Cricket icon Sourav Ganguly has made a grand return to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), stepping back into the role of president unopposed at the association’s 94th annual general meeting. This marks a significant comeback for the former India captain, six years after his previous tenure from 2015 to 2019.
At 53, Ganguly takes over from his elder brother, Snehasish Ganguly, who concluded his maximum six-year term. ‘Dada,’ as he is affectionately known, also famously served as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) between 2019 and 2022. Now, he brings his wealth of experience and a vision for the future back to state cricket administration.
One of Ganguly’s immediate priorities is an ambitious project to expand the iconic Eden Gardens’ seating capacity to a staggering one lakh spectators. The historic venue currently accommodates around 68,000 fans, a reduction that was implemented before the 2011 World Cup. Ganguly indicated that this major renovation would commence following next year’s T20 World Cup, noting that the stadium’s lease has already been successfully renewed.
Beyond infrastructure, Eden Gardens is poised to host high-profile international cricket once again. The stadium is scheduled to kick off India’s home Test series against South Africa on November 14th, marking its first Test match since the memorable 2019 day-night pink-ball encounter against Bangladesh. Ganguly expressed his excitement for the upcoming fixture, predicting a thrilling contest between two top-tier teams.
Looking further ahead, the ground is also a strong contender to host crucial matches during the 2026 T20 World Cup, with a potential semifinal on the cards. Ganguly affirmed his intention to engage in discussions with the new BCCI leadership to solidify these plans.
Ganguly’s vision extends beyond major tournaments to the grassroots development of Bengal cricket. He emphasized the establishment of a cutting-edge academy in Dumurjala, Howrah. This expansive nine-acre facility will boast floodlights and modern amenities, promising to nurture future cricketing talent. While the plan has received approval, construction is estimated to take one to one-and-a-half years.
In a further boost to regional cricket, the CAB has significantly increased its development fund for districts, raising it from ₹5 crore to ₹8 crore. Ganguly’s return saw the entire new panel, including Bablu Kolay (secretary), Madan Mohan Ghosh (joint secretary), Sanjay Das (treasurer), and Anu Dutta (vice-president), also elected unopposed, signaling a strong, unified leadership for Bengal cricket.