Despite valiant efforts from Bengal Ranji captain Anustup Majumdar, Bhowanipur defeated Kalighat by a huge margin of 258 runs in the semi-final of the C.A.B. First Division League Championship on Saturday at J.U. Second Campus Ground in Kolkata. On the other hand, East Bengal won the Kolkata derby at the Videocon Ground by defeating Mohun Bagan by 77 runs to reach the final of the tournament. 

Bhawanipore win despite Anustup's 154

Chasing down Bhowanipur's mammoth 618-run target looked impossible from the start of the second inning for Kalighat. But when you have someone like Anustup Majumdar in your dressing room, you can hope for a miracle. But, that was not to be for Kalighat Club as despite a valiant 154 from 190 balls from the Bengal captain, Bhowanipur managed a huge 258-run win to enter the final. 

At the end of Day 2, Kalighat were at 188/2 and needed 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase. Anustup Majumdar was at the crease on 107 from 127 balls along with Subham Chatterjee, who was one of their best batters in the tournament so far. 

But, as soon as Rajkumar Pal opened the gate for Bhowanipur by dismissing Subham early on day 3, everything looked out of reach for Kalighat. Rajkumar then removed Kalighat's hero of the quarterfinal, Writam Porel, to make it a one-man battle for Kalighat. 

Arun Chaprana tried his best with his 32 off 35 balls, but Pradipta Pramanik proved to be too good for him. Pradipta then played the decisive move of the match by dismissing Anustup Majumdar on 154 to go one step closer to the final. 

Left-arm pacer Ravi Kumar then broke through the lower middle order, to make sure the defending champion would en route to defend their title in the mega final as Kalighat were bundled out for 359. Ravi Kumar with 66/4 was the pick of the bowlers for Bhowanipur along with Pradipta Pramanik, who took 3 wickets for 75. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the player of the match for his 149 in the first inning. Shakir Habib Gandhi and Vivek Singh were the other centurions for them.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

East Bengal win the Kolkata derby despite Suvankar Bal's 148

In the second semi-final, Mohun Bagan were chasing East Bengal's steep 410-run target. But at 146/5 at the end of day 2, their fate depended on Suvankar Bal's bat. Bal had already crossed his fifty, but needed a good partner at the other end to support him. 

Vikas Singh did his best by building a 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket. But after Writtick Chatterjee dismissed him on 37, Bal had to build another partnership under the scorching heat at the Videocon Ground, in Kolkata. Sourav Halder then played a handy knock of 48 off 88 balls to shift the game towards Mohun Bagan a bit, with Suvankar Bal smashing bowlers from the other end. 

Bal completed his hundred in 229 balls, and with four wickets in hand, it was all about East Bengal getting his wicket or him taking Mohun Bagan over the line. But East Bengal bowler Shreyan Chakraborty did the trick for East Bengal by first breaking the partnership and dismissing Sourav Halder. 

Shreyan then picked up Anurag Tiwari's wicket to make Bal feel helpless at the other end. Rohit Kumar's run out meant Bal had no other option but to go for the biggies. Shreyan then picked up Bal's wicket to send East Bengal to the final. 

Bal's valiant 148 went in vain as Mohun Bagan lost the semi-final by 77 runs. Shreyan Chakraborty with 67/4 was the pick of the bowlers for East Bengal. Sandipan Das won the player of the match for his unbeaten 108 in the first inning. Satyaki Dutta were the other centurion for East Bengal in the match.

The final will be played at the Eden Gardens after the completion of IPL 2025.

Bengal cricket fans have a reason to celebrate this September as 'Cricket Club House' [ক্রিকেট ক্লাব হাউস in Bengali](CCH), a Facebook page or community, prepares to launch an exciting new Bengali cricket e-magazine alongside an action-packed tournament. On 23rd September, coinciding with CCH’s birth anniversary, the group will release "Dibbly Dobbly,” a magazine priced at Rs. 80 that promises to engage cricket enthusiasts with gripping stories, expert analysis, and fun quizzes.

'Dibbly Dobbly' - A homage to unique cricket stories

The magazine features contributions from acclaimed Bengali sports writers like Kalarab Ray, Partha Dey, Saptak Sanyal and Anish Mukherjee, offering deep insights into the sport.

The unique title “Dibbly Dobbly” pays homage to the medium and part-time pacers of the 1980s and 90s, known for their surprising effectiveness, mirroring the humble but passionate spirit of the growing CCH community.

