In first AGM,Ganguly makes his presence felt

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly created a flutter in his first brush with Bengal cricket politics on Friday,even though he wasnt contesting for a post in the CABs 78th annual general meeting. The 37-year-old was the centre of attention in what would have otherwise been an uneventful meeting president Jagmohan Dalmiyas panel was already elected for one more term,the battle of ballots was restricted only to one vice-presidents post.

Why did the axe fall on coach Utpal Chatterjee despite the Bengal Ranji teams qualification from the Plate to Elite group last season,Ganguly reportedly asked the CAB panel during the meeting. Dalmiya replied that Roger Binny had been appointed for next season because the CAB felt he would be a good choice. Sources said Ganguly then urged the CAB to appoint a local coach as Binnys assistant,and asked why Raja Venkat,the national selector from East Zone,was not the head of Bengals senior selection committee. Dalmiya replied that the association had already formed the panel before Venkat was appointed by the BCCI.

Finally,Ganguly asked about the alleged overspending of Rs 4.5 crore in the the IPLs first season,and expressed his dissatisfaction over the delay in resolving the issue. He also put forward the proposal to prepare a roadmap for Bengal cricket,which was accepted by the board.

He made his presence felt. He was very assertive and had done his homework well, said Gautam Dasgupta,a former BCCI joint secretary who represented Shyambazar Club in the meeting. East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar added: On the first day in office,Sourav showed promise. If he becomes a regular in the CAB administration,Bengal cricket will prosper.

Ganguly himself played down his debut performance. We discussed a lot of things about cricket. It was a healthy discussion, he told reporters. Ganguly,who has not ruled out contesting for the CABs top post next year,was first nominated by little-known Bhukailash Sporting but represented Mohammedan Sporting in the AGM.