'For the first time in history...' - Ravi Shastri on probable new Indian cricket board president Roger Binny

Ravi Shastri, Roger Binny (Image Source: Twitter)

Sourav Ganguly’s term as the president of the Indian cricket board is all set to come to an end. Reportedly, the former skipper was criticised in a recent meeting and was opposed to continuing as the president. Further, Roger Binny, who is the only person to file a nomination for the post so far, is all set to become the new president ‘unopposed’.

Ravi Shastri, who played alongside Binny in the 1983 World Cup, was happy with the development. Speaking to Ayaz Menon in the ‘Meet the Media Programme’ at Mumbai Press Club, Shastri said that Binny ticks all boxes to become the president of the reputed board.

“I'm delighted because he was my colleague in the World Cup. There's continuity there because he was the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association. So, he moves on to become the president of the Indian cricket board. And I'm extremely happy because he's a World Cup winner, who's the president for the first time in the history of the Indian cricket board,” Shastri said in the ‘Meet the Media Programme’.

I'm sure that he will be heard: Shastri

Further, the World Cup-winning cricketer said that Binny would be heard when he gives suggestions. Shastri stressed that the new president will have to improve the facilities for the spectators and said that it would help the sport to become more popular.

“Binny is a very amiable guy, he has got a mind of his own. He might not be a flippant type, but when he opens his mouth, I'm sure that he will be heard, especially on cricketing matters. One area that he would look into and Indian cricket must look into is the fact that you have to make Indian cricket a spectator-friendly sport, so for me, the most important thing is that the facilities at the ground should be upgraded big time,” said the former India coach.

“ It should be insisted upon, with the kind of bucks coming into the sport, the kind of people who come into the ground, they've got to get the best facilities. If that happens, the popularity of the sport will soar even further,” Shastri added.