BCCI chief-elect Sourav Ganguly's focus only on "cricket & cricketers"

Former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly, who has emerged as a consensus candidate for the next BCCI President, has promised a "paradigm shift" in Board politics with focus only on cricket and cricketers.

"If I am finally elected my priorities are clear. It will be only cricket and not politics around it. Indian cricket has suffered a lot from an administrative point of view. Cricketers must not suffer because of this," Sourav Ganguly told mediapersons after the news of him becoming the next BCCI president spread since morning.

Another big name to be elected unopposed is the Gujarat Cricket Association president Jay Shah who will be the new Secretary. Both Ganguly and Shah will be filing their nominations on Monday along with Himachal Cricket Association President Arun Dhumal, brother of former BCCI president Anurag Thakur, who will contest for the post of treasurer. 

Jayesh George will be the BCCI Joint Secretary, President of Kerala Cricket Association and  Vice President Uttarakhand Cricket Association president Mahim Verma.

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The BCCI elections will be held on October 23

The BCCI elections will be held on October 23 and the last date for nominations is today/Monday (October 14).

In a 5-hour long meeting starting Sunday afternoon till late evening, two names emerged for discussion  - Ganguly and former Karnataka State Cricket Association president Brijesh Patel. At one point Patel had become the front-runner when Ganguly stepped in and decided to put his hat in the ring and was even willing to contest.

While Patel was backed by former BCCI president N Srinivasan, Anurag Thakur-led most associations felt there was a need for a big face to rescue and restore the image of BCCI. Ganguly, however, will be the BCCI head for less than a year as he will have to go through a "cooling off" period starting July next year, as per Supreme Court orders and Lodha Recommendations.

Following 5 candidates will file nomination at BCCI headquarters (Oct 14) and will be uncontested: 

President: Sourav Ganguly (CA of Bengal ) 

Secretary: Jay Shah (Gujarat CA) 

Treasurer: Arun Dhumal (Himachal CA)

Joint Secretary: Jayesh George (Kerala CA)

Vice President: Mahim Verma (Uttarakhand CA)

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