Dalmiya likely to contest CAB poll

Kolkata: Former International Cricket Council chief Jagmohan Dalmiya is likely to challenge Prasun Mukherjee for the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) top post in July-end.

Even as Dalmiya declined to commit, his loyalists are confident that the former cricket board supremo is all set to sweep the CAB polls.

"This time the elections will be the one to watch out for. A wind of change is in the air and we must grab the opportunity to make full use of it. Dalmiya has already made up his mind to throw his hat in the ring. So watch out for more," a Dalmiya confidant said.

Declining to comment on the elections, Dalmiya said, "It's difficult to say yes or no now."
Sounding optimistic, he, however, added that he would talk about the matter in a few days.
"I'll have a word with my associates and CAB affiliate units in the next few days. Then I will make up my mind," said Dalmiya, who had stayed at the helm of CAB for consecutive 13 years before relinquishing in December 2006.

Having taken over the reins of CAB post-Dalmiya era, Mukherjee in the one and half year has reportedly lost significant support.

However, Mukherjee, the Additional Director General of Police (Telecom) Mukherjee sounded spirited.


He's welcome, I'm hearing this from you, so I don't have to give an essay on this. But I'm contesting the elections," he said. Known as a master negotiator, Dalmiya was the first Asian to head the ICC (1997-2000) after becoming secretary of the world body (1993-1996) and then its president (2001-2005).

The Dalmiya loyalists added that Bengal cricket was going through a very bad phase especially after their Ranji team's relegation to the Plate Division last season.

"At this time you need a capable cricket administrator. It can't be looked after by somebody other than Dalmiya. The option is very limited.

"He (Dalmiya) should stand for the betterment of Bengal cricket. He has already made up his mind," said the loyalist.

Asked why Dalmiya was not speaking up, he said, "He will say at the time of filing nomination. Being in opposition, he wants to maintain a low-profile."

The date of the election will be announced in the last working committee meeting of the CAB which will be held in the first week of July.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/dalmiya-likely-to-contest-cab-poll/32129-13-0.html