The Board of Control for Cricket in India is for the first time in its 91-year history poised to have a former India captain as its president when the much delayed annual general meeting takes place in Mumbai on October 23.

According to The Telegraph’s sources, Sourav Ganguly is set to become the board chief following high drama at the Trident in Mumbai on Sunday evening.

The “informal meeting” lasted close to five hours, with former BCCI president N. Srinivasan playing the perfect host and more than 100 guests in attendance from all the state cricket associations.

Sourav, who heads the Cricket Association of Bengal, wasn’t the first choice for board president. Brijesh Patel was initially the agreed pick, but things took a dramatic turn after Union minister of state Anurag Thakur stepped in and suggested Sourav’s name.

An influential Union minister had designated Thakur to oversee the nomination process, which ends on Monday.

It’s learnt that Sourav had turned down an offer to become the vice-president. Since the 47-year-old’s term ends next July and he has to go into the compulsory cooling-off period, it was decided to give him a chance to be president given his contribution to Indian cricket.

Jay Shah, former Gujarat Cricket Association joint secretary and son of Amit Shah, and Thakur’s brother Arun Singh Dhumal are expected to be the secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Naba Bhattacharjee, convenor of the BCCI’s Northeast Cricket Development Committee, and other members backed Thakur, highlighting the importance of having Sourav as president.

“Sourav can provide a fresh road map to cricket in the country. His experience is important and all should accept him,” Bhattacharjee is believed to have said.

Sourav obviously enjoyed the backing of the influential Union minister, which could portend a role in the state’s political scenario.