If the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has its way, Sourav Ganguly will remain as the president for at least three years. When the former India captain took over the role, it's only meant for some nine months thanks to the mandatory three-year cooling-off period. Ganguly relinquished his position at the Cricket Association of Bengal to take over as the boss of BCCI. (More Cricket News)
According to reports, the new regime in the world's richest cricket board will propose various constitutional amendments, including that of the cooling-off period that will allow Ganguly’s tenure to increase. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has reportedly sent out a notice to all the members of the board, listing a 12-point agenda for the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), to be held in Mumbai on December 1.
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The one point which became the centre of attention was the proposed change in the existing rule which forbids office-bearer, who has held any post for two consecutive terms either in BCCI or state association, to contest any further election until the completion of a cooling-off period of three years.
As reported by Cricbuzz, after the amendment, both president Ganguly and secretary Shah can complete a three-year term in office which they took charge on October 23. The report claimed that, under the new rule, which is expected to be passed during the 88th AGM, the president and secretary who has served in such position for two consecutive terms in BCCI (NOT state association) shall not be eligible to contest without completion of cooling off period.
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Another interpretation can be read as thus - BCCI now wants the cooling-off period to be applied only to those who have completed six years at a stretch in the BCCI. Meaning, Ganguly, and the members of his team will be in for a long run.
And the explanation given for the proposed change is that the "restriction is proving to be a big blow to selecting talented and experienced hands. This also affects the continuity of the individual's ability to serve in administration unnecessarily."
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But for that to happen, they will still need a 3/4 majority in the general body for their proposals to be passed, and also the Supreme Court's nod. In the given climate and the manner in which Ganguly was installed as the boss of BCCI, with the blessings of everyone, including the famed 'Old Guard,' chances of that not happening is almost negligible.
It's pertinent to mention here that the cooling off-period was one of the many changes introduced by the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee.
Another change that the BCCI wants in the constitution is that of age-cap for 70 years. Details of the 12-point agenda for the AGM are listed by Cricbuzz.
