'Why was he excluded in such an unfair way?' West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee irked after Sourav Ganguly's reported exit from BCCI

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee came out in support of former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Monday as she believes he must be sent to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The reportedly outgoing BCCI President is set to contest the forthcoming elections at Cricket Association of Bengal with the aim of returning as the President of the body, a post he had held for four years.

Moreover, Ganguly, most affectionately known as ‘dada’ by many fans will likely be succeeded by Roger Binny. The West Bengal CM expressed her displeasure and said that the Prince of Calcutta had been ‘unfairly left out’.

"He's been deprived. What is his fault? I am very sad. I am really shocked. Sourav is a very popular personality. He was the captain of the Indian team. He gave a lot to the country. He is not only the pride of Bengal but the pride of India. Why was he excluded in such an unfair way,'' said Mamata Banerjee while speaking to reporters at the Kolkata airport.

"My humble regards to the PM. Please take care that Sourav Ganguly is must be allowed to contest the ICC election,” she added.

Mamata Banerjee makes remark on Jay Shah

While Ganguly is set to leave the post and will be succeed by former World Cup winner Roger Binny, Jay Shah will continue as the BCCI secretary, the most influential position in the board. This did not go down well with Ms. Banerjee as she made a rather controversial remark on Shah.

"A court had cleared the way for a second term for Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah. But don't know why, Amit Shah's son stays. I have nothing against him, but why leave out Sourav? The way he was unfairly left out, the only compensation is ICC. Others have gone from BCCI to ICC, I request the government not to take it vindictively or politically. Take a decision for cricket, for sports," she urged.