Former Indian captain and former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly is set to once again play an active role in cricket administration. This time, he may take on the responsibility of the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
Sports News: One of the most charismatic captains in Indian cricket and former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly is preparing to return to cricket administration once again. According to sources, he is likely to re-enter the fray for the post of President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). This is the same position that he successfully held from 2015 to 2019.
Preparing for a Return to CAB After Six Years
Ganguly has confirmed in an interview with India Today that he will file his nomination before the CAB's Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September 20, 2025. This move will mark the resumption of his administrative journey, especially since the current CAB presidency is held by his elder brother, Snehasish Ganguly.
Ganguly's return has become possible because his brother Snehasish Ganguly, who is currently the President of CAB, has become ineligible to contest the next election due to the tenure restrictions suggested by the Lodha Committee. This has almost cleared the way for Sourav Ganguly for the post of President, and if no major candidate emerges, his unopposed election is considered certain.
Election Process Begins
The CAB has started the process for the election of the President. Recently, an emergency Apex Council meeting was held, and now the final Council meeting is proposed for August 14. After this, nomination and other electoral formalities will be completed.
Sourav Ganguly's Previous Tenure
Ganguly's previous CAB presidential tenure (2015-2019) is seen as a positive era for Bengal cricket. During this time, he:
- Upgraded the infrastructure of Bengal cricket.
- Improved coaching facilities.
- Invested in player development programs.
- Brought the team to a b position in domestic tournaments.
- His policies and approach made the Bengal Ranji team a b contender in the competition.
Showed Leadership Skills While Being BCCI President
Ganguly's experience in cricket administration was not limited to the state level. He served as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 2019 to 2022 and took several major decisions during this period:
- Started the state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru
- Promoted women's cricket by organizing the Women’s T20 Challenge
- Later this initiative became the foundation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)
- The record deal for IPL media rights for 2023-2027 was finalized at over ₹48,000 crore
All these achievements have established Sourav Ganguly as a visionary cricket administrator.
Will Bengal Cricket Get a New Direction?
Expectations among cricket lovers and experts have increased significantly regarding Ganguly's return to CAB. His strategic thinking, administrative experience, and in-depth understanding of ground-level cricket can provide new direction and stability to Bengal cricket. According to a senior CAB official, Ganguly's leadership will be beneficial for Bengal cricket. He understands the ground reality and makes decisions in the interest of the players.