The NCC Inter Office Cricket League- cum-Knockout Tournament got off to a grand start at Eden Gardens today with CAB President Avishek Dalmiya promising more such initiatives in near future.
The meet was inaugurated in presence of Mr Avishek Dalmiya, Hony. Secretary Snehasish Ganguly, Vice- President Naresh Ojha, Treasurer Debasish Ganguly, CAB chief curator Sujan Mukherjee at Eden Gardens today.
“All of you know how Covid has affected cricket over the last two and half years because of which we were forced to suspend several tournaments. But this year our sole effort has been to hold and complete as many tournaments as possible be it men’s, women’s or emerging players’ at all group and division levels. Office Sports is one of the important tournaments for us and we understand it’s importance for the players well beyond their playing career. So we are very happy to restart the tournament. I wish all the teams very best and look forward to competitive and attractive tournament,” said CAB President Avishek Dalmiya on the occasion.
“The absence of these tournaments are causing problems in recruitment of new players. We don’t want that to happen. So we have initiated this move to commence these tournaments at the earliest. We take this opportunity to thank NCC for coming forward and sponsoring this tournament and picking up the expenses. But this is not all we have plans for more competitive cricket that will also give the recruitment drive a desired push,” added Mr Dalmiya.
Dalmiya then requested the office bearers to greet the players and the OSF representatives with flowers.
Snehasish Ganguly wished both the teams locking horns for the first match best of luck, while Mr Ojha and Mr Debasish Ganguly greeted Office Sports Federation (W.B) Hony General Secretary Pradip Kr Basu and Hony. Treasurer Pranab Kr Bhattacharya respectively with bouquets.
CESC and Ordnance Factory Dumdum got the tournament off to a start, with the former opting to bat first.
Led by Mr Avishek Dalmiya, CAB took the initiative last September to ensure that the tournament was brought back to life as soon as possible. A working group was formed at a meeting held in CAB.
It was decided that CAB will help OSF with fixture, ground and match officials.