Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Ganguly Backs Eden Gardens Takeover as Ranji Opener Moves
Eden Gardens is a famous cricket stadium in Kolkata.
The state government will use it for a special Mahalaya celebration before Durga Puja.
Because the stadium will be unavailable, Bengal’s first Ranji Trophy match against Delhi is moving to Kalyani.
The stadium will be under government control from September 25 to October 15.
Sourav Ganguly said the cricket association will follow the government’s instructions.
The celebration will have music, cultural performances, fireworks and thousands of drones.
Shreya Ghoshal is expected to sing at the event.
Organisers also hope a large dhak performance will break a world record.
Sourav Ganguly said the Cricket Association of Bengal will follow state government and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s directions.
Eden Gardens will be handed to the state government from September 25 to October 15 for Mahalaya event preparations.
Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi on October 11 has been shifted from Eden Gardens to Kalyani.
The October 10 Mahalaya programme will include cultural performances, a drone show, fireworks, lighting and visual effects.
Shreya Ghoshal is scheduled to perform, while organisers hope a mass dhak performance could set a Guinness World Record.
- Who
- The Cricket Association of Bengal, Sourav Ganguly, the West Bengal government and Bengal and Delhi’s cricket teams are involved.
- What
- Eden Gardens is being allocated for a Mahalaya celebration, forcing Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi to move to Kalyani.
- When
- The government will control Eden Gardens from September 25 to October 15; the event is scheduled for October 10 and the match for October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The celebration will take place at Eden Gardens, while the cricket match will be played in Kalyani.
- Why
- Eden Gardens is being used for a state-organised event marking the start of the Durga Puja festivities.
- Venue
- Eden Gardens
- Replacement venue
- Kalyani
- Match
- Bengal versus Delhi, Ranji Trophy opener
- Match date
- October 11, 2026
- Mahalaya event
- October 10, 2026
- Government control period
- September 25 to October 15, 2026
- Organisers
- West Bengal Tourism Department and Information and Cultural Affairs Department