The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has strongly supported the cause of Indian cricket over the years. Its contribution, in terms of human resources and otherwise, has been second to none.

Since the era of Pankaj Lal Roy to Wriddhiman Saha now, the CAB has been involved with the National body in developing the game and spreading it to every nook and corner of the country.

The CAB has produced many outstanding individuals, but two stand head and shoulders above them all — Jagmohan Dalmiya and Sourav Ganguly.

An outstanding administrator, Dalmiya rode the cricket world like a colossus, occupying every conceivable post, with the most prestigious being the President of the International Cricket Council.

A superb left-handed batsman, Ganguly emerged as a brilliant captain, and one of the most successful ones too, of Indian cricket. His contribution in rebuilding the Indian team is still being talked about.

Despite the fact, at a time when Dalmiya is the president of the CAB and Ganguly, the chairman of the Cricket Committee, Bengal cricket has been struggling to stand up and be counted .

In doldrums

The State last won the Ranji Trophy, the symbol of supremacy in domestic cricket, in 1989 under the captaincy of Sambaran Banerjee. Since then, it has been a struggle to regain lost glory. The team did figure in the final more than once but the ultimate prize has eluded it.

Bengal was crowned champion of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy —played inTwenty20 format — once, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy — played in ODI format — once, in recent years. But, the side has been putting up a pitiable show in the Ranji Trophy championships.

Experts say the poor quality of players generated by the pathetic standard of the local leagues, both first and second division, is to blame. The CAB is facing many stumbling blocks in its efforts to revamp the existing system. Dalmiya and Ganguly will certainly need to find ways and means to put Bengal cricket back on track.

> sabanayakan.s@thehindu.co.in

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