After Sourav Ganguly officially takes over the reins of Board of Control for Cricket in India’s presidency from October 23, he will become the first former India captain to hold the position in the 91-year history of BCCI.

Following his unopposed and unchallenged nomination, Ganguly said that Ranji Trophy would be his prime focus. “I had requested to the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and they have not listened. Ranji Trophy cricket will be the focus. To take care of cricketers’ financial interest,” the former Indian captain was quoted as saying by India Today.

It has been learnt that several meetings took place yesterday in the presence of all the biggest administrative minds of Indian cricket, including former BCCI chief N Srinivasan. The meetings which lasted for over six-seven hours had seen Brijesh Patel emerging as the first candidate for the prime position of “cricket’s last organization” in the world.

But the things took a dramatic turn after Union minister of state Anurag Thakur stepped in and suggested Ganguly’s name. That the CAB President’s name went unopposed after being nominated in the dying minutes shows the significance he holds in every section of Indian cricket.

At a time when BCCI’s image has been hindered by the exposed cases of internal corruptions, Ganguly felt it would be a great opportunity and challenge as well for him to do something.

“I am happy with the appointment because this is the time when BCCI’s image has got hampered and it’s a great opportunity for me to do something. Whether you are elected unopposed or otherwise, it’s a big responsibility because it is the biggest organisation in the world of cricket. India is a powerhouse. It will be a challenge,” Ganguly added.

However, with only 10 months left before he gets into his cooling-off period, Ganguly’s first tenure as the head of the Indian cricket will be a short one. According to the amended constitution of BCCI, an administrator can only serve six years on a trot. But that doesn’t worry an excited Ganguly who is all geared up to take up his new challenge.