Sourav Ganguly’s Historic CAB Return: Eden Gardens Expansion to 100,000 Seats & T20 World Cup 2026 Hosting Rights

Cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has made a triumphant return to cricket administration, being elected unopposed as the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President on September 22, 2025. After a six-year hiatus from the position, the former Indian captain brings ambitious plans for Eden Gardens and Bengal cricket that could reshape the landscape of cricket in Eastern India.

Ganguly’s Unopposed Election Victory

The 53-year-old cricket icon secured his return to the CAB presidency during the association’s 94th Annual General Meeting, running unopposed for the coveted position. This marks his second stint as CAB President, having previously served from 2015 to 2019 before his tenure as BCCI President from 2019 to 2022.

Ganguly replaces his elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, who completed his six-year tenure cap as per cricket administration regulations. The transition represents a seamless shift in leadership within one of India’s most prominent cricket associations.

Key Leadership Team Elected Unopposed

The entire CAB executive panel led by Ganguly was elected without contest, demonstrating unified support for their vision:

• President: Sourav Ganguly
• Secretary: Bablu Kolay
• Joint Secretary: Madan Mohan Ghosh
• Treasurer: Sanjay Das
• Vice President: Anu Dutta

Eden Gardens Capacity Expansion: A Historic Transformation

One of Ganguly’s most ambitious plans involves expanding Eden Gardens’ seating capacity from the current 68,000 to a massive one lakh (100,000) spectators. This expansion would make Eden Gardens the second-largest cricket stadium in the world, trailing only behind Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium which holds 132,000 spectators.

Timeline and Implementation Strategy

The expansion project is strategically planned to commence after the T20 World Cup 2026, ensuring no disruption to the upcoming global tournament. Ganguly emphasized that the project would require substantial time and careful planning, with the venue’s lease already renewed to facilitate these developments.

Historical Context: Eden Gardens originally boasted a capacity exceeding one lakh spectators but was gradually reduced to prioritize fan comfort and safety. The most recent major capacity adjustment occurred before the 2011 Cricket World Cup, bringing it down to the current 68,000.

T20 World Cup 2026: Eden Gardens in the Spotlight

With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026, Eden Gardens is positioned to host several marquee fixtures. Industry sources suggest the venue could potentially host a semifinal, making it one of the tournament’s premier locations alongside other iconic Indian stadiums.

Ganguly’s Vision for World Cup Success

The CAB President expressed confidence about securing high-profile matches for Eden Gardens during the global tournament. His strategy involves close coordination with the new BCCI leadership team, including incoming President Mithun Manhas and Treasurer Raghuram Bhat.

Key venues expected for T20 World Cup 2026 include:

• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (likely Final venue)
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Test Cricket Returns to Eden Gardens

Cricket fans have reasons to celebrate as Test cricket makes its much-awaited return to Eden Gardens in November 2025. The venue will host the opening Test between India and world champions South Africa on November 14, marking the first Test match at the iconic ground since the historic day-night pink-ball fixture against Bangladesh in 2019.

This Test match holds special significance as Ganguly had initiated the day-night Test concept during his tenure as BCCI President. The upcoming India vs South Africa encounter promises to be a fitting return for Test cricket to one of the world’s most atmospheric cricket venues.

Infrastructure Development and Academy Projects

Dumurjala Academy: A State-of-the-Art Training Facility

Ganguly announced plans for an advanced cricket academy in Dumurjala, Howrah, built on nine acres of land already acquired by CAB. This facility will feature:

• Floodlight systems for night training
• State-of-the-art coaching facilities
• Indoor training schools
• Modern player amenities

The academy, modeled after the successful Kalyani Academy but with enhanced features, is expected to be completed within 18 months. Its proximity to Kolkata makes it strategically located for aspiring cricketers across Bengal.

Vision 2036: Olympic Cricket Preparation

In an ambitious long-term vision, CAB plans to extend its Vision 2020 Programme to 2036, aligning with India’s potential Olympic bid. The goal is to develop cricketers capable of representing India in Olympic cricket, should the sport be included in the 2036 Games.

Financial Boost for Cricket Development

CAB has significantly increased its development funding, raising allocations to state units and district associations from ₹5 crores to ₹8 crores. This 60% increase demonstrates the association’s commitment to grassroots cricket development across Bengal.

Strengthening First-Class Structure

Ganguly emphasized the need to strengthen Bengal’s first-class cricket structure, noting that the team has reached the Ranji Trophy final twice in recent years. His pragmatic approach focuses on sustainable development rather than quick fixes.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Collaborations

With new leadership taking charge at the BCCI, Ganguly plans extensive discussions about Eden Gardens’ role in future cricket events. His representation of CAB at the BCCI Annual General Meeting on September 29, 2025, will be crucial for securing favorable fixtures and support for infrastructure projects.

The coordination between state associations and the national board becomes particularly important with marquee events like the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, where venue selection and match allocation can significantly impact regional cricket development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Sourav Ganguly become CAB President again? A: Sourav Ganguly was elected unopposed as CAB President on September 22, 2025, during the association’s 94th Annual General Meeting.

Q: What is the current capacity of Eden Gardens? A: Eden Gardens currently has a seating capacity of 68,000 spectators, making it the second-largest cricket stadium in India.

Q: When will Eden Gardens capacity be expanded to one lakh? A: The expansion project will begin after the T20 World Cup 2026, with completion expected to take considerable time due to the scale of renovation required.

Q: Which matches will Eden Gardens host during T20 World Cup 2026? A: While official confirmations are pending, Eden Gardens is expected to host several marquee fixtures, potentially including a semifinal during the T20 World Cup 2026.

Q: What happened to Snehasish Ganguly’s presidency? A: Snehasish Ganguly completed his six-year tenure cap as CAB President and had to step down as per cricket administration regulations.

Q: Where is the new cricket academy being built? A: The new state-of-the-art cricket academy is being constructed in Dumurjala, Howrah, on a nine-acre plot acquired by CAB.

Conclusion

Sourav Ganguly’s return as CAB President marks a new era for Bengal cricket, with ambitious infrastructure projects and strategic planning for global tournaments. His vision extends beyond immediate gains to long-term development that could position Eden Gardens and Bengal cricket at the forefront of Indian cricket for decades to come.

The combination of capacity expansion, modern training facilities, and strategic partnerships with the BCCI creates a comprehensive roadmap for cricket development in Bengal. As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches and Test cricket returns to Eden Gardens, Ganguly’s leadership promises to deliver memorable cricketing experiences for fans while nurturing the next generation of cricket talent.

Stay updated with the latest T20 World Cup 2026 news and cricket developments at T20WC2026Schedule.com