CALCUTTA (India): The newly-elected BCCI president Sourav Ganguly thanked everyone at the felicitation ceremony organised by Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) here on Friday evening.
“I never though that when I started playing cricket that I will be CAB and BCCI president at the age of 46,” Ganguly said in his speech.
New role, tough challenge
“What stands out for me is what not what I achieved. What stands out for me is not the power I had as CAB president or now as BCCI head. What stands out for me is that I could convince everyone of the responsibilty,” he added.
The former India skipper was formally elected as the 39th BCCI President after a general body meeting in Mumbai on Wednesday.
“It’s a very special day for me. A big thank to all my former team-mates, captains, curators and all those in the dressing room,” he said. “I’ll try to see Indian cricket goes forward.”
First cricketer in 65 years to take charge as full-time BCCI head
Affectionately called as ‘Dada’ by his fans and former team-mates, Ganguly said the leading the BCCI is a huge responsibility.
“It’s a big responsibility. When I became Team India captain, every body wanted to know if I’ve have any formuale. My answer hasn’t changed. My formula is what I do to my best and what my heart says,” said the 46-year-old, who served as CAB President from 2015.
He became the the first cricketer in 65 years to take charge as full-time BCCI President after Maharaja of Vizianagaram in 1954.
“When I became captain, it was bit tough period for for Indian cricket. When I was elected BCCI President, it’s a difficult time. I find extremetly fortunate that every time my name floats up from somewhere. I think that’s a huge responsiblity to lead the Indian cricket board,” he added.
I look at this responsibilty from the cricketing fraternity because for the first time after six decades that BCCI head is a former cricketer. When I finish my term, I don’t want anyone to say that cricketers are only good at playing the game and cannot run administration. I want to set up an example.
Sourav Ganguly
Successful captain
Ganguly, who served as national captain between 2000 and 2005, is considered one of the most successful skippers in the history of Indian cricket.
He led India to victory in the 2002 Natwest Trophy and final of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.
“When I first came in here (Eden Gardens) with my father as a 14-year-old boy, everyone who’s sitting here had helped me. They gave me whatever I needed. Some of these people who are present here were at the Eden Gardens then trying to game moving forward,” added Ganguly.
