Ganguly served as the Cricket Association of Bengal President from 2015, before becoming the first cricketer in 65 years to take charge as full-time BCCI President after Maharaja of Vizianagaram in 1954.

ICC CEO Manu Sawhney was among those who welcomed Ganguly's appointment. “I would like to offer sincere congratulations from all at the ICC to Sourav Ganguly following his formal election as BCCI President," Sawhney said. "We are looking forward to working with him and the other newly appointed office bearers in the future.”

Ganguly, who served as national captain between 2000 and 2005, is considered one of the most successful skippers in the history of Indian cricket. He led them to victory in the 2002 Natwest Trophy and to the final of the 2003 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. He also captained them to many memorable performances in overseas Tests, including victories against England in Leeds in 2002, Australia in Adelaide in 2003 and Pakistan in Multan in 2004.

India captain Virat Kohli was happy Ganguly had taken charge. "I congratulated him. It’s great that he has become BCCI president."

India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who played under Ganguly for Bengal, said that his appointment as the BCCI President will "immensely benefit" the national side. "He is aware of players' demands and knows what goes on between them. It will be an added plus to the team and individual players," the wicket-keeper batsman had said last week.

"I hope players will immensely benefit after Dada (Ganguly) takes up the new role, especially under the circumstances. He has represented the country for a long time and then went on to dominate Indian cricket first as a player then captain. He can bring about a lot of improvements as he knows the game inside out. If something is not happening, Dadi can make it happen."