Mamta appeals to Modi to let Ganguly run for ICC election

Mamata Banerjee on Monday said Sourav Ganguly, who has been replaced as the Indian cricket board chairman, “had been deprived” and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send him to the ICC (International Cricket Council), reports NDTV.

The Bengal Chief Minister said Sourav Ganguly had been “unfairly left out”.

“He’s been deprived. What is his fault? I am very sad. I am really shocked. Sourav is a prevalent personality. He was the captain of the Indian team. He gave a lot to the country. He is not only the pride of Bengal but the pride of India. Why was he excluded in such an unfair way,’’ Mamata Banerjee said, speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport.

“My humble regards to the PM. Please take care that Sourav Ganguly must be allowed to contest the ICC election.” Nominations for ICC chairman have to be filed on October 20.

Sourav Ganguly, the outgoing chief of the BCCI or Board of Control for Cricket in India, will likely be succeeded by Roger Binny.

Reports suggest the former India captain wanted to continue as the chief of the board but reportedly didn’t get the backing he wanted from other members.

Though Sourav Ganguly is on his way out, Jay Shah - the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah - will remain the board’s secretary.

“A court had cleared the way for a second term for Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah. But don’t know why Amit Shah’s son stays. I have nothing against him, but why leave out Sourav? The way he was unfairly left out, the only compensation is ICC. Others have gone from BCCI to ICC,” Banerjee said.

“I request the government not to take it vindictively or politically. Take a decision for cricket, for sports,” she urged.

Sourav Ganguly has, however, said he might contest the Bengal cricket body election.

He has to run for ICC president, the Indian cricket board has to recommend him. That will depend on the support he has in the BCCI.