The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is exploring plans to bring India to Eden Gardens for a special marquee fixture, tournament or tri-series as part of the association’s centenary celebrations in 2028, according to a report by The Telegraph India.
The proposal emerged during CAB’s 95th Annual General Meeting at Eden Gardens, with the association beginning to consider how it will mark 100 years. A dedicated committee could also be established at a later stage to plan the centenary programme.
CAB prepares to approach BCCI over Eden Gardens event
Any plan involving the Indian team would require the involvement of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), putting engagement with the national governing body among CAB’s next steps as its preparations develop.
Cricket Association of Bengal President Sourav Ganguly said after the AGM, as quoted by The Telegraph India: “We will gradually get going with our preparation for the centenary year. We’ll also write to the BCCI so that the celebration goes on to be a special one, including a marquee game (at the Eden).”
The precise format of CAB’s proposed cricket event has not been finalised. A special tournament or tri-series is among the possibilities being considered alongside a standalone marquee India fixture at Eden Gardens.
CAB and BCCI centenaries align in 2028
CAB’s milestone will coincide with the BCCI’s own centenary in 2028, creating parallel anniversary plans at state and national level.
The BCCI has begun the process of developing its centenary programme, with celebrations expected to run for a year from December 2027 through 2028. A separate committee is likely to be established to oversee those plans, although the programme remains at a preliminary stage.
One concept under consideration is an India versus Rest of the World XI fixture. No final decision has been taken on that proposed match or the broader schedule of BCCI centenary events.
A Rest of the World XI has previously appeared in nine international matches against opposition including Asia XI, Australia, Pakistan and West Indies. Its most recent international fixture came against West Indies in a T20I at Lord’s in 2018, while India have not previously faced an ICC World XI in an international match.
For CAB, preparations remain at an early stage, with the association yet to settle on the format of its proposed centenary event. Its intention to approach the BCCI puts a special India appearance at Eden Gardens among the possibilities being explored for the landmark year.
