Ganguly Returns as CAB President, Plans Eden Expansion and T20 World Cup Fixtures

Former India Captain Sourav Ganguly was elected unopposed as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on Monday, marking his return after a six-year hiatus. Succeeding his brother Snehasish Ganguly, who stepped down due to a six-year tenure cap, the 53-year-old outlined ambitious plans to expand Eden Gardens’ capacity to 100,000 and secure marquee fixtures for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Ganguly, who previously served as CAB president from 2015 to 2019 and BCCI president from 2019 to 2022, also emphasized reviving Test cricket at Eden Gardens and strengthening Bengal’s cricketing infrastructure.

Ganguly’s immediate focus is ensuring a successful India-South Africa Test match on November 14, 2025, the first at Eden Gardens since the historic 2019 day-night Test against Bangladesh, which he championed as BCCI president. “This will be a good Test match, with South Africa as world champions. We have good pitches, crowds, and infrastructure,” Ganguly said, expressing confidence in the venue’s readiness.

He also plans to engage with the newly elected BCCI leadership, including incoming president Mithun Manhas, to secure high-profile T20 World Cup matches, potentially a semifinal, for Eden Gardens in 2026.

A key long-term goal is expanding Eden Gardens’ capacity from its current 68,000 to 100,000, restoring its status as one of the world’s largest cricket stadiums, second only to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Ganguly noted that this project would commence after the 2026 T20 World Cup, following the renewal of the stadium’s lease. Additionally, he announced plans for a state-of-the-art cricket academy in Dumurjala, Howrah, on nine acres of land, equipped with floodlights and modern facilities to nurture future talent.

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To bolster Bengal cricket, Ganguly aims to strengthen the state’s first-class structure and extend the CAB’s Vision 2020 program to 2036, aligning with India’s Olympic bid. The CAB also increased its development fund for districts from ₹5 crore to ₹8 crore, signaling a commitment to grassroots cricket. Ganguly’s panel, including secretary Bablu Kolay and treasurer Sanjay Das, was elected unopposed, reflecting strong support for his vision to elevate Bengal cricket.

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