First it was Englishman David Gower. Now former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who runs cricket affairs in his home country, is rooting for former Indian captain Sourav Gnaguly to take over as chairman of the International Cricket Council when incumbent Shashank Manohar's term ends in June, 2020.
Ganguly has had a safe run so far both as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India alongside his responsibilities as head of Cricket Association of Bengal. No doubt, Ganguly has been making the right moves in his twin administrative positions but stepping up to the ICC may leave him a bit exposed as the responsibility needs a vast amount of experience in juggling both the interests of affiliated boards and players.
It's a proven fact that Ganguly has managed to steer the ship in most difficult times. His being catapulted into Team India's leadership is just a case in point. Global cricket was going through an upheaval following the match-fixing saga. But the then fondly called "Prince of Kolkata" was up to the challenge and put Indian cricket back on the right track.
Cricket in India has never looked back since and with Ganguly taking over the CAB top post it was only a matter of time he moved into the BCCI. That it happened much sooner than even he would have anticipated is evidence of the confidence he enjoys in the cricket fraternity.
The same confidence now draws the call for him to guide ICC through the unprecedented crisis that the world of sport as a whole finds itself in. But ICC may yet be uncharted territory for the stylish left-handed batsman as he continues to consolidate his grip on Indian cricket affairs.
More than money, its the safe restart of cricket that Ganguly must negotiate at present. Suspension of the hugely popular and financially lucrative Indian Premier League is only part of the challenge. Getting the players back on the field of play without putting their physical well-being into jeopardy would prove a major headache for even the most experienced of men.
For one, Ganguly has shown right from his playing days that he is not one to shy away from a battle. But cricket administration needs him to also work as a diplomat, balancing interests of different nations at every level. Members countries, both at the Test level as well as associates, each present a different need which the ICC must look into as it moves through an uncertain future.
India, without a doubt, has to provide the leadership for international cricket to be put back on track. But it may be too early to hand the ICC mantle to Ganguly for now. Experienced administrator that Manohar is, he deserves to be allowed to remain in his post through the current turbulence. The man has had a pretty smooth run so far and there's little doubt about his ability to govern. Other international sports bodies, like field hockey, have already done away with elections scheduled for 2020.
Ganguly and India would be better served if the present BCCI president is allowed more time to learn the ropes at the highest levels of sports administration. As BCCI president he already has a major contribution in ICC affairs
Best to let the man himself decide when he wishes to step up to the plate!
Ganguly has had a safe run so far both as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India alongside his responsibilities as head of Cricket Association of Bengal. No doubt, Ganguly has been making the right moves in his twin administrative positions but stepping up to the ICC may leave him a bit exposed as the responsibility needs a vast amount of experience in juggling both the interests of affiliated boards and players.
It's a proven fact that Ganguly has managed to steer the ship in most difficult times. His being catapulted into Team India's leadership is just a case in point. Global cricket was going through an upheaval following the match-fixing saga. But the then fondly called "Prince of Kolkata" was up to the challenge and put Indian cricket back on the right track.
Cricket in India has never looked back since and with Ganguly taking over the CAB top post it was only a matter of time he moved into the BCCI. That it happened much sooner than even he would have anticipated is evidence of the confidence he enjoys in the cricket fraternity.
The same confidence now draws the call for him to guide ICC through the unprecedented crisis that the world of sport as a whole finds itself in. But ICC may yet be uncharted territory for the stylish left-handed batsman as he continues to consolidate his grip on Indian cricket affairs.
More than money, its the safe restart of cricket that Ganguly must negotiate at present. Suspension of the hugely popular and financially lucrative Indian Premier League is only part of the challenge. Getting the players back on the field of play without putting their physical well-being into jeopardy would prove a major headache for even the most experienced of men.
For one, Ganguly has shown right from his playing days that he is not one to shy away from a battle. But cricket administration needs him to also work as a diplomat, balancing interests of different nations at every level. Members countries, both at the Test level as well as associates, each present a different need which the ICC must look into as it moves through an uncertain future.
India, without a doubt, has to provide the leadership for international cricket to be put back on track. But it may be too early to hand the ICC mantle to Ganguly for now. Experienced administrator that Manohar is, he deserves to be allowed to remain in his post through the current turbulence. The man has had a pretty smooth run so far and there's little doubt about his ability to govern. Other international sports bodies, like field hockey, have already done away with elections scheduled for 2020.
Ganguly and India would be better served if the present BCCI president is allowed more time to learn the ropes at the highest levels of sports administration. As BCCI president he already has a major contribution in ICC affairs
Best to let the man himself decide when he wishes to step up to the plate!
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