Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is back at the helm of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after six years. He was elected unopposed and officially took charge on Monday at the CAB office.
The CAB panel, led by Sourav Ganguly, along with Bablu Kolay (Secretary), Madan Mohan Ghosh (Joint Secretary), Sanjay Das (Treasurer), and Anu Dutta (Vice-President), was elected unopposed.
Ganguly Eyes Eden Gardens Revamp as Test Cricket Returns vs South Africa
Wasting no time, Ganguly laid out his plans for a major revamp of Eden Gardens, aiming to increase its capacity from 68,000 to nearly 1,00,000 ahead of the next ICC event in India. However, his immediate priority is to improve facilities at Eden Gardens, as Test cricket returns to the iconic venue this November during the South Africa tour of India.
“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,”
“You just have to hold it properly and make sure it's a good match. India and South Africa are both good sides. I'm sure it will be a good Test.” Ganguly added (as quoted by The Hindu)
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: ICC takes action against Pakistan, punishes PCB for multiple violations
Advertisement
Parallel to this, Ganguly confirmed plans to upgrade the stadium’s seating capacity, which would make Eden Gardens the second-largest stadium in India.
“Whatever happens, it will be after the T20 World Cup next year. It will take time. The lease has been renewed,” Ganguly added.
Also Read: Former CSK Batter Surges Ahead in Race for BCCI’s Top Spot, Leaving Ganguly and Harbhajan Behind
Focus on First-Class Structure and Youth Development
Ganguly also shifted focus toward strengthening Bengal's domestic cricket. He revealed a long-term plan to revamp the first-class structure, with a new initiative aimed at helping Bengal perform better in the Ranji Trophy.
As per a CAB official, Ganguly has approved the launch of a new facility:
“The Dumurjala Academy will be built on nine acres of land. It would be similar to Kalyani Academy but will include floodlights and other state-of-the-art facilities. It's close to the city. The plan has been sanctioned and it will take at least one to one-and-a-half years to complete.”
Advertisement
Vision 2020 to Extend Toward Olympic Dreams
In addition, there were discussions about extending the CAB's Vision 2020 programme to 2036, in alignment with India’s bid to host the Olympics.
“We want to produce cricketers who can represent India at the Olympics, so 2036 should be the next target,” said a CAB official.
