''It's A Proposal, Let's See Where It Goes'' - Sourav Ganguly On 4-Nation Super Series

Last week, Sourav Ganguly had said plans are in progress to organise a four-nation tournament, involving cricket’s heavyweights, from 2021. Already discussions had been held with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) regarding the same. However, the idea didn’t receive the positive response from the likes of Rashid Latif and the other former cricketers, as they felt that the top cricket-playing nations are trying to isolate other cricket boards.

Amidst the criticism, the Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts has termed BCCI President Sourav Ganguly’s idea for a four-nation ‘ODI Super Series’ as “innovative”. However, he didn’t give any commitment in providing the green signal for the tournament. The ECB too, has acknowledged the discussion that took place earlier this month.

We will have to get clearances – Sourav Ganguly

Talking about his proposal for a four-nation ‘ODI Super Series’ between involving Australia, England and one more nation, Sourav Ganguly said the idea behind it is to create a niche tournament. He further stated that there needs to be a lot of work done to bring the competition to the fore for the cricket fans.

“It’s a proposal. Let’s see where it goes. The reason behind it is only to have a good, competitive tournament. So, that’s where it stands. We will have to get clearances from the broadcasters and ICC for a four-nation tournament. Then, there are the Future Tours Programme (FTP) areas to look at, as to where do we fit it within the FTP. But it’s just a way to create a niche tournament,” Sourav Ganguly said.

We are looking for quality cricket:

The BCCI President added that the 4-nation super series would deliver quality cricket for the fans. He wants to see other tournaments happening in the year, apart from the bilateral series. Ganguly believes the 4-nation competition will bring the crowd to the stadiums in large number.

“We are looking for quality cricket. What we see today is only bilaterals happening. People want to see a high-class tournament, and we are attempting to do it. Look at the crowds in the Boxing Day Test between Australia and New Zealand. So, that’s also one of the reasons. Pink Ball Test was one such effort to generate crowd interest.”

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Well, as Sourav Ganguly said, the tournament will have to get green signals from quite a few officials to see the daylight. For now, the ICC will keep their sights on an upcoming couple of T20I World Cups and the ICC World Test Championship final in 2021.