Bengal assembly elections may clash with ICC World T20 final

The Cricket Association of Bengal will write to the state government to schedule the upcoming state polls in such a manner that the World Twenty20 final scheduled at Eden Gardens on April 3 is not “affected”.

As per the schedule released by the BCCI, Eden Gardens will host the final of the World Twenty20, which is scheduled from March 11-April 3, 2016.

However an apprehension was raised by the Trinamool MP, Sultan Ahmed, in the CAB’s 84th AGM today and the Mohammedan Sporting president requested president Jagmohan Dalmiya to put the matter across to the Election Commission through Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is hopeful that the matter would be sorted out smoothly.

“There’s election during that time. It’s the duty of CAB to look after it. We have some experience people on board and I’m sure everything will be held smoothly,” the CAB joint secretary told reporters.

The state elections, which are normally held in five phases, must get over by April to complete the procedures of electing the head of the state by May, when the term of CM Mamata Banerjee gets over.

Eden missed out on hosting even a single India game during the ICC World Cup 2011 and CAB does not want to risk this time as the hallowed stadium will host a final of a global event for the first time since 1987.

Giving credit to BCCI and CAB president Dalmiya for being instrumental in bringing the final to Eden, CAB’s another joint secretary Subir Ganguly said they would not leave any stone unturned.

“We all are waiting for final to be held at this historic venue. We will make all the best possible arrangements so that it’s held as per schedule.”

The Eden may also get two more matches of the preliminary round including one involving India, Subir Ganguly said.

“We are all hopeful of getting two more matches when the detailed schedule is announced,” he added.