Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly expressed disappointment over Kolkata’s omission from the Test match schedule for India’s 2026-27 home season. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the venues, leaving out the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

“Kolkata has always been a cricketing hub and deserves better treatment,” Ganguly stated in response to the decision. He emphasized the city’s rich cricketing heritage and questioned the rationale behind the exclusion.

The BCCI released the list of venues for the upcoming home season, which includes matches in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, but notably excludes Kolkata. This announcement has sparked discussions among fans and former players alike.

Kolkata has hosted numerous high-profile matches and is renowned for its passionate cricket following. Eden Gardens, one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world, has been a significant venue for international cricket since its inception.

Ganguly’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among cricket enthusiasts in the city who feel sidelined by the BCCI’s decision. The exclusion comes as part of a strategic shift in selecting venues, aiming to promote cricket in various regions across India.

The BCCI has not provided specific details on the criteria used for venue selection, leaving many in the cricket community questioning the decision. Kolkata’s absence is particularly surprising given its history and contributions to Indian cricket.

The 2026-27 season is crucial for the Indian cricket team as they prepare for various international fixtures, including a focus on enhancing the sport’s popularity in emerging regions. The decision regarding venue selection is expected to impact fan engagement and local economies in the affected cities.

With Ganguly’s remarks, the dialogue around Kolkata’s cricketing significance continues, highlighting the need for a fair representation of its legacy in the future scheduling of matches.

The BCCI’s venue selection is often influenced by factors such as infrastructure, fan engagement, and regional development strategies, but the absence of Kolkata has raised eyebrows among stakeholders.

Source: news source