Read Also: Exclusive: Advised by Sourav Ganguly, Abishek Porel gets coached by Yuvraj Singh; this is what he learned

All about Camaraderie Trophy

Beyond literature, CCH is energising the field with the “CCH PRESENTS: Camaraderie Trophy” cricket tournament, kicking off on 20th September at Bounce Turf in North Dumdum near ILS Hospital.

This competition will see eight teams of nine players each (including one impact player) battling it out in five-over matches with at least three group league games.

The winners will receive Rs. 7,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 4,000 and a trophy. Special awards for the Man of the Finals and the Man of the Tournament will also be presented. Team registration costs Rs. 3,500 and is open via WhatsApp.

A notable highlight is the inclusion of a women’s tournament, reflecting CCH’s commitment to promoting cricket among women from the outset. Despite limited resources, the group is organising all aspects of the magazine and tournaments with dedication, demonstrating strong vision and quality leadership.

Read Also: Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

CCH's vision - a new high in Bengali sports community

CCH’s drive to deliver high-quality events and content is already gaining traction within the Bengali sports community, laying the foundations for future expansion. The group is actively seeking visionary investors to support its mission of enriching the sports ecosystem through innovative cricket initiatives and events.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is all set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its cricketers as it announced the awardees for the 2024-25 season. The awards ceremony will recognise exceptional talent across various categories, spanning senior men’s, senior women’s, and junior levels, including under-23, under-19, under-16, under-15, and club league categories. 

When is the C.A.B. Award Ceremony?

As per multiple reports, the C.A.B. Award Ceremony for the 2024-25 season will take place on 30 August 2025 at the Dhana Dhanya Auditorium in Kolkata.

Who are the winners?

In the senior men’s category, Sudip Gharami was named Cricketer of the Year, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Sayan Ghosh shared the Gentleman Cricketer and Best Fast Bowler awards, respectively. This is the second time Gharami will recieve the Cricketer of the Year Award.

Read Also: Bengal Players in IPL 2025 – Full List & Performance

Sudip Chatterjee earned the Highest Run Getter for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, and Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal will be honoured as the Highest Wicket Taker in the same tournament.

Read Also: Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025

The senior women’s category saw Tanusree Sarkar and Dhara Gujjar clinching the Highest Run Getter awards in the T-20 and One Day Tournaments, respectively, with Saika Ishaque recognised as the Highest Wicket Taker in the T-20 Tournament. Tanusree also won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award.

Both Tanusree and Dhara are with the India-A team in Australia at the moment.

Read Also: Bengal Women's Cricket Exclusive: Two out of two finals, record chase against Haryana, Jhulan Goswami, WPL and more

Among the junior categories, Rahul Prasad dominated the under-23 men’s section, securing multiple awards, including Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker.

Read Also: From delivering online food to getting selected for India U-19 camp, Rahul Prasad's journey is an inspiring one

Dyuti Paul and Sushmita Ganguly shone in the under-23 women’s category, with Paul named Best Women's U-23 Cricketer and Ganguly as the Highest Wicket-taker for Bengal in Women's Under-23 One Day Tournament.

Read Also: Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

In the under-19 category, Vishal Bhati emerged as a key figure, winning Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker, while Ipshita Mondal led the under-19 women’s section with the Highest Run Getter awards.

Sachin Yadav and Sandipta Patra were standout performers in the under-16 and under-15 categories, respectively, with Yadav named Best Bowler and Patra the Highest Run Getter.

The club league category will see Sayan Paul being honoured as the Best Under-19 Cricketer, rounding off a comprehensive recognition of talent across all levels. 

Read Also: Women's Cricket Exclusive: Age 14, 5 feet 8 inches tall, bowls left-arm wrist spin; Debjani Das is all set to be Bengal's next cricketing superstar

Cricket Association of Bengal Award Winners 2024-2025

Senior Men's

Senior Women's

Men's Under-23

Women's Under-23

Men's Under-19

Women's Under-19

Men's Under-16

Women's Under-15

Men's Under-19 Club League

East Zone announced their squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025 on Friday, featuring a bowling lineup reminiscent of an Indian team, including Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep. However, there is one Bengal pacer who made an entry into the squad after performing well in Ranji Trophy in last two seasons.

