Cricket

Mumbai's women's cricket team showcased their dominance in the Senior Women's T20 Trophy, crushing Bengal by a commanding 10 wickets in the final held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The victory marked a resounding triumph for the Mumbai side, who displayed an all-round performance that left their opponents trailing in their wake.Bengal's batting lineup struggled to find their footing against Mumbai's formidable bowling attack. Dhara Gujjar's valiant effort of 26 runs off 38 balls proved to be a solitary bright spot for the Bengal team. Mumbai's Jagravi Pawar emerged as the star of the show, claiming an impressive 3/13 from her four overs, while Soumya Singh chipped in with 2/11. Sayali Satghare and Fatima Jaffer also contributed with one wicket each.The Mumbai batters, in contrast, made light work of the Bengal bowling attack. Humaira Kaazi led the charge with an unbeaten 41 off 36 balls, including five fours and a six. Vrushali Bhagat provided solid support, scoring an unbeaten 45 off 39 balls with six fours. The Mumbai duo's clinical batting performance ensured that they chased down the meager target of 86 runs in just 12.3 overs without losing a single wicket.Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajinkya Naik hailed the team's triumph, announcing that the organization would match the BCCI's prize money of Rs 40 lakh. "This win inspires every young women cricketer in Mumbai to dream big and strive for excellence," Naik said in a statement.

Wriddhiman Saha, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper, has decided to extend his playing career for one more season, thanks to the persuasion of former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Saha had initially planned to retire after the 2022 season, but Ganguly convinced him to stay on and finish his career with Bengal.Saha, who has been battling injuries in recent years, will only play in the Ranji Trophy this season. He has made it clear that he will not be available for the white-ball leg of the domestic season.The 38-year-old Saha has had a distinguished career, playing 40 Tests for India and scoring over 1300 runs. He has also been a key member of the Indian team in limited-overs cricket.Saha's decision to continue playing has been welcomed by the Bengal Cricket Association (CAB). CAB president Avishek Dalmiya said, "We are delighted that Wriddhiman has decided to play for Bengal this season. He is a great asset to the team and his experience will be invaluable."Saha is also looking forward to mentoring the young wicketkeepers in the Bengal team. He said, "I want to share as much knowledge as I have in cricket. I've already started doing that at a couple of academies back home."Saha's decision to continue playing is a testament to his love for the game. He is a true warrior who has overcome many challenges in his career. He is an inspiration to all young cricketers who dream of playing at the highest level.

Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, on the cusp of a significant milestone in his cricketing career, expressed gratitude and determination as he prepared to play his 100th First Class match.Easwaran, who has been a consistent performer for Bengal, reflected on his 11-year journey in the sport. He acknowledged the support of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for providing him with the platform to showcase his talent."It's a long journey," Easwaran said. "I thanked the association in my acceptance speech. The CAB gave me a chance to play First Class cricket. It feels good that I am playing my 100th match."The 29-year-old batsman, who has come close to earning the India cap on multiple occasions, has scored four centuries in the 2024-25 season. Despite his impressive performances, Easwaran remains focused on his primary goal of piling on runs."It will happen when it has to happen," he said. "You keep on doing your job. I am only thinking about the Bihar match. We got a good start to the season. My focus is only on the Ranji Trophy."Easwaran has accumulated 7638 runs in 99 matches at an average of 49.92 before the match against Bihar. His consistent performances have earned him recognition as one of the most promising batsmen in the country.However, the Bengal opener remains grounded and continues to work hard to improve his game. He believes that his journey has been filled with valuable lessons and experiences."It makes me feel special," Easwaran said. "It was not my dream to play 100 matches. My aim was to play for India. It's still the same dream. It was good to enjoy the journey. I have learnt a lot. I have made a lot of friends. I have a lot of memories."As Easwaran prepares to step onto the field for his 100th First Class match, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of his team and the Bengal cricket fraternity. His determination and unwavering focus on his goals make him a role model for aspiring cricketers across the country.

