Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has been reappointed as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) after six years. Ganguly was appointed as CAB president as his brother Snehasish Ganguly's sucessor.
Ganguly was elected unopposed at the CAB’s 94th annual general meeting, marking his comeback to the state association after six years. He earlier served as CAB president from 2015 to 2019.
After becoming the CAB president, he also pledged to oversee a smooth return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens when India hosts world champions South Africa on November 14.
Ganguly also served as BCCI president from 2019 to 2022, replacing his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, who had to step down following the completion of a six-year tenure cap.
The former India left-hander's immediate responsibility would be to prepare for the India vs South Africa opening Test in November -- the first at Eden Gardens since the historic day-night pink-ball fixture against Bangladesh in 2019, which he had initiated during his stint as BCCI chief.
Looking ahead, Ganguly expressed confidence that the clash would live up to expectations, given the stature of the two sides and the facilities at Eden Gardens.
"This will be a good Test match, South Africa being the world champions. I will think about it. Everything is there -- good pitches, good crowd, infrastructure is there," he said as quoted by PTI.
"You just have to hold it properly and make sure it's a good match. India and South Africa both are good sides, I'm sure it will be a good Test."
Ganguly, however, stressed that there was still time before the big occasion.
"I've not really thought about it, there is still two months left," he remarked.
The Eden is also expected to stage high-profile matches in next year’s T20 World Cup, including a possible semifinal. Ganguly said discussions with the new BCCI team members would follow soon.
"I will speak to the Board. They are also new members. I wish him (new BCCI president) all the best. It would be different than playing cricket. I'm sure he would do well. It's not just Mithun, a lot of new office bearers including Raghuram Bhat," said Ganguly who would represent CAB at the BCCI annual general meeting on Sunday.
The BCCI is set to elect former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas as its new president at the AGM in Mumbai on Sunday, with all the posts to be filled unopposed after internal consultations. Former Karnataka and India spinner Raghuram Bhat is set to take over as treasurer.
Ganguly also talked about his plans to expand Eden Gardens’ capacity. He said the project would take shape after next year's global event.
"Whatever happens it would be after the T20 World Cup next year. It will take time. The lease has been renewed."
With PTI inputs