3 days ago
Two key Bengal cricket board officials face allegations of financial misconduct
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is facing internal turbulence as two of its senior officials — Joint Secretary Debabrata Das and Treasurer Prabir Chakraborty — come under the scanner for alleged financial irregularities and misuse of Das, a prominent figure in the Bengal cricketing circuit, has been issued a show cause notice by the CAB. He has been accused of withholding nearly Rs 7 lakh in ticket revenue from the association and retaining money meant for East Bengal and Town Club's tournament participation. The CAB has asked Das to clear the dues within 15 days. While this specific issue was addressed at the recent Apex Council meeting, other serious allegations — including the acceptance of funds in return for team selections — remain controversy surrounding Das is not new. He was earlier involved in a public spat with former India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who accused him of questioning his commitment to the Bengal team. The fallout led to Saha's move to Tripura.
In another development, CAB Treasurer Prabir Chakraborty has been accused of a conflict of interest. A complaint filed by the Wari Club was referred by the Ombudsman back to the Apex Council, which has now forwarded it again to the Ombudsman for a formal investigation. Chakraborty has also been directed to submit a Utilization Certificate (UC) detailing how club funds were of the more explosive allegations against Das includes misusing CAB's resources by routing Town Club players' food bills through the association's canteen account. He has also been accused of taking money from players in exchange for promises of Bengal team selection. The Aditya School of Sports has filed a complaint claiming that Das accepted Rs 4 lakh from them in return for a promise of CAB club contacted, Debabrata Das declined to comment, citing that the matter is sub developments come at a time when CAB is under growing pressure to maintain transparency and accountability. The Apex Council's decisions signal a crucial step towards restoring integrity and public trust in Bengal cricket's administration.- Ends