Tragic Loss: Bengal Cricketer Asif Hossain Dies at 28 After Fatal AccidentThe cricketing fraternity is mourning the untimely demise of Bengal cricketer Asif Hossain, who passed away at the age of 28 after sustaining a fatal injury in a tragic accident.Asif, a promising young talent, was on the cusp of breaking into the senior Bengal team. His impressive performances in the Bengal T20 League had earned him widespread recognition. According to his family, he was in good health prior to the accident.On the fateful day, Asif fell from the stairs at his residence. He was rushed to a private hospital in Kolkata, but doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the cricketing community.Asif's family and friends are devastated by the loss. His teammates and senior cricketers have expressed their heartfelt condolences. The Bengal senior men's cricket team paid a poignant tribute to Asif by observing a minute's silence ahead of their practice session.Asif's cricketing journey began at a young age. He represented Bengal in various age groups and recently made headlines with a blistering 99-run knock in the Bengal T20 League. In 2024, he signed with Sporting Union in the first division of Bengal club cricket. His ultimate goal was to play Ranji Trophy for his state.Asif's untimely demise is a reminder of the fragility of life. He was a talented cricketer with a bright future ahead of him. His loss is a profound tragedy for his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community.

Mohammed Shami Aspires for Bengal Comeback, Eyes Border-Gavaskar Trophy TriumphThe Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) recently held its Annual Award Ceremony, honoring exceptional achievements in cricket. Among the celebrated individuals was India's star fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, who received a special award for his outstanding performance during the Cricket World Cup 2023.During his acceptance speech, Shami expressed his desire to return to the Bengal team. The fast bowler, who has been sidelined from international cricket, aims to regain his place in the national squad by showcasing his skills in domestic tournaments."I definitely want to play for Bengal next season. I am looking forward to playing two to three matches for Bengal in Ranji. It will help me to make a comeback in international cricket. I have been training at the NCA and I want to play as and when I am 100 percent fit," Shami said, as quoted by IANS.Shami, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, was discovered while playing first-class cricket for Bengal. After debuting in 2011, he played 15 first-class and 15 List A matches before being selected for India's ODI squad to face Pakistan in Delhi in January 2013.Expressing his gratitude towards Bengal, Shami said, "I can't thank Bengal enough. I was born in a family in UP where there was no opportunity. So I often say I was born in UP but made in Bengal. This is a journey of 22 years and I am so grateful to Bengal for making me what I am. The love and warmth Bengal has shown will never be forgotten."Shami also shared his thoughts on the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to begin in December. He believes that India are the favorites to defeat Australia in the five-match Test series later this year."I think India are favorites to win the series. In the last series in Australia, we played with a young team with a lot of senior players missing. But we proved we were the best. So I feel the next series will be competitive one and India will be victorious," Shami added.

Wriddhiman Saha, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has expressed his desire to move past his past differences with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and contribute to the team's success. Speaking at the Eden Gardens, Saha emphasized his focus on the present and his willingness to serve Bengal cricket in any capacity.Saha, 39, parted ways with Bengal before the 2022-23 season following a dispute with CAB joint-secretary Debabrata Das. However, he has now indicated his readiness to reconcile and help the team achieve its goals. "I don't think of the past or the future, but only stay in the present. And on that note, currently, all I am thinking about is about playing for Bengal. I have forgotten everything that happened in the past," he said.Saha also expressed his openness to coaching Bengal in the future. "I am open to help Bengal in any capacity possible. Since I am a cricketer, I would be better off helping Bengal in coaching instead of any administrative role," he said.CAB president Snehasish Ganguly welcomed Saha's return, acknowledging his experience and value to the team. "Someone of Saha's experience was necessary for Bengal to fill the gap left by Tiwary," Ganguly said.Saha's return raises questions about the balance between grooming young wicketkeeper Abishek Porel and utilizing Saha's experience. However, Saha assured that he would support Porel's growth and ensure he doesn't fall by the wayside. "Even before I left Bengal, I was grooming Abishek from the sidelines, and that will continue," Saha said.Saha also addressed concerns about the lack of Bengali cricketers in the Bengal team. He emphasized that merit should be the primary criteria for selection. "If you play well, you will get an opportunity, and that's what has been happening in Bengal," he said.Despite a disappointing season last year, Saha remains optimistic about Bengal's prospects. "I am sure the management will aim to give Abishek all the opportunities possible," he said. "I can understand that some people may feel that the Bengal team should have more Bengalis, but I don't feel that's enough reason as talent and hard work should be the primary criteria."

