Kolkata: Former India captain and Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly today said they need Pragyan Ojha for the upcoming season as they would not release the left-arm spinner to return to his home team Hyderabad.
“He wanted a release but we have not given him. Bengal signed him when Hyderabad were in Plate. We need his service, and how can he leave us now…” Ganguly said adding that he would join for pre-season practice.
CAB joint secretary Avishek Dalmiya said they would inform the Hyderabad Cricket Association tomorrow.
“If they are not releasing Ojha what can we do? We have high regards for Ganguly, he’s a former India captain and he will take a decision in the best interest of the game and cricketers Bengal,” HCA secretary T Seshnarayan said.
“Sourav is a great cricketer and he knows how to take care of cricketers. Whether Ojha plays in Bengal or in Hyderabad, it doesn’t matter as he will play in India. We are not Pakistan, so there is no such Indo-Pak rivalry” he added.
On being questioned about the future of other bowlers of the same category, the HCA Secretary said, “There has been a certain anguish among our boys who were hoping to get a chance in squad. But if Ojha arrives then they will not get a chance to play. I will definitely take this matter in the next General Body Meeting and put forward that a rule should be set which allows two professional players to play in each Ranji Team”.
Ojha joined Bengal in 2015-16 when Hyderabad were relegated to group C and claimed 36 wickets from nine matches, their joint highest with pacer Ashok Dinda.
But he had a lacklustre last season with 10 wickets from six matches as there were reports discontent with him in the team as it remains to be seen how Ojha gels with the team should he play despite his willingness to return Hyderabad.