Sachin Tendulkar is expecting Sourav Ganguly to play his role as BCCI president as passionately as he played the game during his highly successful career.

Sourav, who is the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, is set to be elected unopposed as the BCCI president on October 23 at the Board’s annual general meeting.

“The way Sourav played cricket, the way he has gone out and served the nation, I have no doubt that he will serve (as BCCI president) in the same manner, with same passion and same focus. That is what I know of him,” Sachin, said.

Former Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan also welcomed the move. “I think he (Sourav) has played a lot of cricket for India, so he knows the system as well. It might be a good move for Indian cricket. He knows what’s happening in the BCCI. I hope he can do a good job for Indian cricket.”

Sachin was speaking at the launch of Road Safety World Series league, where he will lead the India team which will also feature Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Rudra Pratap Singh and Ajit Agarkar.

“I will practise and all these cricketers are geared up. We shot a film on Wednesday, so everyone is charged up and it is a good feeling to be back on the field again after a long time. But as I said earlier also, whenever you walk on the field the feeling is different,” Sachin, the brand ambassador of the league, said.

The League will be played from February next year to promote road safety.

“Something that we will look to relive our rivalries on the field and as you must have picked up, we are good friends off the field — we might be pushing each other on the field and competing really hard but off the field we are good friends and that is what matters,” added Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs.

Asked how is looking forward to the Sachin-Sachin chant, ‘The Master’ said: “I had said that would reverberate as long as I breathe so here is another opportunity for me to experience that again. During IPL they (fans) have been kind enough to acknowledge and appreciate whenever I have walked on the field. They have shown their affection, and that is what I have prayed that this love and affection should continue as long as I breathe.”

Sachin also spoke on the importance of road safety and stressed that individuals should be disciplined.

“This (League) is a great platform for all of us cricketers and whoever associated with this tournament to spread this message that lives cannot be lost because of indiscipline and carelessness. We have to follow rules.”

Sehwag seemed excited to open with Sachin again and face the likes of former Australia pacer Brett Lee. Other players who will be part of the League include West Indies legend Brian Lara and South Africa’s Jonty Rhodes. PTI