Sourav Ganguly has officially returned to lead the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), elected unopposed as president in a smooth transition following the exit of his elder brother, Snehasish Ganguly. This marks his second stint at the helm, having previously served as CAB president from 2015 to 2019.
The former India captain replaces Snehasish, who stepped down due to the Lodha Committee’s mandated cooling-off period, which applies after consecutive terms in office. Snehasish had served in the top role for nearly six years.
Ganguly’s re-election was confirmed during the CAB’s 85th Annual General Meeting, held on Saturday, September 14.
A legacy of leadership in Bengal cricket
During his first term, Ganguly modernized Bengal cricket with a strong focus on infrastructure upgrades and professional coaching programs. These initiatives played a crucial role in improving the performance of Bengal’s domestic teams.
After stepping down in 2019, Ganguly took charge of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), where he served as president until 2022. His BCCI tenure was marked by:
- Expansion of India’s domestic cricket calendar
- Increased international engagement
- Administrative and structural reforms
Now back at CAB, Ganguly returns with national-level experience and a renewed vision, just as Bengal cricket prepares for structural changes under India’s new Sports Act.
CAB’s new leadership panel announced
With Ganguly at the helm, CAB has introduced a reshuffled leadership team, including several new names in key roles:
- President: Sourav Ganguly
- Secretary: Bablu Koley
- Joint Secretary: Madan Ghosh
- Treasurer: Sanjoy Das
- Vice President: Nitish Ranjan Dutta
This transition is expected to bring both stability and continuity to Bengal cricket, particularly in the lead-up to state sports elections and nationwide sports administration reforms.
Ganguly elected unopposed, signaling broad support
No other nominations were filed for the presidency or other key positions, making Ganguly’s re-election uncontested. This unanimous support reflects his stature within Indian cricket and the confidence stakeholders have in his leadership during a period of transition.
Ganguly’s administrative journey began in 2014 as CAB’s joint secretary. He became president in 2015 following the death of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Nearly a decade later, he returns with enhanced experience from his BCCI tenure and a broader perspective on cricket governance.
Balancing dual roles: CAB president and SA20 coach
In addition to leading CAB, Ganguly was recently appointed head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 League. While no formal conflict exists, industry observers will be closely watching how he manages dual responsibilities.
His ability to juggle both roles—administrative and coaching—will be important in ensuring Bengal cricket’s developmental goals remain on track.
Looking ahead: reform and renewal under Ganguly
With Indian sports governance set to change under the new Sports Act, Ganguly’s return is seen as a stabilizing force for CAB. His leadership is expected to guide Bengal cricket through this transition, with a focus on:
- Infrastructure development
- Grassroots talent cultivation
- Competitive success at the domestic level
Backed by a legacy of cricketing excellence and proven administrative acumen, Ganguly’s comeback signals a new phase for Bengal cricket—one that blends tradition with forward-looking ambition.
