Sourav Ganguly Returns Unopposed as CAB President, Faces Fresh Administrative Hurdles
Ganguly begins second stint as CAB president, focusing on rebuilding image and Bengal cricket revival.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is set to reclaim the presidency of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) unopposed during its annual general meeting on Monday. The 53-year-old, who previously served as BCCI president, will succeed his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, who stepped down due to the Lodha Committee's six-year tenure limit for executive positions. Ganguly's entire panel, including Bablu Kolay as secretary, Madan Mohan Ghosh as joint secretary, Sanjay Das as treasurer, and Anu Dutta as vice president, is also expected to be elected without opposition.
The CAB, which governs cricket in West Bengal and oversees the iconic Eden Gardens stadium, has faced significant scrutiny in recent months over financial irregularities and credibility issues. Notable controversies include a Rs 2 lakh fine and subcommittee ban on finance committee member Subrata Saha for conflict of interest, as well as a six-month suspension of joint-secretary Debabrata Das for alleged financial misconduct. Bengal's Ranji Trophy team has also underperformed, adding to the association's challenges.
Ganguly, addressing the issues, stated that problems would be handled appropriately and emphasised the need for committed administrators. His priorities for the second stint include bolstering Bengal's first-class cricket, enhancing the Bengal Pro T20 League, promoting women's cricket, and revitalising grassroots development. He highlighted the importance of supporting Ranji players while restarting initiatives like the Vision project, halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and focusing on junior and club cricket.
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Among his immediate tasks, Ganguly will oversee the India-South Africa Test at Eden Gardens starting November 14—the first since the 2019 pink-ball match he championed as BCCI president. The venue is also slated for key T20 World Cup fixtures next year. Balancing these duties, Ganguly will represent CAB at the BCCI's annual general meeting on September 28 and serve as head coach for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league from December 26 to January 25. With the new Sports Act looming, his return comes at a pivotal time for Indian cricket administration.
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