Dada back at Bengal cricket helm

Former Team India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has been unanimously elected as the President of the Bengal Cricket Association (CAB). The announcement was made during the 94th Annual General Meeting of the CAB, with Election Officer Sushant Ranjan Upadhyay formally declaring Ganguly as the new president.

Alongside Ganguly, Nitish Ranjan Dutta has been appointed as the CAB’s new Vice President. Bablu Kohli will serve as Honorary Secretary, Madan Mohan Ghosh as Joint Secretary, and Sanjay Das as Treasurer.

Ganguly’s association with CAB is longstanding. He previously served as the CAB President from 2015 to 2019, during which he oversaw several initiatives aimed at promoting cricket in Bengal. His tenure included efforts to provide improved infrastructure for players, encourage young talent, and introduce new formats to local tournaments. After completing his term with CAB, Ganguly assumed the role of BCCI President in 2019 and served until 2022, when Roger Binny succeeded him. Earlier this year, Ganguly was also reappointed as Chairman of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee, a position he first held in 2021.

Speaking on his re-election as CAB President, Ganguly said, “I have previously served as President for five years. We will strive to do good work. Cricket has immense popularity in India, and there is a lot of talent here. Guiding this talent in the right direction is our responsibility.” He further emphasised his commitment to developing cricket in the state and supporting young cricketers.

In his cricket career, Ganguly played 113 Test matches for India, scoring 7,212 runs at an average of 42.17. He recorded 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries in 188 innings, with a highest score of 239, making him the seventh-highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he represented India in 311 matches, amassing 11,363 runs at an average of 41.02. He scored 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries, with a highest score of 183, ranking third among India’s top ODI run-scorers. Ganguly captained India in 147 ODIs, securing 76 victories, 66 losses, and five matches with no result.

Ganguly’s return as CAB President signals a renewed focus on cricket development in Bengal, with emphasis on infrastructure, talent nurturing, and strengthening the state’s presence in national and international cricket.