Former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly’s short tenure of BCCI President ended on Sunday (26th July). According to BCCI’s rule, he has to go under mandatory three-years cooling off period. Although BCCI had appealed Supreme Court in April to omit the cooling period, however, the decision will be taken on August 17. Till then, there is no clarity over Ganguly’s role. Is he still holding the BCCI President position or has stepped down?
Ganguly was selected as the BCCI president in October last year. Before holding office in Indian Board, he was serving the second tenure president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). As per BCCI’s rule, an official has to go under the cooling-off period after serving in administration for six years either in State board or Indian board or both
Ganguly was well acquainted that he will have to go to cooling off period after serving a short period as the head of the BCCI which will count his six years of serving.
Sourav Ganguly’s unclear path:
BCCI has been silent over Sourav Ganguly’s future. No official meeting or statement has been released on stepping down of the former Indian captain from the post.
Jay Shah, who also held the position in BCCI with Ganguly, has been serving the post as the secretary though his tenure has already ended in May which means Ganguly might be also attending meetings.
But If Ganguly also continues to hold the position, it might be deemed as contempt of court according to August 2018 order on the tenure of officials.
“The rules also stipulate that no one be permitted to ‘circumvent’ the mandatory provisions of “cooling off” or “complete ouster after 9 years”. Yes, desired and favourable opinions could be obtained from many, but such “obtained opinions” are nothing but circumvention and contrary to basic fundamental objectives of changes so directed by the Supreme Court in series of decisions,” explained UN Banerjee, the BCCI’s former legal head.
“Since he hasn’t quit as yet, it seems he wants to continue as a cricket administrator. BCCI doesn’t have a plan B and no one is asking questions what are the next steps if the apex court refuses to amend the rules,” said a BCCI insider as quoted by Outlook.
Well, Sourav Ganguly is himself silent which has raised more questions on his position.
Brijesh Patel contender for BCCI president post:
IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel is currently active and has been releasing official statements. He was the one to inform the re-scheduling of IPL 2020 in September-November in UAE. Patel also confirmed that the board has sent an acceptance letter to the Emirates Cricket Board to host the IPL in UAE.
So, he has been in front for giving all the latest updates. According to which, Patel might be considered to serve interim BCCI chief until the Apex Court final hearing.