Cricket

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.

T20 Cricket: A Vital Force in the Evolution of the Game, Says Sourav GangulyFormer Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has emphasized the significance of T20 cricket in the modern era, stating that it has the potential to drive the game forward. Ganguly believes that the shortened format will continue to play a crucial role in the sport's development.Speaking at the unveiling of the Bengal Pro T20 League trophy in Kolkata, Ganguly acknowledged the transformative impact of T20 cricket. "It is a great introduction to the game," he said. "Change is inevitable in everything. Many of us who started playing 2-day cricket and 4-day cricket will have to accept that T20 cricket is here to stay and it is something that will take the game forward."Ganguly highlighted the accessibility and excitement of T20 cricket, making it an ideal format for attracting new fans and showcasing the sport's dynamism. He also emphasized the importance of T20 leagues in providing opportunities for young players to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience."It's (T20 Leagues) happening in every state," Ganguly said. "We are probably 5-6 years late on this. Any way of playing the sport will always be very helpful. T20 is an important part of cricket these days and this will be a huge opportunity for everyone to perform."The inaugural edition of the Bengal Pro T20 League is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2024, in Kolkata. Eight teams will compete for the coveted trophy, providing a platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth of the sport.