Ganguly poised to return to CAB leadership
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to return to cricket administration and is likely to contest the upcoming Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) presidential elections, according to multiple reports. The 52-year-old, who led the CAB from 2015 to 2019 before becoming BCCI president, is expected to file his nomination ahead of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 20.
Ganguly’s likely return comes as current CAB president Snehasish Ganguly, his elder brother, completes six years in the role — triggering a mandatory cooling-off period under the Lodha Committee–recommended constitution. Preparations for the elections are already underway, with the final apex council meeting scheduled for August 14.
A senior CAB official, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, confirmed Ganguly’s intention.
“Yes, Sourav is very keen to come back to administration. He has made up his mind to file nomination for the CAB president’s post. If one goes by BCCI constitution, he will have five years (total nine years in state) left. Whether he will be a unanimous choice or there will be an election is still not clear at this stage.”
Building on a strong first tenure
Ganguly began his administrative career as CAB secretary in 2014 under Jagmohan Dalmiya before taking over as president the following year. During his four-year tenure, he focused on modernising cricket infrastructure in Bengal, strengthening grassroots pathways, and professionalising the state’s cricket operations.
One of his most notable initiatives was the Vision2020 programme, designed to identify and nurture young talent. The project has since produced several standout players for Bengal cricket.
A CAB member told PTI that Ganguly’s leadership had left a lasting legacy.
“Sourav was a very successful CAB president. The Vision2020 is such a big hit and we got some wonderful cricketers from that project. Hopefully, all stakeholders in the CAB will come together and ensure that we are on same page with a collective vision of taking our state’s cricket forward.”
From CAB to BCCI and beyond
In 2019, Ganguly was unanimously elected as BCCI president with Jay Shah as secretary, overseeing a period of significant growth for Indian cricket. His achievements included negotiating a record-breaking ₹48,000 crore media rights deal for the IPL’s 2023–2027 cycle, launching the Women’s T20 Challenge, and driving plans for a state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
After completing one term at the BCCI, he stepped aside for 1983 World Cup winner Roger Binny in 2022.
Likely unopposed path back
Reports suggest that if Ganguly enters the race, he is expected to be elected unopposed for his second stint as CAB president. With five years remaining under BCCI constitutional limits for state-level roles, his return could provide long-term stability and strategic direction for Bengal cricket.
If confirmed, the move would mark a full-circle moment for one of Indian cricket’s most influential leaders — back at the helm of the association where his administrative journey began.
