Sourav Ganguly rubbishes allegations of influence in the team selection

Taking charge as the BCCI president in October 2019, criticism from all corners have come Sourav Ganguly's way. In his tenure so far, Ganguly has often been accused of not supporting women's cricket.

Recently, he was subjected to blame and was held accountable for influencing the team selection. With fans choosing to rip Ganguly to shreds, the board president opted to publicly answer the queries looming large in his term.

"I don't think I need to answer anybody anything (on this) and dignify any of these baseless accusations. I am the president of BCCI and I do the job of what the president of BCCI should be doing," Ganguly said in an interview to PTI.

"Also just to let you know, I see a picture doing the rounds (of social media) showing me sitting in a selection committee meeting. I want to make it clear, that picture (where Ganguly can be seen sitting with secretary Jay Shah, skipper Virat Kohli and joint secretary Jayesh George) wasn't from a selection committee meeting. George isn't a part of selection committee meetings. (I have played) 424 international matches for India. Not a bad idea at times to remind people about it, isn't it?" Ganguly gave an account of his viral picture with the selectors.

Sharing the details of his relationship with the BCCI secretary Jay Shah, Ganguly stated that they all work together as one team for the smooth functioning of the board.

"I share a fantastic relationship with Jay. He is a very dear friend and a trusted colleague. Me, Jay, Arun (Dhumal) and Jayesh (George), we have all been working together to get the board going in these difficult times especially with COVID-19 in these two years. To make sure that cricket happens. I would say it has been a fantastic two years. We have all done it as a team.

After Virat Kohli's resignation as the Test skipper of India, the selectors are left with a hard task of finding a suitable fit for the role. Speaking on this, Ganguly mentioned that the selectors have a name in their mind.

"Obviously, there are certain parameters of leadership and whoever fits the bill will be the next Indian Test captain. I believe selectors will have a name in mind and they will discuss it with office-bearers -- President and Secretary -- and it will be announced in due course of time," Ganguly opined.

Reflecting upon Rahane and Pujara's Test future, the 49-year-old informed that the selectors will take a call after seeing their performances in Ranji Trophy, scheduled in February. 

"What I meant was that they will play Ranji Trophy as it starts before the Sri Lanka series. After that, the selectors will take a call. Ranji Trophy Elite group starts in third week of February and Sri Lanka Tests are in March. It will completely be the call of selection committee and whatever they decide," Ganguly replied.

Commenting on Hardik Pandya, the president believed that the all-rounder could return to action in India's premier First-Class cricket competition.

"Hardik was injured and a break was given to him to completely recover, so that he can continue to serve Indian cricket for a long period of time. I believe I will see him play some Ranji Trophy to start with. I expect him to bowl a lot more overs and his body will get stronger. Also he is now captain of Ahmedabad IPL and that will be a platform where his form and fitness will be checked by selectors. Accordingly, they will take a call.

Fans have been constantly demanding for a full-fledged women's IPL. Ganguly said that the tournament could become a reality from next year onwards.

"We are at the level of formulation to have a full-fledged WIPL. It is certainly going to happen. I strongly believe that next year i.e. 2023 will be a very good time to start a full-fledged women's IPL which will be as big and grand a success as men's IPL," he informed.