UAE cricket fraternity wishes Ganguly a speedy recovery

Dubai - Sourav Ganguly has undergone angioplasty

Cricket enthusiasts in the UAE extended their wishes towards the speedy recovery of India’s former captain and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, who on Saturday suffered a minor cardiac arrest.

Ganguly, 48, was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata on Saturday after having suffered a blackout while exercising at his personal gym.

Reacting to the news of Ganguly’s ill-health, Shyam Bhatia a cricket lover who has curated his own cricket museum here in the UAE expressed his shock as he recalled his recent meeting with Ganguly during the IPL.

“I met him during the IPL 2020 here in Dubai and he was perfectly fine. I am a bit surprised that he has faced this problem at this very young age. I am in touch with him and he has been taken care of very well in Kolkata. I pray for his speedy recovery,” said Bhatia.

Tariq Butt, a senior umpire in the UAE, was also surprised on hearing the news.

Butt said: “Sourav Ganguly is a person loved by all and sundry. I never saw a player complaining against him. He visited the UAE in 1994 with India A, managed by Madan Lal. I told Madan three of the players from India A (Sourav Ganguly, Rahuld Dravid and VVS Laxman) will be playing for India in the near future.

“He knows the game and his management skills are second to none. He introduced new faces in the Indian team during his captaincy and backed them.

“India needs a person like Ganguly to run the cricket affairs and I pray for his speedy recovery,” Butt added.

Gopal Jaspara, a cricket coach and mentor in the UAE said: “It was really a shocking news that a sportsman like Sourav Ganguly suffered cardiac arrest. He is one the busiest person in India right now. It was a hell of a job to organise the IPL 2020 and being president of the BCCI, he was the key person.

“Apart from the IPL, he has to look after the domestic season and women cricket. In my opinion this hectic schedule has taken a toll upon his health.

“I met him during the IPL 2020 here and looked fitter and healthier. I wish him speedy recovery because Indian cricket needs him very much.”

Chiragh Suri, a UAE player, said: “It was surprising for me to hear this news but anything can happen in these conditions. He is the person who is handling one of the trickiest jobs in the world as the BCCI president. And this type of assignments give you a lot of stress.

“He is an asset for Indian cricket as he has done a lot for the game. The country still needs him because he is the person who can lead us into future. He has a special status in Kolkata and I am sure the whole city will be praying for him right now. I wish him speedy recovery,” Suri said.

Virat Kohli, who has returned to India from Australia, tweeted, “Praying for your speedy recovery. Get well soon (emoticon: folded hands) @SGanguly99.”

Ajinkya Rahane wrote on his twitter handle, “Wishing you a speedy recovery Dada, @SGanguly99. Praying that you get well soon.”

Mohammed Shami tweeted, “Get well soon dada (emoticons: broken heart) @SGanguly99”.

“Wishing speedy recovery to @SGanguly99. My thoughts are with his family and fans at this hour. Hope to see him back soon,” tweeted India team’s head coach Ravi Shastri.