Sourav Ganguly to replace Jagmohan Dalmiya as CAB President?

(From left) Late BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya and Sourav Ganguly

Jagmohan Dalmiya’s tragic demise has left the race for the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) Presidential seat wide open, with several candidates fighting a complex battle. Dalmiya remained unopposed throughout his tenure, with no successor in sight. However, sources within the CAB have indicated that former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly could be in with a chance to be at the helm of governing cricket in Bengal.

That being said, Ganguly is not being considered as one of the front-runners, because of his relationship with the top office-bearers within the CAB. Sources close to Ganguly stated that he is ‘interested’ in the new role.

West Bengal’s ruling party, Trinamool congress is also set to stake its claim for the position, by fielding two members in current Sports Minister Arup Biswas and Subrata Mukherjee, who could both be in with a chance. However, the lack of clarity has also highlighted how there has been no one to challenge Dalmiya for his throne.

Currently the Joint Secretary, Ganguly could be one of the first ex-cricketers to take up the role, considering his family’s affiliation with cricket administration. Ganguly’s father Chandidas Ganguly was the CAB Secretary for a few years.

Unlike the BCCI, who have 15 days to decide Dalmiya’s successor, CAB will have two months to come to a conclusion. If Ganguly does take over, it won’t be the first for an ex-cricketer to run an association. Karnataka was under the governance of spin whiz Anil Kumble for several years.

A source close to Ganguly said, “It is very early to say who will take the spot, but of course as an integral part of the CAB, he will be interested.”

Cricket club from around the state, generally elect the new President. The clubs were closely affiliated to Dalmiya, who began his administrative career in the Maidan with Rajasthan Club. Names such as Treasurer Biswarup Dey and Joint Secretary Subir Ganguly have also been doing the rounds.

Regardless of the selection, the Presidential search definitely guarantees yet another political pot-boiler in West Bengal.