The Cricket Association of Bengal has shifted Bengal’s opening Ranji Trophy fixture against Delhi from Eden Gardens to Kalyani after the iconic Kolkata venue was placed under state government control for preparations related to a major Mahalaya programme.
CAB president Sourav Ganguly has backed the decision, making it clear that the association will comply with directions from the state government and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The change affects Bengal’s first Ranji Trophy match of the 2026 season, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 11.
“Whatever the state government and the honourable chief minister direct us to do, we will follow it. The event is expected to combine cultural and entertainment elements, including live performances, a drone display involving thousands of drones, fireworks, elaborate lighting and visual effects. Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal is also scheduled to perform live.
Eden Gardens is set to be handed over for a special four hour programme on the morning of Saturday, October 10, coinciding with Mahalaya and the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities.
Ganguly said the CAB would follow the government’s instructions while confirming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the programme. The Prime Minister is also supposed to attend,” Ganguly said while speaking to the media.
With Eden Gardens unavailable during the opening fixture, Bengal will begin its Ranji Trophy campaign against Delhi in Kalyani before travelling for matches against Services and Kerala. Current fixture listings confirm the opening round date for the contest. The Bengal versus Delhi encounter remains scheduled for October 11, with the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season beginning that day.
The organisers are also hopeful that a mass dhak performance at the programme could earn recognition in the Guinness World Records, according to a Sportstar report.
