Keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha will not participate in the knockout phase of the Ranji Trophy as CAB confirmed on Friday. Meanwhile, Shakir Habib Gandhi will replace Saha and fly away to Bangalore with team Bengal.
Habib Gandhi was the second choice keeper in the group phase of the Bengal Ranji side. Now, as Wriddhi isn't available Habib will be the first choice keeper for the side.
"CAB wanted that Wriddhiman must play with Bengal. We wanted him in the upcoming tough fight in Ranji knockouts. I requested him to re-think about his decision, but Wriddhiman confirmed us that he will not participate further."
CAB precident Avishek Dalmiya said on Thursday
Meanwhile, Bengal coach Arun Lal himself called Wriddhiman. He told Wriddhi to play. He said to go down to the field and answer. But Saha did not keep his word. On Friday, Arun Lal told Anandabazar Online, "I can't accept Wriddhi's decision. I respect his decision, but I can't accept it. "
Wriddhi had an affair with a Bengali cricket official. That boss questioned Saha's responsibility. Wriddhi who played for Bengal from under-16, could not take that insult. He did not agree to play in Ranji's group stage for personal reasons, even though he was knocked out by Bangla. It is learned that he has also left the WhatsApp group of the Bengal cricket team. In such a situation, he was uncertain about playing for Bengal. That is what he said on Thursday to CAB.
The Bengal team will leave for Bangalore on Friday. However, the knockout stage of the Ranji Trophy starts on June 7. Before that, Bengal will play two practice matches in Bangalore. Bengal's quarter-final match is against Jharkhand.
The BCCI has announced the schedule for the new BCCI domestic season 2025-26. BCCI not only announced the schedule for domestic tournaments, but also announced changes to the format of several key tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy.
The BCCI domestic season 2025-26 has been started with the Duleep Trophy beginning on August 28 and extended till September 15.
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy will be held in two phases from October 15 to February 28. Significantly, two Plate Group teams will be changed this time. Till now, two teams were promoted and relegated from the Plate Group, but now only one team will be promoted to the Elite Division and one team will be sent to the Plate Division.
The BCCI added nine new teams to the Ranji Trophy in 2018-19, including states from the Northeast. However, this decision impacted the quality of cricket in the tournament. Meghalaya played in the Elite Division last season but lost all of its matches.
To address this, the Ranji Trophy format has been modified. The BCCI has decided to implement the same promotion and relegation system for all senior and junior multi-day tournaments starting in the 2026-27 season. This decision has been taken with the aim of maintaining competition in Indian domestic cricket and improving the quality of teams.
Zonal format returns to Duleep Trophy
Before the Ranji Trophy, the domestic season has been with the Duleep Trophy, which played from August 28 to September 15. It held in a zonal format. Players selected by a zonal selection committee.
The Irani Cup will be played from October 1 to 5. India's premier domestic T20 competition, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, will be held from November 26 to December 18. The Plate Division has also been reintroduced in this tournament.
Changes in SMAT
This season, teams will play three additional matches in the Super League round, along with the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The top teams from Group A and Group B will meet in the final.
Meanwhile, the six weakest teams from last season will play in the Plate Group. The BCCI also clarified that in all white-ball tournaments, the advancement of teams tied in the group stage will now be determined based on net run rate (NRR).
Bengal Cricket Exclusive: 'Dibbly Dobbly,' a Facebook page's creation, is helping cricket stories return to households
Bengal cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat this September as the Facebook community 'Cricket Club House' (CCH) launches its new Bengali cricket e-magazine, "Dibbly Dobbly," on September 23rd.
An image from Bengal vs Haryana Ranji Trophy match at Eden Gardens.
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.
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.
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.
Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season
Ajinkya Rahane decided to step down from Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season. Rahane posted on X that he will continue to be available to play for Mumbai.
Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane, on Thursday, has resigned from the captaincy ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. In a message on social media, Rahane made it clear that this is the time when the team should get a chance to develop new leadership.
Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.
With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.
'I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader'
Rahane posted on his social media account that he would not continue as Mumbai captain in Ranji Trophy but would continue to represent the side as a player.
“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with @MumbaiCricAssoc to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season,” Rahane wrote on his X account.
Mumbai Team under Rahane's captaincy
Under Rahane's captaincy, Mumbai achieved stability and success in domestic cricket. Under his leadership, Mumbai ended a seven-year drought by winning the Ranji Trophy in 2023–24. Apart from this, he also led the team to victory in the Irani Cup in 2024-25 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022-23. These victories took his captaincy to new heights.
Despite giving up captaincy, the 37-year-old, who has scored over 14,000 runs in 201 first-class matches, made it clear that he is not retiring. He will continue to represent Mumbai as a batsman in all formats.
Rahane said that he will work for the team as a batsman with full enthusiasm and commitment. His main goal is to bring success to the team and help the new captain in his development.
India allrounder Shardul Thakur will lead the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team for forthcoming season.
Thakur leading Mumbai was always on the cards especially after he was appointed as West Zone captain for Duleep Trophy. It is understood that the Mumbai senior selection committee spoke to Rahane before the season and had taken his feedback about future captaincy candidates.
Thakur has been playing a vital role in Mumbai’s Ranji success over the past few years. In addition to wickets, he has also bailed out Mumbai with lower-order runs. He also scored 505 runs for Mumbai last season where he slammed one hundred. He also took 35 wickets in nine matches.
Bengal Cricket: Sudip Gharami and Tanusree Sarkar win C.A.B Cricketer of the Year Awards 2025; Rahul Prasad shines in U23
Sudip Gharami and Tanusree Sarkar won the C.A.B. Cricketer of the Year 2024/25 awards for men's and women's, respectively. Rahul Prasad won everything in the Men's U23 category. Dhara Gujjar won the highest run getter in Senior Women's ODI award.
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?
Sudip Gharami was named the C.A.B. Cricketer of the Year for 2024-25 season. Image | CAB Media
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.
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal wins C.A.B. Highest Wicket-taker of the Year Award for consecutive seasons. Image | C.A.B. Media
Sudip Chatterjee earned the Highest Run Getter for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, andSuraj Sindhu Jaiswal will be honoured as the Highest Wicket Taker in the same tournament.
Tanusree Sarkar won the Best Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. Image | C.A.B.
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 Ishaquerecognised 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.
Rahul Prasad won all the awards in U-23 Men's Category. Image | C.A.B.
Among the junior categories, Rahul Prasad dominated the under-23 men’s section, securing multiple awards, including Best Cricketer and Highest Wicket Taker.
Dyuti Paul won the Best U-23 Women's Cricketer of the Year Award. Image | C.A.B.
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.
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.
Exclusive: 'Honoured' Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal can't wait to bowl alongside Indian pacers in Duleep Trophy 2025
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal has taken 60 wickets in the 12 first-class matches he has played so far in his career for Bengal. He was the highest wicket-taker for Bengal in both seasons he has played.
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
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal won the player of the match medalfor his 8-wicket haul against Assam in Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Image | CAB
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 taken60 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."
Suraj in the background as Shami delivered ball during MP vs Bengal Ranji Trophy match. Image | PTI via ESPN Cricinfo
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.
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."
Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal scored his maiden first-class ton against Punjab at Eden Gardens. Image | CAB
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.
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