Kolkata : Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is set to shift Bengal’s Ranji Trophy home game against Delhi from Eden Gardens, as the iconic stadium is expected to host a grand Durga Puja event on Mahalaya in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bengal is all set to start their Ranji Trophy 2026 campaign from October 11 against Delhi. The match was initially supposed to be held at Eden Gardens. But due to grand Durga Puja event celebrations initiated by State Government on day of Mahalaya on 10th October, the game next day is all set to be shifted to an alternative venue.
CAB confirms Bengal vs Delhi Ranji Trophy Game to be played at Kalyani
The game is likely to be held at Kalyani the CAB has already informed the BCCI about the proposed change.
“Since an event of such stature will be held at Eden Gardens, we had to shift the Ranji Trophy game elsewhere. For now, we are looking at both Kalyani and Salt Lake (JU Ground). We have informed the BCCI and will take a decision soon. But there’s a possibility that we might have to zero in on Kalyani,” CAB secretary Bablu Kolay said.
Sourav Ganguly confirms the shift of venue as per State Government guidelines
CAB President Sourav Ganguly has said that whatever the state government and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari direct the board to do, it will be done. For the first time, the iconic venue will remain under the state government’s control from September 25 to October 15 to facilitate preparations for the event, which marks the start of the Durga Puja festivities.
“Whatever the state government and the honourable chief minister direct us to do, we will follow it. The Prime Minister is also supposed to attend,” Ganguly said while speaking to the media.
Durga Puja event details, expected Guinness World Record, with PM Modi in attendance
West Bengal is set to begin this year’s Durga Puja celebrations with a grand cultural programme at Eden Gardens on the evening of Mahalaya.
The programme will be preceded by a roadshow along the illuminated Red Road, featuring a grand procession showcasing 23 traditional dance forms representing the cultural heritage of the state’s 23 districts.
PM Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari are expected to attend the programme. Around 1,000 women are expected to welcome them with traditional ululation, while 10,000 dhakis will perform simultaneously.
The Special Protection Group will take over the venue from September 25 ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. The event is being organised by the West Bengal Tourism Department in collaboration with the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.
The organisers believe the mass dhak performance could find a place in the Guinness World Records.
With Eden Gardens expected to be unavailable from the first week of October, Bengal will begin its Ranji Trophy campaign against Delhi before travelling to face Services and Kerala. It will then return home to take on Maharashtra in the final game of the first leg.