Bengal's medium pacer all-rounder Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has been named in the West Zone squad. Ishan Kishan will lead the side, whereas Abhimanyu Easwaran will be the vice-captain of the team. Right after his selection, Suraj shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point.

Suraj nearly left cricket in 2023

There was one time when Suraj wanted to leave cricket and went into depression. Suraj had already lost his father, but his mother, brother and coach supported him immensely, and their belief turned into a result when he got selected for the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 season after a great season with Calcutta Customs Club.

Since then, Suraj has been Bengal's highest wicket-taker in consecutive seasons and has taken 60 wickets in just 12 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 15.43. Suraj feels it is his consistency and process that have given him the results so far.

"Feeling very happy after the selection. These selections give you more confidence that I have been doing well. But, I will have to justify this with better performances," Suraj told Sportz Point.

Reflecting back on his journey, Suraj feels he is on the right track but needs to focus on the present without looking too far.

"You know that I was about to leave cricket. But, I have been able to go through that period and representing Bengal in Ranji Trophy was a dream. Now, when I am going into the next stages of Indian cricket, I need to focus on the things at hand and do what has worked well for me."

Read Also: Exclusive Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: "Jumping out" from tough times to become Bengal's star of the season

"I am honoured"

It will not be new for Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal to bowl alongside Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep. In the 2024-25 season, Suraj bowled in tandem with India's one of best, Mohammed Shami. But getting selected for the East Zone team when all of these three bowlers are available makes it more special for him. 

"To be honest, I am honoured. Getting into a squad where all of them (Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep) are there feels special. All of them have played for India, and I am just willing to learn as much as possible from them."

However, it is quite clear as well that with Shami, Mukesh and Akash Deep being there, it would be hard for Suraj to get a game. But for Suraj, he never thinks about selection before the match. For him, selection is never in his hands, and that's why he does not want to think about something which is not under his control.

"Even in Ranji Trophy, I do not think about selection. I try to focus on the preparation and getting ready for them. That has been my habit. So, in Duleep Trophy, I will just focus on my preparation," Suraj expressed.

Read Also: Exclusive Akash Pandey: Former Bengal U19 star is inspired by Sarfraz Khan's journey, takes 9/71 against Goa in Ranji Trophy

"Don't want to think too far"

It was in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy where Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep made their names before getting that India cap. Is Suraj thinking about that too?

"No. I just want to keep doing what I have done well to get here," he answered.

"Yes, the dream is to get there (the Indian team). But I do not want to think too far and lose my focus. I trust in God and whatever he chooses for him. I just want to keep improving myself."

Apart from his bowling, Suraj last season proved himself with the bat as well. With his maiden first-class ton against Punjab in the last of the season, Suraj showed he is ready to be an all-rounder as well. By the way, he also took 8 wickets in that match.

"It is about contributing to the team, with bat, ball or fielding. Helping the team is the main goal. Yes, I have been working on my batting as well. So, feels good to have a first-class ton beside my name, but I need to keep improving.

Read Also: Fast, accurate and fearless: Nuruddin Mondal bowling bouncer to life every day | Bengal Cricket Exclusive

East Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2025

Ishan Kishan (C), Abhimanyu Easwaran (VC), Sandeep Pattnaik, Virat Singh, Denish Das, Sridam Paul, Sharandeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Riyan Parag, Utkarsh Singh, Manishi, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami.

Stand bys: Mukhtar Hussain, Aasirwad Swain, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Swastik Samal, Sudip Kr Gharami, Rahul Singh.

Duleep Trophy 2025 Schedule

As far as local sporting rivalries go, few on this planet can compare to the one between East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan, commonly known as the Kolkata Derby. 

The two giants hailing from the same city, Kolkata, have been at each other's throats since East Bengal's inception a century and some change ago on August 1st, 1920, and their rivalry has scripted the most glorious chapter in the history of Indian football.

The two teams are not just two football entities but represent two sets of inhabitants of the state of Bengal, who simply cannot stand losing to the other side.  East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan evokes passion unlike any other sporting contest in the country. So ahead of the new season's Kolkata Derby, we take a brief look at the rich history of the rivalry.

Though the data is just an approximation, as of 27th July 2025, it is believed that the tally of overall meetings stands at 403 matches up till now, (including friendlies), where East Bengal have been triumphant 139 times, while Mohun Bagan 135 times. 129 matches have been drawn.

