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Ganguly was elected unopposed on the CAB’s 94th annual normal assembly in Kolkata on Monday, marking his comeback to the state affiliation after six years. He earlier served as CAB president from 2015 to 2019.
He additionally pledged to supervise a clean return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens when India hosts world champions South Africa on November 14.
Replaces brother Snehasish
The 53-year-old, who beforehand served as BCCI president from 2019 to 2022, changed his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, who needed to step down following the completion of a six-year tenure cap.
The former India left-hander’s rapid accountability can be to organize for the India vs South Africa opening Test in November — the primary at Eden Gardens because the historic day-night pink-ball fixture in opposition to Bangladesh in 2019, which he had initiated throughout his stint as BCCI chief.
Looking forward, Ganguly expressed confidence that the conflict would dwell as much as expectations, given the stature of the 2 sides and the amenities 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 mentioned.
“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, nonetheless, confused that there was nonetheless time earlier than the large event.
“I’ve not really thought about it, there is still two months left,” he remarked.
The Eden can also be anticipated to stage high-profile matches in subsequent 12 months’s T20 World Cup, together with a doable semifinal. Ganguly mentioned discussions with the brand new BCCI workforce members would comply with quickly.
“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,” mentioned Ganguly who would characterize CAB on the BCCI annual normal assembly on Sunday.
The BCCI is ready to elect former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas as its new president on the AGM in Mumbai on Sunday with all of the posts to be stuffed unopposed after inside consultations. Former Karnataka and India spinner Raghuram Bhat is ready to take over as treasurer.
Ganguly additionally talked about his plans to broaden Eden Gardens’ capability. He mentioned the mission would take form after the subsequent 12 months’s international occasion.
“Whatever happens it would be after the T20 World Cup next year. It will take time. The lease has been renewed.”
If the enlargement plan materialises after subsequent 12 months’s T20 World Cup, Eden Gardens would change into the second-largest cricket stadium within the nation after the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, which has a seating capability of 1.32 lakh.
The Eden initially had a one-lakh plus capability however steadily it has come down, protecting the spectators’ consolation in thoughts. Before the 2011 World Cup, it was lowered to the present 68,000.
Outlining his priorities for the brand new time period, Ganguly confused on strengthening Bengal’s first-class construction, and the launch of a brand new state-of-the-art academy in Dumurjala for which CAB has procured 9 cres of land.
“Bengal have played (Ranji) final twice. Cricket must develop, it’s no rocket science.”
Among his long-term initiatives is the Dumurjala Academy in Howrah, which has already been sanctioned.
“Dumurjala Academy on nine acres of land. It would be like Kalyani Academy but there would be floodlights and other state-of-the-art facilities. It’s very near to the city, the plan has been sanctioned, it will take at least one, one and a half years. It will be an academy.” There was additionally dialogue on increasing CAB’s Vision 2020 Programme to 2036, protecting India’s Olympic bid in thoughts.
“We want to produce cricketers who can represent India at the Olympics, so 2036 should be the next target,” mentioned an official.
The CAB additionally elevated its improvement funds to state models and district associations from ₹5 crore to ₹8 crore.
The total panel led by Ganguly — Bablu Kolay (secretary), Madan Mohan Ghosh (joint-secretary), Sanjay Das (treasurer) and Anu Dutta (vice-president) — was additionally elected unopposed.
