CAB might conduct Super League in September from next year

Cricket Association of Bengal is contemplating on holding the Super League in September from the next season. Incessant rains during the monsoon months July and August have marred the games of the most prestigious league in club cricket of Bengal. The league is played in a 3-day format.

The final day of the East Bengal-Kalighat decider was washed out due to a heavy outfield because of overnight rain. The reserve day is in place but it is unlikely that the game will resume on Wednesday. The tournament committee will uphold a meeting next month and the issue will be discussed. It is interesting to see if the committee decides the Super League to be the season opener from next year.

Bengal has produced a number of fine international cricketers with Sourav Ganguly being the most venerated and the best amongst the lot. The domestic structure of the state is strong where a huge emphasis is given on club cricket. The best part about Bengal cricket is that they play the days format more often which keeps the upcoming cricketers in good stead for state level cricket, which is also played in the days’ format.

Super League was a tournament initiated by the CAB last year. Initially, they had two divisions: first division and second. The board wanted to improve the state’s performance in the Ranji Trophy hence started the Super League with identical rules of the Ranji Trophy. If a team takes a first-innings lead, it will gain three points and an outright win will fetch six points like in the Ranji Trophy.

Eight teams participate in this league. Top sides of each group in the first division are chosen to play in this league. This is a great initiative by CAB which will nurture new talents from the state.