Mamata backs Ganguly, urges PM to ensure he contests ICC elections

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday came out backing Sourav Ganguly, the outgoing chief of the BCCI. Mamata appealed to PM Modi to make sure Ganguly was allowed to contest the ICC election. "He is being deprived. Request government not to take a decision politically, but for cricket, sports," said Mamata. 

Mamata, while talking to the reporters at the Kolkata airport, said that Ganguly has been "unfairly left out". She also said that she would urge Prime Minister to intervene so that Ganguly is allowed to contest for ICC election. 

"Sourav has proved himself to be an able administrator, and I am shocked at his removal from the BCCI president's post. This was injustice meted out to him. There should be no politics on this matter," said Mamata. 

The nominations for the ICC is set to be filed on October 20. 

Earlier, there were rumours that Ganguly was denied the second term as the BCCI chief due to a lack of support from the BJP. However, Jay Shah, son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will continue as the BCCI secretary. 

"A court had cleared the way for a second term for Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah. But I don't know why Amit Shah's son stays. Why leave out Sourav? He was unfairly left out, the only compensation is ICC now," said Mamata.