Read Also | Most Iconic Rivalries in European Football Leagues: History & Stats

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Head-to-Head

Since 2020-21, these two teams have played 10 times against each other in ISL, while Mohun Bagan Super Giants have won 9 matches, with only one draw between the two. Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a merger of Mohun Bagan AC and ATK FC.

Mohun Bagan's domination over East Bengal in ISL comes while the two teams enjoy fairly competitive records against each other in other tournaments. In 45 matches of the I-League, East Bengal have won 17 so far and Mohun Bagan 15, while 13 ended in a draw.

In 22 Federation Cup matches, East Bengal have won eight and Mohun Bagan six, while eight matches ended in a draw. In 12 Rovers Cup matches, both teams have won four each, while four matches ended in a draw.

In 163 Calcutta Football League matches, East Bengal won 56, Mohun Bagan 48 and 59 ended in a draw. East Bengal enjoy a massive record against their archrivals in the IFA Shield. Out of 41 matches, they have won 21, while Mohun Bagan has managed to win only seven of those.

East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan overall record

After Karun Nair's continuous flops, he was dropped from the playing XI in the ENG vs IND fourth Test match at Old Trafford. Everyone was hoping that if Karun sits on the bench, Abhimanyu Easwaran's years-long wait for a Test debut will end.

But captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir had decided something else. Sai Sudharsan was given a chance again at the Old Trafford ground and Abhimanyu remained sitting on the bench. He has been with the Indian Test team since 2021-22, but his dream of entering the field wearing Team India's jersey has not yet been realised.

Also Read: ENG vs IND 4th Test: Rishabh Pant to available for batting; Jurel will do wicketkeeping

15 players made their debut before him

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been coming to the squad for the last 4 years and returns home after giving water. Abhimanyu has spent a lot of time in the dressing room, but his dream of playing in Team India's jersey remains just a dream.

Since Abhimanyu's arrival in the Indian team, 15 players have made their Test debut, which also includes young players like Suryakumar Yadav, Rajat Patidar, Ishan Kishan with Anshul Kamboj being the latest one to join the list on Wednesday in Manchester, but his wait is still on. 

But despite constantly proving his ability in domestic cricket, Abhimanyu just keeps resting on the bench. In first class cricket, Abhimanyu has 27 centuries to his name and he has also scored 7,841 runs. 31 fifties have also come from his bat.

Players who perform well in domestic cricket deserve a chance

Some time ago, a big debate broke out regarding domestic cricket. Everyone talked about giving importance to domestic cricket. Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir himself says that players who perform well in domestic cricket deserve a chance.

But the truth is something else. Coach is not able to do justice to Abhimanyu while sitting in the dressing room. If a batsman remains on the bench for four years despite having around 8 thousand runs and 27 centuries, then what is the use of showing his ability in domestic cricket.

Abhimanyu is far ahead of Sudharsan

You have seen the statistics of Abhimanyu Easwaran, now let us tell you about the domestic record of Sai Sudharsan. Sudarshan has played a total of 30 first class matches so far, in which he has scored 1987 runs at an average of 36.

On the other hand, Abhimanyu's batting average is 54 despite playing 103 matches. Sudharsan has been able to score only 7 centuries and 5 half-centuries in 51 innings. From experience to batting record, Abhimanyu is far ahead of Sudharsan.

Sudharsan came into limelight only because of his strong performance in IPL 2025.

Also Read: Can Jurel bat for Rishabh Pant? Former England captain wants 'like for like subs' option for first innings injuries

Players to make Test debut for India before Easwaran

Since Abhimanyu Easwaran's first call-up to the Test side, 15 players have now gone on to make their Test debut for India before him. They are: 

• K.S Bharat (Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023)
• Suryakumar Yadav (Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal (vs West Indies 2023)
• Ishan Kishan (vs West Indies 2023)
• Mukesh Kumar (vs West Indies 2023)
• Prasidh Krishna (vs South Africa 2023)
• Rajat Patidar (vs England 2024)
• Sarfaraz Khan (vs England 2024)
• Dhruv Jurel (vs England 2024)
• Akash Deep (vs England 2024)
• Devdutt Padikkal (vs England 2024)
• Nitish Kumar Reddy (vs Australia 2024)
• Harshit Rana (vs Australia 2024)
• Sai Sudharsan (vs England 2025)
• Anshul Kamboj (vs England 2025)