Sourav Ganguly promises to make Eden Gardens the best stadium in the world
Newly-appointed Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly is confident that Eden Gardens will have facilities that will put it on par with any stadium in the world, IBNLive reports. After roping in IDBI Federal Life Insurance as Bengal cricket’s title sponsor in his first major move as CAB president, Ganguly has now set his sights on improving the conditions at his home ground.
The former Indian skipper believes it's his duty as president to ensure that the image of iconic stadium remains unaffected by scenes similar to last week, when the 3rd T20 between India and South Africa was washed out with a ball being bowled after the groundsmen were unable to get the ground ready in spite of showers ending more than six hours earlier.
The 43-year-old, who had strongly defended the ground officials following the furore resulting from the cancellation of the match, acknowledged that changes were needed at the venue but reiterated that it was not a problem with Eden Gardens alone.
"Every infrastructure needs remodelling. Not just in cricket but in office, business enterprises, everywhere and this association as well. We will try and do the best possible things. I have been around the world for 20 years," Ganguly told a news conference after he was unanimously elected president of the CAB.
"You must also understand that with rain games get called off. It happens in every cricket venue around the world. I remember on day five of a Test when England were almost winning at Lord's, not a single bowl was bowled and we saved the match and went to win the series.”
Ganguly expressed confidence that his long exposure in international cricket will help in ensuring that the Eden Gardens get elevated to world-class status.
"I've seen almost every cricket venue around the world. I know what exists there. I can guarantee you that within next three months Eden Gardens will have the same facilities as anywhere else in the world. We are going to do everything possible to make this ground the best place to play cricket," he said. "For me, it's about having the best whoever it maybe. You be here if you deliver. More than anybody, the association's image, respect and prestige is at stake. It's not above anyone, whether it's Ganguly, Avishek Dalmiya or X, Y, Z."
Veteran curator Prabir Mukherjee who bore the brunt for the fiasco last week has not returned to the venue since that day, with Sujanda Mukherjee stepping in for the moment, but Ganguly assured everyone that he will try his best to persuade the long-serving curator back into the fold.
“I don't know why is he's not coming... It's very hard to control him, when he's coming and not coming. I will speak to Prabirda. I did not have a post (October 5-15) earlier. In any case Sujanda (Mukherjee) is involved with the association. He runs the Kalyani Cricket Academy. With Prabirda's absence we had to bring someone," Ganguly said.