Mamata Banerjee backs Sourav Ganguly for ICC president: ‘Not easy to stop him'

Mamata was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of World Cup winner Richa Ghosh at the Eden Gardens.

Published on: Nov 8, 2025, 22:25:21 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday reiterated her support for former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly to become the president of the International Cricket Council.

"We always wanted Ganguly to remain India's captain for a long time," Mamata Banerjee said. (ANI Photo)

Mamata was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of World Cup winner Richa Ghosh at the Eden Gardens, PTI news agency reported. During the ceremony, Mamata praised both Ghosh and Ganguly.

“We always wanted Ganguly to remain India's captain for a long time,” Mamata said, before expressing her belief that Ganguly would become the ICC chief in the future.

“There’s one more thing I must say -- Ganguly might feel bad if I say this, but I'm a little outspoken and always speak the unpleasant truth,” PTI quoted the TMC supremo as saying.

“Who was supposed to be the ICC president today? None other than Sourav Ganguly,” Mamata said, adding that while he may not hold the post today, he would “definitely” do so in the future. “It's not that easy to stop him,” Mamata said.

Mamata's support for Ganguly after his removal as BCCI president in 2022

Mamata had shown support for Ganguly after he was removed from the post of the BCCI president in 2022, also urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow him to contest elections for the ICC post.

The West Bengal CM had, at that time, also questioned why "Amit Shah's son has been retained in the BCCI”, while Ganguly had been denied a second term.

Union home minister Amit Shah's son Jay Shah currently holds the ICC chair post, after he completed a four-year tenure as BCCI Secretary. Shah was elevated to the post two years after Ganguly was replaced as BCCI president, following a three-year stint.

Ganguly and Shah had worked together in the Indian cricket governing body, during which there were multiple reports suggesting power dynamics within the board, according to the PTI report. However, both Ganguly and Shah have maintained a cordial relationship in public.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.