Intro
Former captain supports sharing Test matches beyond traditional cricket centres nationwide
Kolkata
Sourav Ganguly has backed the Board of Control for Cricket in India for distributing Test matches across multiple venues, saying the traditional format should not remain confined to a few historic centres.
The former India captain’s remarks come after the BCCI omitted iconic venues like Eden Gardens and Wankhede Stadium from the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, opting instead for cities such as Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad.
Speaking in Kolkata, Ganguly said while he would always welcome more Tests at Eden Gardens, he understands the need to expand the game’s reach. “It’s always special to host big matches here, but the venue has already had its share of fixtures. The game must travel to other centres as well,” he said.
He pointed out that several emerging venues now boast excellent infrastructure and are capable of hosting high-quality Test cricket. “It is encouraging to see matches being played in places like Guwahati and Ranchi. Stadiums across India have improved significantly,” he added.
India’s 2026–27 home season will be a busy one, featuring series against West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Australia. While Kolkata and Mumbai will host limited-overs matches, newer venues continue to gain prominence in the Test calendar.
However, the move has sparked debate within the cricketing community. Former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju expressed nostalgia for the traditional rotation of five Test centres—Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur and Mumbai—arguing that these venues carry a unique legacy and atmosphere.
At the same event, Ganguly also revealed plans for a reunion of the iconic 2001 Test team at Eden Gardens. Reflecting on his career, he rated memorable Test victories in Kolkata, Chennai, Headingley and Adelaide above the famous 2002 NatWest Trophy win, reiterating that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport.
