Cricket

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 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.