Mamata Banerjee names Sourav Ganguly CAB president (Update)

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on Thursday thanked the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) members after taking over as its next president.

"I am thankful to my colleagues and 117 members for giving me this responsibility. If the 117 members agree, I will take over the responsibility. Everything in life is new and a challenge and you just need to keep working every day," Ganguly told media here.

Ganguly was on Thursday named as the next President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after receiving the backing of the West Bengal Government.

Addressing a press conference here before Ganguly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking in Bengali, said "Ganguly will decide the (CAB) association's line-up now."

To dispel any doubts that she had created pressure on CAB officials to accept Ganguly as a president, the West Bengal chief minister added: "Sourav has been an Indian cricket team captain, now let him lead Bengal cricket. Make no mistake that I am not making a decision for CAB, it is my way of supporting cricket, which is not my cup of tea."

Before taking over as CAB president, Ganguly was serving as the joint secretary of CAB. He has served in this role for the past 14 months.

The post of CAB president was made vacant after Jagmohan Dalmiya's death on September 20.