India’s pace sensation Mohammed Shami is set to make his comeback to competitive cricket in the Ranji Trophy following an extended recovery from an Achilles heel injury. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) confirmed Shami's return, stating that he will feature in Bengal’s match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 13, in Indore. Shami’s return comes as a positive development for Indian cricket, especially with a high-stakes Test series against Australia on the horizon.

Shami’s road to recovery and rehabilitation

Shami, who last appeared for India in the ICC World Cup final in Ahmedabad in November 2023, has had a long journey to recovery. His injury began with an Achilles heel issue that required surgical intervention, sidelining him for several months. Unfortunately, his rehabilitation process was further delayed when he experienced swelling in his knee, keeping him out of action longer than initially anticipated. However, the pacer remained proactive, conducting several practice sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru to monitor his fitness and regain form.

The Cricket Association of Bengal expressed optimism about Shami’s fitness, with officials confirming his readiness to join Bengal’s Ranji Trophy squad. "We are thrilled to have Shami back. His recovery and rehab have gone well, and this match will be a great opportunity to gauge his fitness in a competitive setting," a CAB official said.

A boost for India ahead of the Australia tour

Shami’s return to form could come at an ideal time for India, as they prepare for an intense five-Test series against Australia beginning on November 22. Although Shami has not been named in the initial Test squad, India’s management may consider his inclusion if he proves his fitness in the Ranji Trophy. Last month, Indian captain Rohit Sharma hinted at this possibility, expressing hope that Shami would be fit for a part of the Australia tour.

Shami’s skill set makes him a valuable addition, especially in Australian conditions where fast bowlers are often critical. His experience and proven track record could provide a significant advantage to India if he is able to participate. The Test series in Australia is part of the World Test Championship cycle, and India will be keen to field their best possible lineup to secure crucial points. With a successful outing in the Ranji Trophy, Shami might just earn a late spot in the squad if his fitness levels remain steady.

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Ranji Trophy return mark a new chapter

For Shami, the upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh is not just a test of physical fitness but a chance to reestablish himself in competitive cricket. Fans and selectors alike will be watching closely to see how he performs after the long layoff. His return is highly anticipated, not only by the Indian selectors but also by cricket enthusiasts who are keen to see one of India’s finest pacers back in action.

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has recently unveiled plans for the much-anticipated Bengal Pro T20 tournament, encompassing both men’s and women’s events. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Indian cricket, particularly for women’s cricket, as it promises to be the first full-fledged women’s franchise T20 tournament to be conducted by a state association.

First Women’s T20 League

The announcement of a dedicated women’s event within the Bengal Pro T20 tournament underscores the growing recognition and support for women’s cricket in India. While the country has witnessed the success of men’s T20 leagues, the absence of a comparable platform for women has been a glaring gap in the cricketing landscape. The introduction of this tournament aims to address this disparity and provide female cricketers with a prominent stage to showcase their talent and skills.

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Details Revealed by Snehasish Ganguly

During a press conference held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Snehasish Ganguly, the president of CAB, shared essential insights into the structure and format of the Bengal Pro T20 tournament. Among the key highlights disclosed were the duration of the game, team compositions, match venues, and operational guidelines.

“All the eight teams will be franchises-owned, which will be a first [in India for a state association-run tournament]. We have still not finalized the franchises, which will be announced at a later date. The teams will be completely owned by franchises and all players will be paid as per the salary cap. CAB will not incur any expense for the league,” Ganguly said.

Key Details of the Tournament

The Bengal Pro T20 tournament is scheduled to span over 21 days in June, featuring eight teams each in the men’s and women’s categories. Men’s matches will be hosted at the iconic Eden Gardens. In contrast, the women’s matches will take place at the Jadavpur University ground, a renowned venue for domestic cricket in the region.

Each men’s team will comprise 17 players, whereas women’s teams will consist of 16 players, all hailing from Bengal. Moreover, the tournament will adopt rules and regulations similar to those observed in the Indian Premier League (IPL), ensuring consistency and integrity across various aspects, including anti-corruption measures.

Potential Franchise Owners

CAB has been engaged in discussions with several prominent entities, including Kolkata Knight Riders and other corporate groups, regarding franchise ownership. While the final selection of franchise owners is pending, the involvement of established brands bodes well for the commercial success and visibility of the tournament.

Addressing Criticism and Providing Opportunities

Ganguly addressed longstanding criticisms concerning the limited opportunities available to Bengal cricketers compared to their counterparts from other regions. He expressed confidence that the Bengal Pro T20 tournament would catalyze change, offering local talent a platform to shine on a national stage. By nurturing homegrown talent and fostering a competitive environment, CAB aims to elevate Bengal’s stature in Indian cricket.

“For long, there had been criticism that Bengal cricketers were not getting opportunities like the ones from Tamil Nadu or Karnataka. This will be the answer to it. Bengal has a lot of talent but they did not have a proper platform till now. This will be a perfect launch pad for them,” Ganguly further added.