Wriddhiman Saha, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make a triumphant return to Bengal for the upcoming Indian domestic season. He will also grace the inaugural Bengal Pro T20 league, which commences on Tuesday at the iconic Eden Gardens.Saha, who has represented Bengal for nearly 15 years, had moved to Tripura ahead of the 2022-23 season as a player-cum-mentor. However, after two years, he has decided to return to his home state.The 39-year-old was not initially included in the draft list for the Bengal Pro T20 league. However, he was picked by the Rashmi Medinipur Wizards team as a replacement for the injured Abhimanyu Easwaran. The Wizards, led by Sudip Chatterjee, also boast former India U-19 fast bowler Ishan Porel in their ranks.A total of eight teams will participate in the Pro T20 league, with each team playing seven league-stage matches. The semi-finals and final will be held on June 28 at the Eden Gardens."We are delighted to welcome Wriddhiman back to Bengal. His presence in the Bengal Pro T20 League will undoubtedly add to the tournament's allure," said Snehasish Ganguly, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal.Saha has an impressive first-class record, having played 136 matches and scoring 7013 runs at an average of 41.99. He has also represented India in 40 Test matches, scoring 1353 runs at an average of 29.41.In the recently concluded IPL 2023 season, Saha played for the Gujarat Titans, who won the title in their inaugural season. However, he had a disappointing campaign, scoring only 136 runs in nine innings.Saha's return to Bengal is expected to bolster the team's chances in both the Pro T20 league and the Ranji Trophy. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the young players in the squad.

Wriddhiman Saha Returns to Bengal, Joins Rashmi Medinipur Wizards for Bengal Pro T20 LeagueVeteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha is set to make a return to Bengal cricket after two seasons with Tripura. The 39-year-old has signed with the Rashmi Medinipur Wizards for the inaugural Bengal Pro T20 League.Saha's decision to return to Bengal was welcomed by Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly. "We are very happy to have Wriddhiman back in Bengal. Also, his interest in playing at the Bengal Pro T20 League will add more glamour to the League," Ganguly said.Saha, who hails from Siliguri, obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Tripura Cricket Association to facilitate his move back to Bengal. He has also expressed his desire to participate in the Bengal Pro T20 League.In light of Saha's availability, the CAB has decided to replace the injured Abhimanyu Easwaran with Saha as a marquee player in the Rashmi Medinipur Wizards team for the inaugural season.Saha's return to Bengal is a significant boost for the state's cricket ecosystem. The experienced batter has played 40 Tests, 99 One-Day Internationals, and 19 Twenty20 Internationals for India. He has also been a key member of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).The Bengal Pro T20 League is scheduled to be held from June 22 to July 12, 2023. The tournament will feature six teams, each representing a different region of Bengal. The teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.Saha's presence in the Bengal Pro T20 League is expected to attract a large number of fans and add to the excitement of the tournament. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Rashmi Medinipur Wizards as they aim to make a strong impact in the inaugural season.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has urged veteran wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha to play one final match for his home state Bengal before retiring. This request comes after Saha met with Ganguly in Agartala, Tripura, where Saha currently plays for the Tripura Cricket Association.Saha, 39, joined Tripura in 2022 following a rift with officials of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). According to Tripura Cricket Association joint secretary Jayanta Dey, Ganguly expressed his desire for Saha to retire for Bengal, playing at least one last match.However, Saha has yet to request a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Tripura. Dey stated that Tripura recently granted an NOC to Sudip Chatterjee, who is set to return to Bengal, but Saha has not made such a request.It remains uncertain whether Saha will participate in the Bengal Pro T20 franchise league, which begins on June 11, as the players' draft for the teams has already been completed.Saha's meeting with Ganguly comes two years after he publicly criticized the Ganguly-led Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not selecting him for the India home Test series against Sri Lanka. Saha revealed private dressing room conversations with head coach Rahul Dravid, who had suggested he consider retirement. He also claimed that Ganguly had assured him a spot in the team.Following these revelations, Saha opted out of playing for Bengal due to concerns raised by senior official Debabrata Das about his commitment. Saha subsequently quit the Bengal team's WhatsApp group and joined Tripura. Former CAB president Avishek Dalmiya attempted to persuade Saha to return to Bengal, but he remained firm in his decision.