Tag: Sourav Ganguly

There is no competition between India and Pakistan: Sourav Ganguly

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has taken a dig at the Pakistan team, stating that they are no longer competitive in international cricket.

The former BCCI official made these comments while interacting with the media in Kolkata late on Monday, following Pakistan’s defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025.

Ganguly said that he switched to watch the Manchester derby just after 15 overs into Sunday’s blockbuster match.

The 53-year-old explained that he doesn’t find the Pakistan side worth watching because of how bad their standards have fallen.

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“Pakistan are no longer a competitive side now, I switched my TV sets to watch the Manchester derby after the first 15 overs,” said Ganguly.

“I would watch India play Australia, England, South Africa, even Afghanistan, rather than watching Pakistan.”

He recalled Pakistan’s golden days when they had players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Javed Miandad, etc.

“There is no competition between India and Pakistan anymore,” Ganguly further stated.

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“I always say, we think of Pakistan as Waqar Younises, Wasim Akrams, the Saeed Anwars and Javed Miandads. But that’s not the case with this modern-day Pakistan; it’s now like chalk and cheese.

“It’s the lack of quality in the side. This (Indian) team has played without (Virat) Kohli and Rohit (Sharma), who were the two stalwarts of Indian cricket for such a long period of time.

“India are just too far ahead in cricket for Pakistan and most of these Asia Cup teams.”

READ: Pakistan set to face India at neutral venue in FIH Pro League

Sourav Ganguly comments on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma retirement speculation

Former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has downplayed reports suggesting Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could retire from ODI cricket after the three-match series against Australia in October.

The star duo retired from T20I cricket after leading India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Earlier this year, they also retired from Test cricket.

They have continued to excel in ODI cricket, leading India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

However, recent reports from Indian media suggest that the upcoming ODI series against Australia may be their final appearances in this format.

The BCCI is reportedly not considering the duo for their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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Sourav Ganguly, while speaking at an event in Ahmedabad on Sunday, said he was unaware of any such plans and insisted that performance should remain the only criterion for selection.

“I’m not aware of this, can’t comment on this. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue,” Ganguly said.

The former India captain praised both players for their contributions to the national side, highlighting their key roles in this year’s Champions Trophy triumph.

“Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are phenomenal in white-ball cricket,” he added.

READ: Sharjeel Khan named in Kingsmen squad for Top End T20 Series

Sourav Ganguly open to coaching India, rules out political ambitions

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has opened the door to coaching the national side in the future, while firmly stating he has no interest in stepping into politics.

In a recent interaction with Indian media, Ganguly admitted that although he hadn’t previously considered coaching due to his various post-retirement commitments, he’s now open to the idea.

“I never really thought about coaching because I moved into different roles. I finished competitive cricket in 2013 and then became BCCI president. I’m just 53, so let’s see what happens. I’m open to it. We’ll see where it goes,” he said.

While Ganguly’s post-playing career has included high-profile administrative roles, including a stint as BCCI President and Team Director of Delhi Capitals, he made it clear that politics was never on his radar.

“I’ve never been drawn to politics,” he clarified.

The former skipper also shared his views on India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and was full of praise for the former opener’s approach and honesty.

“Gautam is doing a good job,” Sourav Ganguly said.

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“He started a bit slowly, losing to Australia and New Zealand, but bounced back strongly with the Champions Trophy win in Dubai. This series against England will be big for him and the team.”

He lauded Gambhir’s no-nonsense attitude and transparent nature.

“I haven’t seen him very closely in this role, but he’s very straightforward and open about what he feels about the team, the players, and people around him,” Ganguly said.

“From the outside, you can tell he’s transparent — what you see is what you get.”

Having played alongside Gambhir, Sourav Ganguly believes that his former teammate has the right mindset to thrive in the long run.

“I’ve played with him; he was always respectful toward me and the senior players,” he added.

“Even now, I see he’s passionate about his job. He’s only a year into it, and this England tour will be important. He struggled a bit in Australia, but like everyone else, he’ll learn and get better.”

READ: Former Australian captain excited to see Babar, Smith batting together in BBL 15

Former India captain calls to end cricketing ties with Pakistan

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has called for ending all cricketing relations with Pakistan following recent tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The tensions between the two Asian countries escalated in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Sourav Ganguly, who also served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed his views during a media interaction in Kolkata.

