Sourav Ganguly has made a comeback as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after six years, being elected unopposed at the 94th annual general meeting. The former India captain earlier held the role from 2015 to 2019, and also served as BCCI president from 2019 to 2022.
He takes over from his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, who stepped down after completing his six-year tenure. Ganguly’s immediate focus is the India vs South Africa Test on November 14, which will mark the return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens since the historic pink-ball Test in 2019.
Looking forward to the clash, he stated, “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.” He further added, “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.” However, he admitted, “I’ve not really thought about it, there is still two months left.”
Priorities for Eden Gardens and the T20 World Cup
One of Ganguly’s major goals is to increase Eden Gardens’ seating capacity back to one lakh after next year’s T20 World Cup. He confirmed, “Whatever happens it would be after the T20 World Cup next year. It will take time. The lease has been renewed.”
If completed, Eden would become the second-largest stadium in India after Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Once accommodating over one lakh, the stadium’s capacity was reduced to 68,000 before the 2011 World Cup to enhance spectator comfort. Ganguly also wants Eden Gardens to host marquee fixtures during the upcoming T20 World Cup, possibly including a semifinal.
He expressed his intent to hold discussions with the new BCCI leadership, saying, “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.”
Strengthening Bengal Cricket and Future Plans
Beyond Eden Gardens, Sourav Ganguly outlined plans to boost Bengal’s domestic cricket. He emphasized, “Bengal have played (Ranji) final twice. Cricket must develop, it’s no rocket science.” A key initiative is the Dumurjala Academy in Howrah, spread across nine acres, which will feature floodlights and modern facilities.
“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.”
The CAB is also considering extending its Vision 2020 Programme to 2036, aligning with 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.
Additionally, CAB raised development funds for state and district units from Rs 5 crore to Rs 8 crore. The new unopposed panel alongside Ganguly includes Bablu Kolay as secretary, Madan Mohan Ghosh as joint-secretary, Sanjay Das as treasurer, and Anu Dutta as vice-president.
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