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Published 17:57 IST, October 23rd 2019

Vinod Rai: No one better than Ganguly for BCCI President post

In an interview, the CoA chief said that he was very happy with Ganguly being elected as the BCCI President and that there is no one better than Sourav Ganguly

Reported by: Jitesh Vachhatani
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As the tenure of Committee of Administrators (CoA) came to an end and the committee chief, Vinod Rai bid adieu to Indian cricket, former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly began his second innings as the BCCI President on Wednesday. In an interview, the CoA chief said that he was very happy with Ganguly being elected as the BCCI President and that there is no one better than Sourav Ganguly to take over the reins of BCCI. Rai also stated that he had a very satisfying experience as his 33-month tenure came to an end. 

READ | From BCCI Old Guard To Transparency: Vinod Rai Recalls Tenure As CoA

"No one better than Ganguly," says Rai

Vinod Rai, when queried about how he looks at Sourav Ganguly's ascension to the BCCI president's post said that, "I have great respect for Sourav. My respect for him grew, even more, watching him efficiently manage the Cricket Association of Bengal and the fact that cricketer of that capability and distinction will be running the BCCI. I don't think there is anyone better than Sourav to take over the reins of BCCI." 

Ganguly sets his priorities as BCCI President

Former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly took charge as the BCCI President on Wednesday. On his first day in office, setting his priorities straight, Ganguly stated that first-class cricket in India will be his main focus as it is first-class cricket, where 'next-gen Dhonis and Kohlis' are found. While addressing the media after taking charge, Ganguly said that the number of games in country cricket has increased with the increase in the number of teams and so it is important to look after it. Ganguly also spoke about the much-speculated MS Dhoni retirement and said, "Champions don't retire halfway."

READ | Did Vinod Rai Give A Free Hand To Kohli & Shastri? Here's His Answer

CoA dissolved as Sourav Ganguly takes over

The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators was dissolved the moment Sourav Ganguly-led new BCCI team took charge as office bearers on Wednesday. Though the terms and conditions were already clearly spelt out by the COA on the date of announcement of BCCI elections by the COA, it was officially confirmed by the Supreme Court in its order on Tuesday. In a significant decision, the Supreme Court also directed that "no case would lie against the members of the CoA in respect of any action taken by them as members of CoA in good faith, without the leave of the Court." This is subject to interpretation but prima facie it would mean that none of the COA members can be held responsible for their action and decisions are taken and it would not be binding upon the BCCI and State Associations to implement anything related to policy matter of the BCCI outside the ambit of their terms of reference.

READ | Sourav Ganguly Sets Priorities Straight On Day 1 As BCCI President

READ | Sourav Ganguly Formally Elected As 39th BCCI President Sans Opposition

(With PTI Inputs)

Updated 18:16 IST, October 23rd 2019

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