year old, who is currently heading the Cricket Association of Bengal, reckons that Thakur has been with the BCCI long enough and knows what he needs to do. Talking to the media after the SGM where the announcement was made, Ganguly said, “Obviously he has got to carry the legacy of the people who have been in that position before him. I am sure he will do that... He has been the secretary and he knows his job. He will take it forward... Indian cricket, I am sure, will be looked after well.”

Sourav, who is also the chairman of the BCCI technical committee, was questioned on whether the former BCCI secretary will be wearing a ‘crown of thorns’ in his new role. “I don't think it is a crown of thorns... Whether you open in a Test match against the best fast-bowling attack in the world or you are the BCCI president or the president of an association... Every job comes with challenges, expectations and you just have to deal with it. I think the BCCI is in a great position in terms of the way the game goes around in the country. I am sure he will take the team forward,” said Ganguly in response.

Dada, as Sourav Ganguly is fondly called, answered a query on the current environment within the governing body of Indian cricket as well. He said, “The environment is fine... I really don't know what is going to happen. What ultimately the Supreme Court would come up with nobody knows. Whatever happens we will have to deal with it.”

He also praised BCCI for the job they have been doing by saying, “BCCI does a lot of good work, cricket is in good hands, the players, both international and domestic, are looked after well and we have a big tournament like the IPL.”

Head of the BCCI finance committee, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also showed his support for Anurag Thakur and newly-appointed secretary Ajay Shirke. Scindia said, “Best wishes to him. He has a big responsibility. We have full faith in our new president and secretary (Shirke). We want Manoharji as our guide. The Board is going through a difficult phase but I am sure we will overcome this phase.”