New Delhi: BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Wednesday has denied that former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has resigned as BCCI president. Earlier, sources had told ABP News that Ganguly had stepped down from the post of BCCI chief, which the former cricketer himself hinted in a cryptic tweet.
"Today, I am planning to start something that I feel will probably help a lot of people. I hope you continue your support as I enter this chapter of my life," Sourav Ganguly tweeted. The development comes amid speculation that he may take the political plunge.
"2022 marks the 30th year since the start of my journey with cricket in 1992. Since then, Cricket has given me a lot. Most importantly, it has given me the support of all of you. I want to thank every single person who has been a part of the journey, supported me, and helped me reach where I am today," Ganguly further said.
Sourav Ganguly had taken charge of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as its 39th president in 2019. Ganguly, who ushered in a new era in Indian cricket with his aggressive captaincy, became the second Indian captain to hold the top job in BCCI. The only other Indian captain to become full-time BCCI president was Maharajkumar of Vizianagram.
Before heading BCCI, Ganguly was the president of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for five years.
West Bengal BJP sources told ABP News Sourav Ganguly could be nominated to the Rajya Sabha from sports quota. The terms of two President-nominated Rajya Sabha members from West Bengal, actress Rupa Ganguly and former journalist Swapan Dasgupta, are about to end soon.
The development comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah had dinner at Ganguly's residence in Kolkata during his trip to Bengal. State BJP sources said that the matter was discussed there. Shah was accompanied by Swapan Dasgupta, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar and Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.
Dona Ganguly, an acclaimed Odissi dancer, also performed at a cultural programme at Kolkata's iconic Victoria Memorial on May 6 evening that was attended by Amit Shah.