Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the association will follow the directions of the state government regarding the use of Eden Gardens, resulting in Bengal’s opening Ranji Trophy match against Delhi being shifted to Kalyani. Eden Gardens will be handed over to the state government ahead of a special event scheduled for Saturday, October 10, to mark Mahalaya and the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities.

For the first time, the iconic stadium will remain under government control from September 25 to October 15 to facilitate preparations for the programme. “Whatever the state government and the honourable chief minister direct us to do, we will follow it. The Prime Minister is also supposed to attend,” Sourv Ganguly told reporters.

As a result, Bengal’s Ranji Trophy opener against Delhi, which is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 11, will be played at Kalyani instead of Eden Gardens. The CAB has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the change.

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The special Mahalaya programme is expected to be a major cultural event, featuring live performances, a large-scale drone show, fireworks, elaborate lighting and visual effects. Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal is also scheduled to perform during the four-hour programme.

The Special Protection Group is expected to take control of Eden Gardens from September 25 ahead of the Prime Minister’s proposed visit. The event is being organised by the West Bengal Tourism Department in collaboration with the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.

According to a Sportstar report, organisers are also hoping that a mass dhak performance during the celebrations could earn a place in the Guinness World Records.

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With Eden Gardens unavailable during the opening phase of the domestic season, Bengal will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Delhi in Kalyani before travelling for matches against Services and Kerala. The venue change adds an unusual element to Bengal’s preparations as they begin their First-Class campaign.