Calcutta: Sourav Ganguly, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, wishes to see Bengal win the Ranji Trophy again. That was his message for the players at the CAB Annual Awards ceremony, which was held at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Friday.
“It’s a difficult situation now for the country’s cricket administration, as office-bearers have to vacate their seats, rightly or wrongly. But it’s because of everyone’s hard work that we have been able to run this association well over the last few years.
“I just wish that we win the Ranji Trophy some time in the future and then it becomes more befitting when we are back here for the awards function,” the CAB president said.
For the record, Bengal’s only Ranji Trophy title in post-Independence era came way back in 1989-90.
On Friday, conspicuous by his absence was Manoj Tiwary, who has been in the news lately for expressing his desire to give up Bengal captaincy. When asked why Manoj wasn’t present, Sourav replied: “I have no idea… Didn’t speak to him,” Sourav said.
However, late in the evening, Manoj, after a meeting regarding selection of Bengal probables at the Eden, clarified: “I had some important work at home. That’s why I couldn’t come.”
Other notable absentees were Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was adjudged Cricketer of the Year, Abhishek Raman, named Gentleman Cricketer of the Year and Ashok Dinda, the Best Fast Bowler of the Year for the eighth time in a row.
Abhimanyu and Raman are busy with their India A preparations and the KSCA meet, respectively, while Dinda is out of station.
Ishan Porel, member of the India’s triumphant U-19 World Cup-winning team and CAB’s Best U-19 Cricketer of the Year, said he will be working more on swing. “I just need to be consistent and try and do even better. I’ll be working more on swing now,” he said.
Former Bengal pacer Barun Burman, given the Lifetime Achievement Award, said: “It’s truly an honour for me. Some days back, the trophies that I got were stolen. But a recognition like this always helps in compensating for such losses.”
Burman played 54 first-class and 11 List A matches, taking 146 and seven wickets, respectively. Taking seven wickets for 56 is his best bowling effort.
Meanwhile, pleased after having been adjudged the Senior Women's Cricketer of the Year, India batswoman Deepti Sharma confirmed that she would be playing at least one more season for Bengal.
“Of course, I'll be staying here for another season. I don’t know from where it emerged that I’ll be leaving (Bengal),’ she said, adding: “It's obviously a proud feeling to get such an honour from the association.
“I just hope to keep up the good show. I'll try my best.”
Bengal all-rounder Writtick Chatterjee, also present on the occasion as part of the Mohun Bagan team that won the double crown (first division league and Super League), was confident of improving on his impressive show. Writtick has also been selected for the India Red squad in the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
KEY AWARDEES
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Barun Burman
- Cricketer of the Year: Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Gentleman Cricketer of the Year: Abhishek Raman
- Fast Bowler of the Year: Ashok Dinda
- U-23 Cricketer of the Year: Saurabh Singh
- U-19 Cricketer of the Year: Ishan Porel
- Senior Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Deepti Sharma
- U-23 Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Tanusree Sarkar
- U-19 Women’s Cricketer of the Year: Richa Ghosh
- Senior District Cricketer of the Year: Rohit Kumar
