Former India captain Sourav Ganguly filed his nominations papers for the post of BCCI president in Mumbai on Monday, and is set to be elected unopposed on 23 October.
A veteran 113 Tests and 311 ODIs, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president said he never expressed aspirations to be boss of Indian cricket, and was unaware he was going to be chosen for the role until late on Sunday night.
The cricketing fraternity including Ganguly’s former teammates congratulated the BCCI president-elect on Twitter.
Indian Cricket Will Continue to Prosper: VVS Laxman
Batting legend VVS Laxman said Indian cricket will undoubtedly continue to prosper under the former skipper, "Congrats @SGanguly99 on becoming the President of @BCCI. I have got no doubt that under your leadership Indian Cricket will continue to prosper. Wishing you lots of success in your new role Dada," Laxman tweeted.
Ganguly thanked his former teammate for the congratulatory message.
"Thank u Vvs ..your contributions will be very important," Ganguly tweeted.
Great Signs for Indian Cricket: Virender Sehwag
Another veteran Virender Sehwag wrote, “Congratulations Dada. Der hai Andher nahi. Great signs for Indian Cricket. May this stint be an extension of the tremendous contribution you have already had on Indian cricket”.
Congratulations for Very Special Role: Shami
Indian speedster Mohammed Shami, who hails from Bengal, also congratulated Ganguly on his new role. “Congratulations for very special role dada and all the very best for future,” he wrote in a tweet.
Expecting Innovative & Much-Needed Things: Mohammad Kaif
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif wrote, “From player to captain to BCCI President, bahut Mubarak ho Dada @SGanguly99. Great signs for Indian cricket to have an outstanding leader be at helm of the BCCI, expecting innovative and much-needed things”.
An Excellent Development: Vinod Rai
The chief of the Committee of Administrators, who were managing the affairs of Indian cricket for the last 33 months, Vinod Rai said, "Sourav Ganguly's nomination for the post of president of BCCI is an excellent development. I personally will be very happy because he is not only a former cricketer but a very successful captain and an experienced cricket administrator”.
Wish He Had Longer Than 10 Months: Harsha Bhogle
Cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle said, “I genuinely believe, and have often said so, that Ganguly is the right man to take Indian cricket forward. I wish he had longer than ten months though.”
Ganguly Cut From a Different Cloth: Aakash Chopra
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra wrote, “Here’s wishing Dada all the best in his new role....often players don’t make good administrators but he’s cut from a different cloth. Expecting him to lead Indian cricket the way he led Indian Cricket Team to glory”.
You’ve Made India and Bangla Proud: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also congratulated Ganguly.
"Heartiest congratulations to Sourav Ganguly for being unanimously elected BCCI President. Wish you all the best for your term. You have made India and #Bangla proud. We were proud of your tenure as CAB President. Looking forward to a great new innings," Mamata said in a tweet.
The 47-year-old, one of the finest Indian captains, will hold the post of the BCCI president for a mere nine months. He will have to demit office in July, due to compulsory cooling off period.
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