The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is once again led by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. On Monday, September 22, at the association’s 94th annual general meeting, he was elected president without opposition, filling a six-year void left by his 2015–2019 term.
Snehasish Ganguly, his older brother, resigned after serving the full six-year term, and the 53-year-old takes over. Ganguly, who was also president of the BCCI from 2019 to 2022, is returning to the state cricket administration with big hopes for the growth of the game in Bengal.
Restoring Eden Gardens’ seating capacity to 100,000 from the existing 68,000—which was lowered in preparation for the 2011 World Cup—is one of his major priorities. The renowned cricket player did, however, add that the enlargement project will not proceed until after the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Eden, one of the top cricketing sites.
Whatever occurs, it will be following the T20 World Cup the following year. It will require time. According to the Times of India, Sourav Ganguly stated, “The Cricket Association of Bengal has renewed the lease [for the Eden Gardens].”
India’s cricket schedule is also expected to heavily use the Eden Gardens. On November 14, the famous stadium will host the first Test of the home series against South Africa, the current World Test Championship winners. This will be the venue’s first international red-ball match since India and Bangladesh’s Day-Night Pink-Ball match in 2019.
Sourav Ganguly stated that he will speak with the new BCCI office bearers shortly.
Given that South Africa is the world champion, this Test match should be exciting. Both South Africa and India have strong teams, so I’m confident the test will be enjoyable,” Sourav Ganguly remarked.
High-profile games from the 2026 T20 World Cup, perhaps including a semifinal, are also anticipated to take place at the stadium. Additionally, he underlined his commitment to the long-term growth of cricket in Bengal by outlining plans for a cutting-edge academy in Dumurjala, Howrah, which would span nine acres and have contemporary amenities and floodlights.
“It would resemble Kalyani Academy, but with floodlights and other cutting-edge amenities. It will take at least one to one and a half years, according to the approved plan, Sourav Ganguly stated.
Additionally, the CAB raised its district development fund from INR 5 crore to INR 8 crore. Sourav Ganguly was elected without any opposition, as was the full panel, which included Anu Dutta as vice-president, Madan Mohan Ghosh as joint secretary, Sanjay Das as treasurer, and Bablu Kolay as secretary.
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