National 17 Jun, 2026

Sourav Ganguly vs Avishek Dalmiya rivalry out in the open as CAB hits back at corruption charges

Business To Business, Kolkata, 17^th June, 2026:   A public confrontation has emerged within the administration of the Cricket Association of Bengal, highlighting growing tensions between former CAB president Avishek Dalmiya and the current leadership headed by Sourav Ganguly.
On Wednesday, CAB's current office-bearers issued a strongly worded three-page letter to West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan, rejecting allegations of corruption, lack of transparency, and governance failures that had been raised by Avishek Dalmiya.
The response came four days after Dalmiya sought an investigation through the state's Sports Integrity and Anti-Corruption Helpline, alleging malpractice and raising concerns about the functioning of the association.
The letter, signed by Ganguly, secretary Bablu Kolay, and other office-bearers, argued that:

• The allegations were broad and unsupported by specific evidence.
• CAB has established governance and accountability mechanisms already in place.
• If Dalmiya had concerns, he should have raised them through the association's internal or institutional channels rather than taking the matter to a government helpline.
• Claims of "systemic rot" and widespread corruption were unfair to the association and its members.

The current administration defended CAB's governance structure and maintained that the organization functions according to its constitution and established procedures.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time, with CAB's annual general meeting scheduled in about three months. The exchange has fueled speculation about deeper divisions within Bengal cricket administration and could influence the political dynamics ahead of the AGM.
The disagreement is particularly significant because both Avishek Dalmiya and Sourav Ganguly are influential figures in Bengal cricket. Dalmiya is the son of the late Jagmohan Dalmiya, one of Indian cricket's most influential administrators, while Ganguly remains one of the most prominent personalities in Indian cricket.
Whether the Sports Integrity and Anti-Corruption Helpline proceeds with any formal inquiry remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the controversy is likely to remain a major talking point in Bengal cricket circles as the AGM approaches, potentially shaping debates over governance, transparency, and leadership within CAB.