Sourav Ganguly says no crowd in Kolkata for WI T20Is; opines on new Test captain, future of Hardik Pandya

Sourav Ganguly spoke on whether BCCI will allow crowd in Eden Gardens for Wi T20Is.

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly in a candid interview with PTI spoke on a multitude of issues, including answering some hard questions about his tenure and influence, as well as future of the Indian team and the Women’s Indian Premier League.

One of the questions asked to him was about the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) announcing that there will be a crowd in for the upcoming T20I series against West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from February 16 onwards.

As per the new West Bengal government notification, sporting events in the state could have 75% of a capacity crowd in stadiums.

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This includes the three-match T20I series against West Indies, but Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that no crowd will be allowed in Eden Gardens, as the BCCI doesn’t want to compromise player safety.

“Let me put this on record. We are not allowing spectators at the Eden Gardens for the three T20 Internationals. There will not be any tickets for the general public. The only people allowed are CAB officials and representatives of the various units.

In these times, we can’t risk the health of the players by allowing spectators. No tickets for the stands of Life or Associate members will be issued. Obviously, we have the clearance of the West Bengal government but BCCI doesn’t want to risk the health safety of players,” Ganguly told PTI.

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Virat Kohli recently shocked the cricketing world after India lost the Test series against South Africa and stepped down as Test captain. Talking about the same, Ganguly spoke about the kind of qualities that the board is looking for in the new India Test captain.

He said: “Obviously, there are certain parameters of leadership and whoever fits the bill will be the next Indian Test captain. I believe selectors will have a name in mind and they will discuss it with office-bearers — President and Secretary — and it will be announced in due course of time.”

Another topic of discussion was the future of Hardik Pandya in the Indian national team and Sourav Ganguly said that he would like to see the all-rounder bowl more overs. He also said that the selectors will get an idea of Hardik’s fitness in the upcoming IPL 2022 where he will captain the Ahmedabad franchise.

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Ganguly said: “Hardik was injured and a break was given to him to completely recover so that he can continue to serve Indian cricket for a long period of time. I believe I will see him play some Ranji Trophy to start with.

I expect him to bowl a lot more overs and his body will get stronger. Also, he is now captain of Ahmedabad IPL and that will be a platform where his form and fitness will be checked by selectors. Accordingly, they will take a call.”

(PTI inputs)