After Manohar’s exit, Thakur, Ganguly in fray for BCCI posts

Sources claim Anurag Thakur could be promoted to the chair of president while Sourav Ganguly likely to be the board secretary.

With BCCI president Shashank Manohar quitting the post to take up the ICC chairmanship, secretary of the board, Anurag Thakur is one of the favourites to be Manohar’s successor. Sources in the east, which will nominate the candidate, say Ganguly and NCC will back Thakur. But Ganguly could be a good option for the secretary’s post.

According to sources, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur is most likely to succeed Manohar as president. (PTI file photo)

While former India captain Sourav Ganguly could be the most potential candidate for the post of president, he may not fit in as per the existing rules (the candidate has to attend two AGM’s).

The other names known to be in contention are Rajeev Shukla, the IPL chairman, Ajay Shirke, the resident of the Maharashtra Cricket Association, and G Gangaraju, the Andhra Cricket Association secretary. Though, Thakur told HT that the board will initiate the process of electing the new president.

One of the candidates in contention said it was impossible to predict anything. “There is no consensus, no shortlist, it’s like everyone wants to be president. There is going to be massive lobbying and new names will keep coming up till the election is held.”

Most interestingly, it could make N Srinivasan active again. An official from South mentioned, “Whoever is contesting will come to seek Srinivasan’s support. Like last time, he will be happy to support Sharad Pawar.”