In a powerful endorsement that has reignited speculation around Sourav Ganguly’s future in global cricket administration, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that “it’s not easy to stop him” from becoming the next President of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Her remarks, made during the felicitation ceremony of World Cup winner Richa Ghosh at Eden Gardens on November 8, 2025, have added political weight to Ganguly’s potential candidacy and stirred fresh debate across cricketing circles.
Banerjee, known for her outspoken style, praised Ganguly’s leadership and global reputation, stating that he “should have been ICC President by now.” She added, “Ganguly might feel bad if I say this, but I always speak the unpleasant truth. Who was supposed to be the ICC President today? None other than Sourav Ganguly. He may not have become one now, but I strongly believe that one day he definitely will.”
🧠 Key Highlights from Mamata Banerjee’s Statement
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal |
| Occasion | Felicitation of Richa Ghosh at Eden Gardens |
| Date | November 8, 2025 |
| Core Message | Sourav Ganguly deserves ICC Presidency |
| Quote | “It’s not that easy to stop him.” |
| Context | Praise for Ganguly’s cricketing legacy and leadership |
Banerjee’s comments were made in front of a packed audience, including cricket legends and state dignitaries.
📊 Timeline of Sourav Ganguly’s Administrative Journey
| Year | Role/Position | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | CAB President | Oversaw Bengal cricket development |
| 2019 | BCCI President | Introduced reforms and player welfare policies |
| 2022 | Stepped down from BCCI role | Speculation around ICC bid begins |
| 2025 | Mamata’s public endorsement | ICC presidency buzz reignited |
Ganguly’s tenure at BCCI was marked by modernization efforts and increased transparency.
🗣️ Reactions from Cricketing and Political Circles
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Cricket Analysts | “Ganguly has the credentials and global respect.” |
| Political Observers | “Mamata’s backing adds strategic momentum.” |
| Fans | “Dada deserves the ICC top job.” |
| CAB Officials | “We stand by Ganguly’s leadership.” |
The endorsement has sparked renewed interest in Ganguly’s administrative future.
📌 Strategic Implications for ICC and Indian Cricket
| Area | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| ICC Leadership | Ganguly’s appointment could reshape governance |
| India’s Global Influence | Strengthens India’s voice in cricket diplomacy |
| Youth Inspiration | Ganguly’s rise could inspire future administrators |
| Political-Cricket Nexus | Highlights growing intersection of sport and politics |
Ganguly’s elevation to ICC President would mark a historic moment for Indian cricket.
📈 Comparative Snapshot – ICC Presidents and India’s Representation
| Name | Country | Tenure Period | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Barclay | New Zealand | 2020–2024 | Governance reforms, COVID response |
| Shashank Manohar | India | 2015–2020 | Financial restructuring |
| David Morgan | England | 2008–2010 | Expansion of T20 cricket |
| Sourav Ganguly (speculated) | India | TBD | Player-centric governance expected |
If elected, Ganguly would be the second Indian to hold the ICC’s top post.
📌 Conclusion
Mamata Banerjee’s emphatic support for Sourav Ganguly’s ICC presidency bid has reignited national and international interest in his administrative journey. Her statement, “It’s not that easy to stop him,” reflects the growing consensus that Ganguly’s leadership, legacy, and global stature make him a natural contender for the role. As cricket governance evolves and India’s influence grows, Ganguly’s potential elevation could redefine the future of the sport.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, political statements, and verified media coverage. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute political endorsement or career advice.
