In Search for Jagmohan Dalmiya Successor, Will Mamata Banerjee Make Sourav Ganguly King?

Sourav Ganguly has met West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday apparently to discuss his chances of taking over the president's post of the Cricket Association of Bengal after Jagmohan Dalmiya's death. Ganguly is currently a joint secretary of the state association. (In Jagmohan Dalmiya's Backyard, A Bitter Power Struggle is Evolving)

Dalmiya died on Sunday leaving a vacuum in Bengal cricket administration. With no clear successor in sight, Ganguly is a popular choice but his inexperience in cricket administration can go against him. It's only been a little over 12 months that Ganguly has been a CAB official. (East Zone Decide to Field Amitabh Choudhary as BCCI President)

CAB sources tell NDTV.com that Ganguly has the blessings of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. "During Dalmiya's funeral on Monday, Didi had asked Sourav to take Dalmiya's legacy forward," said a former CAB official who was present during the ceremony. Ganguly also has the backing of former BCCI president and Dalmiya's mentor, Biswanath Dutt.

But it won't be a smooth sailing for Ganguly. There are 121 units that have voting powers and there are at least two former BCCI members - Chitrak Mitra and Gautam Dasgupta - who are eyeing the president's seat. Current CAB treasurer Biswarup Dey, who enjoys a lot of clout among association units, is also a strong contender.

Ninety-four clubs form the bulk of CAB's affiliated units. There are 18 district units, eight Universities and one Office Sports Federation votes. While it may be relatively easy to garner the University and district votes through political influence, to win the support of the clubs will be the clinching factor if it comes to an election.

Speaking to NDTV.com, Dasgupta, a former Board joint secretary, said: "I have been working with Mr Dalmiya since 1977. I am currently the chairman of the Board of Trustees and in the fairness of things, I will be happy to take over the president's job."

Dasgupta, who has been CAB joint secretary from 1989-93, said it was unlikely that Ganguly will contest an election. "Let him first complete his term as a joint secretary. He has age on his side and is surely a candidate for the future," Dasgupta said.

Interestingly, the CAB has changed its constitution twice to enable Dalmiya remain president. The first time was to extend Dalmiya's four-year term. It was amended a second time to let Dalmiya stay boss for an unlimited period. Dasgupta feels, the association should now go back to its original four-year term.

Dasgupta could face stiff competition from Mitra, who has served the BCCI as its vice-president till 2014, and Dey, who has been associated with CAB for 10 years.

Clearly, CAB is in a state of flux and political intervention could queer the pitch. The good thing is that the association has two months to decide on its next chief and as Dasgupta said, "a bitter election will not be the ideal way to pay respect to Mr Dalmiya."

- With Inputs from Monideepa Banerjee