Kolkata: The ongoing administrative controversy inside the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) intensified further after former president Abhishek Dalmiya publicly responded to allegations made by CAB treasurer Sanjay Das.
Read Bengali: সঞ্জয়ের অভিযোগে পাল্টা অভিষেক, ‘গঠনতন্ত্রই জানেন না CAB, কর্তারা’
On Thursday, Sanjay Das alleged that Abhishek Dalmiya had continued as CAB president for nearly ten to eleven months even after his “cooling-off” period had started. Within 24 hours of those remarks, Dalmiya issued a strong rebuttal, claiming that several current CAB office-bearers do not properly understand the association’s constitution.
“I Resigned Immediately”
Abhishek Dalmiya stated that he stepped down from the CAB president’s post immediately after being elected to the IPL Governing Council.
According to him, CAB rules do not allow one individual to hold two major positions simultaneously. He explained that former vice-president Naresh Ojha had chaired the Annual General Meeting during that period.
Dalmiya also pointed out that he did not attend the post-meeting press conference because he was no longer the CAB president at that time.
“From that day till today, I have not publicly commented on CAB matters,” he reportedly said.
Madan Ghosh Controversy Triggered Debate
The latest controversy emerged around Madan Ghosh, who has allegedly continued as Joint Secretary despite crossing the age limit of 70 years.
While defending Ghosh, Sanjay Das referred to Dalmiya’s earlier situation, suggesting that some office-bearers in the past had also remained in positions beyond the expected period. However, Das clarified that Dalmiya had not forcibly held onto the post.
“Two Cases Are Completely Different”
Abhishek Dalmiya rejected the comparison between his case and that of Madan Ghosh.
He explained that the Lodha Committee recommendations clearly distinguish between different forms of disqualification.
According to Dalmiya, issues such as age and citizenship fall under one category, while the “cooling-off” rule applies separately after completing a continuous term in office.
He claimed that once his cooling-off period began, he neither contested any election nor remained part of any CAB committee. Therefore, he argued, there was no violation of rules in his case.
Legal Opinion Also Cited
Dalmiya further said that a legal opinion submitted to the Board in 2020 had already clarified the interpretation of the cooling-off rules.
According to him, the document clearly explains when the cooling-off provision applies and when it does not.
He suggested that those making allegations against him should first study the relevant documents properly before commenting publicly.
Fresh Debate Inside CAB
The exchange of statements has once again triggered debate inside CAB regarding administrative transparency, constitutional interpretation and eligibility rules for office-bearers.
Cricket observers believe the issue could further intensify in the coming days, especially with questions continuing over governance and compliance with Lodha Committee reforms within Bengal cricket administration.
