Sourav Ganguly Takes the Helm Again as CAB President
Sourav Ganguly has returned as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after being elected unopposed during the association’s 94th annual general meeting. This marks his comeback to the role after a six-year hiatus, having previously served from 2015 to 2019. Ganguly takes over from his brother, Snehasish Ganguly, who completed his maximum tenure. With ambitious plans in place, he aims to enhance Bengal cricket and restore Eden Gardens to its full capacity.
Restoration Plans for Eden Gardens
One of Ganguly’s primary objectives is to increase the seating capacity of Eden Gardens from its current 68,000 to one lakh. This reduction in capacity occurred before the 2011 World Cup, and Ganguly is keen to see it restored. He indicated that the expansion project would commence only after the T20 World Cup scheduled for next year. “Whatever happens, it would be after the T20 World Cup next year. It will take time. The lease has been renewed,” he stated.
Eden Gardens is set to play a significant role in India’s cricketing calendar, hosting the opening Test of the home series against South Africa on November 14. This match will be particularly noteworthy as it will be the first Test at the venue since the 2019 day-night pink-ball match against Bangladesh. Ganguly expressed optimism about the upcoming Test, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams.
Future High-Profile Matches
In addition to the Test match against South Africa, Eden Gardens is expected to host several high-profile fixtures during the 2026 T20 World Cup, potentially including a semifinal. Ganguly confirmed that he plans to engage in discussions with the new BCCI office bearers soon to ensure that Eden Gardens is well-prepared for these significant events. His focus on high-stakes matches underscores the importance of the venue in the broader context of Indian cricket.
Development Initiatives for Bengal Cricket
Beyond immediate plans for Eden Gardens, Ganguly is committed to the long-term development of cricket in Bengal. He announced the establishment of a new state-of-the-art academy in Dumurjala, Howrah, which will span nine acres and feature modern facilities, including floodlights. “It would be like Kalyani Academy, but there would be floodlights and other state-of-the-art facilities… the plan has been sanctioned, it will take at least one, one and a half years,” he explained.
Additionally, the CAB has increased its development fund for districts from ₹5 crore to ₹8 crore, reflecting a commitment to grassroots cricket. Ganguly’s leadership team, which includes Bablu Kolay as secretary, Madan Mohan Ghosh as joint secretary, Sanjay Das as treasurer, and Anu Dutta as vice-president, was also elected unopposed, indicating a unified approach to advancing cricket in the region.
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