Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket, is all set to return as the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). Ganguly officially filed his nomination papers for the top administrative post of Bengal cricket, and reports confirm that he will be elected unopposed, as no other candidate has filed against him. His appointment has generated excitement in the cricketing community, given his past contributions both as a player and as an administrator.
The CAB presidential role is not new to Ganguly. He first held this position in 2015, after the death of Jagmohan Dalmiya, serving until 2019 before moving on to a bigger responsibility as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His return in 2025 signals a continuation of his commitment to developing cricket in Bengal and India.
Succeeding Snehasish Ganguly
Ganguly will succeed his elder brother, Snehasish Ganguly, who had been serving as CAB President since 2020. Snehasish is stepping down due to the tenure rules of the Board, which make him ineligible to continue. His tenure saw Bengal cricket stabilize during a post-pandemic phase, but the baton is now being handed back to Sourav, who remains one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket.
This transition is not just a family affair but also part of CAB’s electoral rules, which aim to bring fresh leadership after specific terms. Sourav’s return is widely viewed as a move that will add both experience and administrative expertise at a crucial time for Bengal cricket.
Official Takeover Date Confirmed
Sourav Ganguly will officially assume charge on September 22, 2025, once the current tenure formally ends. The date holds significance, as it will mark his second innings as the face of Bengal cricket administration after nearly a six-year gap. Cricket experts believe that his presence could bring stronger coordination between Bengal cricket and the BCCI, thanks to his prior experience at the national level.
Ganguly’s Past Administrative Contributions
Ganguly’s administrative career has already left an impact. During his BCCI presidency (2019–2022), he oversaw crucial decisions including the organization of cricket during the COVID-19 pandemic, the expansion of domestic cricket calendars, and India’s participation in ICC events under difficult circumstances. He also pushed for infrastructure upgrades and more financial support for state associations.
Returning to CAB, Ganguly is expected to replicate some of these administrative models at the state level—emphasizing grassroots cricket, infrastructure upgrades, and nurturing young talent.
India vs Pakistan Clash: Asia Cup 2025
While Ganguly’s appointment has dominated Bengal cricket news, he has also made strong remarks about the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025. The two teams will face each other on September 14, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This will be the first cricketing contest between India and Pakistan since “Operation Sindoor”, which heightened political and security tensions between the two nations earlier this year. With emotions running high, many fans and political groups in India had called for a boycott of sporting ties with Pakistan.
Boycott Calls and Ganguly’s Stand
Amid these calls, Ganguly responded with clarity during his exclusive conversation with Sports Tak. He backed the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, to not only play the fixture but also dominate it. According to Ganguly, India is currently a much superior team across all formats compared to Pakistan, making them clear favourites for the Dubai encounter.
His words carry weight, not only as a former captain who led India to memorable victories but also as an administrator with a balanced view of cricket’s role beyond politics. While acknowledging the tense political backdrop, Ganguly appeared firm that the Asia Cup fixture should proceed as scheduled.
India’s Recent Dominance Over Pakistan
Ganguly’s confidence in Team India is not without basis. India recently defeated Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century powered the Men in Blue to a six-wicket win in a one-sided contest. Historically too, India holds a strong head-to-head record against Pakistan in ICC and Asia Cup tournaments.
The Indian side began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on a high note, registering a dominant win in their opening match. With Suryakumar Yadav leading a balanced squad that blends youth and experience, expectations are high that India will continue their winning run when they take on their arch-rivals.
Significance of the Dubai Match
The India–Pakistan clash is always one of the most anticipated contests in world cricket. Beyond sport, it draws massive global attention due to the historic rivalry, high television ratings, and the sheer passion of fans on both sides of the border.
This year’s game carries additional weight, being the first meeting after Operation Sindoor and amid heightened political sensitivities. Security arrangements in Dubai have been intensified, with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) working closely to ensure the smooth conduct of the match.
Ganguly’s Dual Role as Administrator and Statesman
By stepping into the CAB presidency and simultaneously addressing national cricket issues, Sourav Ganguly once again demonstrates his stature as both an administrator and a statesman for Indian cricket. His calm handling of the boycott calls reflects his maturity in balancing sports diplomacy with cricketing realities.
As CAB President, his focus will likely remain on Bengal’s cricketing future. But given his influence and stature, his views on matters such as the India–Pakistan game also resonate nationally.
Looking Ahead
With Ganguly’s return, Bengal cricket is expected to see stronger administration, grassroots development, and possibly even improved coordination with the BCCI for hosting major tournaments in the state.
For Indian fans, the immediate attention shifts to the Asia Cup 2025 blockbuster on September 14, where Ganguly’s words about India’s superiority will be put to the test against Pakistan in Dubai. Regardless of the result, the match is set to be one of the highlights of the cricketing calendar this year.
