Uncertainty over the erection of Sourav Ganguly's statue

It’s never a good sign when cricket is mixed with politics. The game warrants itself to be set apart from any sort of external influences and pressure. There have been numerous accounts of cricket being intertwined with the big bosses that control it and few of them have yielded positive results. Such is the case that might stand to happen to Sourav Ganguly on the eve of the unveiling of his statue.

The dark cloud looming

Former Indian captain Ganguly is supposed to unveil his statue in a function at the Balurghat Stadium on Saturday. However, politics amongst the local political parties within the state have cast a dark cloud over the event and aired an atmosphere of uncertainty. The statue stands at a height of 8 ft made of bronze and erected by the South Dinajpur District Sports Association.

Ganguly’s itinerary for the days starts with a Padatik Express journey to reach Maldah. On reaching, he is supposed to go to Buniyadpur Circuit House on the road and from there, straight to Gangarampur Stadium, the venue for the function. The gathering is slated to begin at around 11 am. A stage has been set up in the stadium and also as an extra precaution against any chance of rain, an indoor stage has been constructed as well.

The statue has been made by eminent sculptor Sushanta Pal, who is from Siliguri. The brains behind the project are secretary of the South Dinajpur District Sports, Gautam Goswami. “We believe Sourav Ganguly is not only an icon in Bengal, he has been an inspiration to every human being for his sheer determination which finally made him victorious against all odds in Indian cricket,” Goswami said while talking about the event.

“That is why we have decided to set up his statue at the main gate of Balurghat Stadium not only to publicise him, but we want the sports persons all over the north Bengal who will be coming to this stadium, must watch it and get inspired,” he added.