Sourav Ganguly has endured a challenging 26 months as BCCI president, from the COVID-19 disruption to allegations that he was trying to influence selectors, to criticism that women’s cricket wasn’t doing enough during his tenure.

But in an exclusive interview with PTI, the former India captain not only rejected the charges against him, but also gently reminded his critics – a prominent Indian cricketer before becoming BCCI boss , and has played matches among 424 international players, 113 of which are Tests.

Avoiding the drama surrounding the end of captain Virat Kohli’s tenure, Ganguly answered questions about other sensitive issues such as the recently announced Ranji Trophy resumption in two phases, India’s new Test captain still awaiting a decision, and the women’s squad. Start IPL.

He also revealed that this month’s Indo-West Indies T20Is in Kolkata will be “behind closed doors” and laughed when told of a possible rift with board secretary Jay Shah.

I don’t think I need to answer anyone (on this) nor defend these baseless allegations. I’m the president of BCCI, and I do what a BCCI president is supposed to do.

Also just to let you know, I saw a photo (social media) showing me sitting at a selection committee meeting.

I want to make it clear that that photo (Ganguly can be seen sitting with Secretary Jay Shah, Captain Virat Kohli and Co-Secretary Jayesh George) is not from a selection committee meeting.

Jayesh George does not participate in selection committee meetings. (I played) 424 India internationals. Sometimes it’s not a bad idea to call attention to it, is it? (laughs) Q: What has been your working relationship with Jay Shah at the Indian Cricket Board over the past 26 months? A: My relationship with Jay is very good. He was a very dear friend and trusted colleague. Me, Jay, Arun (Dhumal) and Jayesh (George), we have been working together to keep the board going through these difficult times, especially with this two years of COVID-19. to ensure that cricket happens. I would say it’s been a great two years. As a team, we all did it.

Obviously, there are certain parameters to leadership and whoever qualifies will be the next India Test captain. I am sure the selectors will remember a name that they will discuss with the heads of office – the president and secretary – and will announce it in due course.

I mean they will start playing the Ranji Trophy before the Sri Lanka series. After that, the picker will answer the call. The Ranji Trophy Elite team starts in the third week of February, with Sri Lanka’s Test in March. It will be entirely the call of the selection committee and their decision.

Complete News Source : The Hindu