The 52-year-old remarked that strict action is necessary as such incidents occur every year.

“100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated, ” he told reporters.

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A few days earlier, Rajeev Shukla, the Vice President of the BCCI, echoed similar sentiments, stating that India would not play any bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan.

“Whatever our government will say, will do. We don’t play with Pakistan in bilateral series because of the government’s stand. And we will not play with Pakistan in bilaterals going forward,. ” he said.

Rajeev emphasized that India will participate in events organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the global governing body’s involvement.

“But when it comes to ICC event, we play due to ICC engagement. ICC is also aware whatever is happening,” he added.

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It is worth mentioning that India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series since 2013. Meanwhile, both teams have frequently faced each other in the ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events.

Looking ahead, the next ICC event isn’t until the Women’s ODI World Cup in September-October 2025, which India is set to host.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format featuring eight teams — including Pakistan — meaning each team will play every other side, rendering group-based separation irrelevant.

Although India is hosting the tournament, the matches involving Pakistan will take place at a neutral venue. Currently, no decision has been made regarding the locations of Pakistan’s fixtures.

READ: BCCI denies requesting separate groups for India-Pakistan clashes in ICC events

Sourav Ganguly predicts winner of Pakistan-India Champions Trophy clash

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has predicted the winners of the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled to be played in Dubai tomorrow.

Ganguly has declared India as the clear favorite not just to triumph in the match against Pakistan, but also to secure the Champions Trophy title, emphasizing their spin attack as a significant strength.

“India are not just favorites against Pakistan, but for me, they are favorites for this tournament, said the former captain.

“It won’t be easy for Pakistan. The spinners will also play a crucial role. I think India will go with the same (bowling) combination.

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“I presume this Dubai pitch will turn a bit, and Pakistan doesn’t play spin very well. India has quality spinners.”

Sourav Ganguly further downplayed Pakistan’s chances of a comeback, predicting an early exit for the hosts from the tournament.

“New Zealand has beaten Pakistan, so New Zealand is ahead. If India beats Pakistan, then Pakistan will probably be out of the competition. So, I see India and New Zealand progressing from this group,” he said.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.

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Meanwhile, India started their Champions Trophy campaign with a convincing win against Bangladesh as they comfortably chased a 229-run target against Bangladesh, thanks to a brilliant 101-run knock by Shubman Gill.

Historically, Pakistan has a slight edge over India in the Champions Trophy, winning three out of their five meetings.

Their last encounter in the tournament was the 2017 final, where Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side produced a dominant performance, thrashing India by 180 runs to lift their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

READ: ‘Pakistan’s victory over India in Champions Trophy would be an upset’

Sourav Ganguly picks his favorites to win ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has recently revealed his favorites to win the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

It’s worth noting that India will play all their matches in Dubai, while the rest of the tournament will be played across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi in Pakistan.

The final is scheduled in Lahore on 9 March, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

Sourav Ganguly, in a recent interview, picked India as favorites to win the Champions Trophy, owing to their strong performances in the recent ICC events.

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“I think India is one of the contenders in the Champions Trophy, especially after their performances in the 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup,” said Ganguly.

The former captain noted India’s recent struggles in red-ball cricket but emphasized that they remain a dominant force in white-ball cricket.

“But Test cricket is something they will need to work on, particularly when playing away from home. Rohit, in white-ball cricket, is phenomenal. You will see a different Rohit Sharma once the Champions Trophy starts,” he added.

The Men In Blue are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. They will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.

India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (vc), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja

*Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad is subject to his fitness.

READ: ICC responds to removal of Pakistan’s name from India’s Champions Trophy jersey

‘Don’t rule him out’ Sourav Ganguly backs Virat Kohli as opener

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has backed star batter Virat Kohli as an opener despite his poor form during the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 ahead of the final against South Africa.

Kohli has been far from his best in the ongoing tournament and managed to make it into the double digits only once in seven innings.

The right-handed batter has scored just 75 runs in seven innings at a dismal average of 10.7 while playing as an opener.

Many cricket experts suggested that Virat Kohli should play at his regular number three position, where he has excelled throughout his career and boasts a great record.

However, Ganguly firmly backed the star batter, insisting that he must continue to open in T20Is. He emphasized that nobody should count Kohli out for the crucial final.

