BJP Rejects Ganguly's Second Term as BCCI Chief Due to Non-Alignment, Claims Trinamool Congress

In a surprising turn of events, Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian cricket captain, will not be serving a second term as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The annual general meeting of the BCCI, scheduled for October 22, 2023, will see Roger Binny, a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team, taking over the position unopposed.

Ganguly, who has distanced himself from national politics and focused on cricket management, has steered clear of political involvement. However, the Trinamool Congress party claims that the BCCI's decision not to allow him a second term is a political vendetta. The party's state general secretary, Santanu Sen, has questioned why Ganguly would not get a second term.

The BJP, on the other hand, has called the Trinamool's accusations unjustified. BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh has described these allegations as "baseless", questioning if those making the claims had any function when Ganguly took over as BCCI President. The BJP has not directly commented on the matter but may be responsible for addressing the allegations.

Rumours have circulated about Ganguly being the BJP's choice for a management role in the party's West Bengal unit. However, the BJP has not been confirmed to have attempted to induct Ganguly into their party for a management role in West Bengal. A dinner with Amit Shah, the BJP's national president, was reportedly held due to a long-standing relationship, not political reasons, according to Ganguly.

The Trinamool claims an elderly BJP leader visited Ganguly's house for dinner in May this year. The BJP, however, has not been confirmed to have attempted to induct Ganguly into their party for a political role.

Jay Shah, currently BCCI Secretary, is expected to replace Ganguly as India's representative at the ICC Board. If no other candidate emerges, Shah will continue as BCCI Assistant for a second successive term. Some people are reportedly shedding crocodile tears concerning the changes in BCCI, while others remain silent on the matter.

Ganguly has not been involved in national politics since focusing on cricket management. The Trinamool MP, Santanu Sen, has expressed concerns about Ganguly's removal, but the BJP has remained tight-lipped on the issue. The cricket community awaits the outcome of the BCCI's annual general meeting with bated breath.