Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has returned as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after a six-year gap, with plans to enhance Eden Gardens’ capacity to one lakh and secure high-profile fixtures for next year’s T20 World Cup among his top priorities.
Ganguly was elected unopposed at the CAB’s 94th annual general meeting on Monday, marking his comeback to the state association after six years. He previously served as CAB president from 2015 to 2019.
He committed to ensuring a smooth return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens when India faces world champions South Africa on November 14.
The 53-year-old, who served as BCCI president from 2019 to 2022, replaced his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, who had to step down after completing
a six-year tenure cap.
Ganguly’s immediate responsibility is to prepare for the India vs South Africa opening Test in November, which will be the first at Eden Gardens since the historic day-night pink-ball fixture against Bangladesh in 2019, initiated during his time as BCCI chief.
Looking forward, Ganguly expressed confidence that the match would meet expectations, given the calibre of the two teams and the facilities at Eden Gardens.
“This will be a good Test match, South Africa being the world champions. I will think about it. Everything is there — good pitches, good crowd, infrastructure is there,” Ganguly said.
“You just have to hold it properly and make sure it’s a good match. India and South Africa both are good sides, I’m sure it will be a good Test,” he added.
However, Ganguly noted there is still time before the major event. “I’ve not really thought about it, there is still two months left,” he pointed out.
Semi-Final In Kolkata?
Eden Gardens is also expected to host high-profile matches in next year’s T20 World Cup, potentially including a semifinal. Ganguly mentioned upcoming discussions with the new BCCI team members.
“I will speak to the Board. They are also new members. I wish him (new BCCI president) all the best. It would be different than playing cricket. I’m sure he would do well. It’s not just Mithun, a lot of new office bearers including Raghuram Bhat,” said Ganguly, who will represent CAB at the BCCI annual general meeting on Sunday.
The BCCI is set to elect former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas as its new president at the AGM in Mumbai on Sunday, with all positions to be filled unopposed after internal consultations. Former Karnataka and India spinner Raghuram Bhat is set to become treasurer.
Ganguly also discussed his plans to expand Eden Gardens’ capacity, indicating that the project would take shape after next year’s global event.
“Whatever happens it would be after the T20 World Cup next year. It will take time. The lease has been renewed,” Ganguly revealed.
If the expansion plan is realised after next year’s T20 World Cup, Eden Gardens would become the second-largest cricket stadium in the country after the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, which seats 1.32 lakh.
Originally, Eden Gardens had a capacity of over one lakh, but it was gradually reduced to enhance spectator comfort. Before the 2011 World Cup, its capacity was decreased to the current 68,000.
CAB’s Vision
2020 2036
Outlining his priorities for his new term, Ganguly emphasised strengthening Bengal’s first-class cricket structure and launching a new state-of-the-art academy in Dumurjala for which CAB has procured nine acres of land.
“Bengal have played (Ranji) final twice. Cricket must develop, it’s no rocket science.”
Among his long-term projects is the Dumurjala Academy in Howrah, which has already been sanctioned.
“Dumurjala Academy on nine acres of land. It would be like Kalyani Academy but there would be floodlights and other state-of-the-art facilities. It’s very near to the city, the plan has been sanctioned, it will take at least one, one and a half years. It will be an academy.”
There was also discussion on extending CAB’s Vision 2020 Programme to 2036, considering India’s Olympic bid.
“We want to produce cricketers who can represent India at the Olympics, so 2036 should be the next target,” said an official.
The CAB has also increased its development funds to state units and district associations from Rs 5 crore to Rs 8 crore.
The entire panel led by Ganguly — Bablu Kolay (secretary), Madan Mohan Ghosh (joint-secretary), Sanjay Das (treasurer), and Anu Dutta (vice-president) — was elected unopposed.
(With inputs from Agencies)