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“Virat should open. He just had a World Cup of 700 runs seven months ago. He is human. Sometimes he will also fail, and you have to accept it. People like Kohli, Tendulkar, Dravid, they are institutions for Indian cricket. Three to four matches don’t make them weaker players. Don’t rule him out in the final tomorrow,” Ganguly said on Friday.

The former captain further praised Kohli for being a generational talent, meanwhile, he also expressed satisfaction with Shivam Dube’s performance.

“Virat is a once-in-a-generation batsman. Dube is in the team because he hits big sixes to spin. He has a role to hit spinners, and he has done very well,” Ganguly added.

India and South Africa will lock horns in the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2024 final at Kensington Oval, Barbados on June 29.

Both teams are unbeaten in the ongoing mega event as South Africa won all their eight matches while India won seven as one of their group-stage fixtures against Canada was abandoned without a ball bowled.

READ: T20 World Cup 2024: India’s Dravid hoping for third time lucky

Sourav Ganguly warns India of Pakistan threat in T20 World Cup 2024

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly warned India ahead of their upcoming blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to run from June 1 to 29.

Ganguly mentioned India’s superior record against Pakistan in the World Cups but acknowledged the Green Shirts as more dangerous in the shortest format.

“Our record against Pakistan has been very, very good over a long period of time. In the T20 format, probably Pakistan is more dangerous compared to 50- overs (format). We beat them in Ahmedabad when they came to India and we beat them easily,” stated Ganguly.

“India is superior and if they play well, if they play freely and I keep saying the word ‘freely’ all the time because (in) the last World Cup in Australia, I don’t think we played freely.

“Just put all the cobwebs behind. Don’t worry about winning or losing. Don’t think about winning the World Cup. Just go and play every game.”

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Sourav Ganguly further claimed that the inaugural champions “have very good chances” in the forthcoming mega event, highlighting their immense talent.

“India have very good chances in the World Cup. India will have to play like a T20 team. There is enormous talent,” he said.

“Play without fear and just keep hitting. There is enormous talent, (this is) a team which has (Virat) Kohli, Rohit (Sharma), Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), (Rishabh) Pant, (Shivam) Dubey, (Hardik) Pandya, (Ravindra) Jadeja, Axar (Patel), (Jasprit) Bumrah, Sanju (Samson),” he said when asked about India’s chances.

“That’s why I say everyone is capable of winning it for India and the only way they will do it is (if they) just play with freedom.

“Play with that extra batsman and hit from the first ball, hit till you have to defend (and) play like the last ball,” he added.

Notably, India, alongside Pakistan, Canada, Ireland and the co-host United States of America (USA) are placed in Group A.

They will start their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland on June 5 before taking on Pakistan on June 9 in New York.

India Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj.

Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.

READ: Rashid Latif has an advice for Babar Azam ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

‘Sourav Ganguly invited me twice to watch IPL Final’ claims Ramiz Raja

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja claimed that his Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) counterpart Sourav Ganguly invited him twice to watch the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The PCB Chairman Ramiz during a press conference here at Gaddafi Stadium, commented on the cricketing ties between India and Pakistan while at the same time revealed that his Indian counterpart Ganguly invited him to watch their marquee league’s final twice.

“Sourav Ganguly invited me to watch two consecutive IPL finals,” claimed Ramiz.

“But, I decided not to go due to the emotional link of our fans and political scenario. In terms of cricket, it did make sense for me to go but it will take time for things to change,” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistani players are not allowed to participate in the Indian league since its second edition. The national players were only part of the inaugural edition of the Indian marquee league.

READ: ‘If it was inevitable, it must have happened by now’ Ramiz on his sacking

BCCI President Ganguly tested COVID-19 positive

DEHLI: Board for Cricket Control in India (BCCI)’s president Sourav Ganguly has been tested COVID-19 positive, Indian media reported. 

According to the reports, Ganguly had a mild fever on Sunday after which a precautionary COVID-19 test was conducted. The result returned positive and it forced Ganguly to get hospitalized on late Monday.

Reports further state that the condition of the BCCI president is stable but he will remain in strict observation for the next few days.

It must be noted here that Ganguly had angioplasty twice earlier this year in January. He was treated at a local hospital where two stents had been placed in his heart.

READ: Shahnawaz Dahani undergoes nose surgery in Karachi

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