Giving in to pressure created by around 35 CAB members who met the former BCCI chief at his residence on Wednesday afternoon, Dalmiya gave his formal consent to fight in the poll.

"I've agreed to contest in the CAB poll after the members came and pressurised me. They requested me to fight for the betterment of CAB and I could not say 'no' to them. The official announcement will be made in due course, let me settle down first," Dalmiya, who appeared relieved, said.

The buzz over Dalmiya contesting polls was always there though the former CAB chief always maintained a firm silence.

Dalmiya had stayed at the helm of CAB for 13 years at a stretch before relinquishing in December 2006.

An indomitable Dalmiya had, after the latest round of attention from the Economic Offences Wing of the Mumbai police for alleged misappropriation of PILCOM funds, said, "I'm more determined now. It seems a real possibility to come back to the cricket administration."

Having taken over the reins of CAB post-Dalmiya era, incumbent Prasun Mukherjee has reportedly lost significant support especially after Bengal's relegation from the Elite Group this season.