Sourav Ganguly keeps 49th birthday a low key affair, CM Mamata Banerjee visits his Behala residence to wish him

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee at his residence in Behala on Thursday. Image: Xtra Time

Xtra Time Web Desk: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited former India captain Sourav Ganguly at his residence in Behala on Thursday to wish him on his 49th birthday. It was the first visit by the CM at the residence of the current BCCI President. The Chief Minister had a brief stay, chatting with Sourav’s mother Nirupa Roy and wife Dona.

Mamata’s first-ever visit to Ganguly’s residence comes two months after she stormed to power in the state for a third successive time with a landslide victory over BJP, in a bitterly-fought elections with strong rumours that the iconic former captain would join the saffron camp. But both Sourav and BJP had quashed the rumours as “baseless” at that point of time.

Mamata also presented Sourav with a bouquet and wished him good health.  

The BCCI President decided to keep his birthday a low key affair mainly due to the current situation around due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in the day Sourav celebrated his birthday with his office colleagues. Later talking to media people he shared his message for the fans who have loved him over these years.

“I’m fully fit. It’s another year gone for, that’s the way it is, it’s for everyone (birthdays). In this COVID time, you just try and stay as quiet as possible. It’s for the people around you rather than you. People at home have made their preparations to celebrate. It’s a close door celebrations,” Sourav said to the media people.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to shift the T20 World Cup to UAE despite trying their best to stage it at home. On being asked about any regret for the decision, Sourav said, “There will be regret but no one has witnessed such a situation in their entire life time. These are exceptional circumstances, last year T20 World Cup got cancelled. This year if the T20 World Cup had to be cancelled because of COVID, then it would have been a massive loss for the game.  That’s why we have taken it into a safer place”.

Sourav, who is a huge fan of soccer is remaining awake to enjoy the EURO 2020 matches. He did watch the semi final between England and Denmark last night.

“Euro 2020 has been remarkable especially for England after they beat Germany. They look a different side from yesteryears. It has been an incredible ride to be reaching the final of  a major tournament after 55 years”

Meanwhile, Brazil will meet Argentina in the final of Copa America 2021. “I know about it but unfortunately I am not being able to watch the matches live as they begin very late. I try and watch the highlights. As you know I am a big fan of Brazil but at the same time I loved watching Maradona. It will be a good final,” signed off Sourav