Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and ex-BCCI president, has returned as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after six years. Elected unopposed at CAB’s 94th annual general meeting on Monday, the 53-year-old replaced his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, who stepped down after completing his six-year tenure cap.
Ganguly earlier served as CAB president between 2015 and 2019, before taking charge of the BCCI. His new role marks a much-anticipated comeback to Bengal cricket administration.
Priorities: Eden Gardens and World Cup Fixtures
Among Ganguly’s top priorities is to restore Eden Gardens’ seating capacity back to one lakh, making it the second-largest cricket stadium in India after Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The current capacity stands at around 68,000 after reductions for spectator comfort ahead of the 2011 World Cup.
He also aims to secure high-profile fixtures for Eden Gardens during the 2026 T20 World Cup, including a potential semifinal. “I will speak to the Board soon. These are new office-bearers, and I wish them well. Eden deserves marquee matches,” Ganguly said.
Test Cricket Returns to Kolkata
Eden Gardens is set to host its first Test match since the 2019 day-night clash against Bangladesh. India will take on South Africa on November 14 in what Ganguly expects to be a blockbuster contest.
“This will be a good Test match. South Africa are world champions, and with the crowd, pitches, and facilities here, I’m sure it will be a memorable game,” Ganguly said, while stressing the need to “hold it properly and make sure it’s a good match.”
Strengthening Bengal Cricket
Beyond Eden Gardens, Ganguly highlighted the importance of developing Bengal’s domestic structure. He announced the launch of a state-of-the-art cricket academy at Dumurjala in Howrah, built on nine acres of land with floodlights and modern facilities.
“It will be like Kalyani Academy, but bigger and better. The plan has been sanctioned, and it should be ready within one to one-and-a-half years,” he revealed.
The CAB also increased development funds for state units and district associations from ₹5 crore to ₹8 crore and discussed extending the Vision 2020 programme to Vision 2036, with an ambitious goal of producing players capable of representing India if cricket becomes part of the Olympics.
The New CAB Leadership Panel
Ganguly will lead a fresh panel of office-bearers, all elected unopposed:
- President: Sourav Ganguly
- Vice-President: Anu Dutta
- Secretary: Bablu Kolay
- Joint Secretary: Madan Mohan Ghosh
- Treasurer: Sanjay Das
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