Eden out of bounds for any sports body not affiliated to BCCI

Kolkata, Aug 24 (UNI) Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Prasun Mukherjee today said Eden Gardens was out of bounds for any sports body not recognised by BCCI.

Talking to media here today, the city Police Commissioner also said, '' Eden Gardens is meant for cricket for CAB and BCCI and those of the international matches as per sanctioned by BCCI. No other form of cricket can be allowed by CAB. '' '' If CAB allows any sports body not recognised by the BCCI to play cricket here, CAB itself stands a chance of getting disaffiliated, '' he said clearing the air about Mr Chakraborty's comment of even giving out Eden Gardens for Indian Cricket League (ICL) matches.

Asked to comment on West Bengal Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty's comments that the state government will support the ICL, he said, '' I have read different versions in the paper. But I will not comment without talking to him. He is a respected person and our state Sports Minister. I need to talk with him before I make any comment. '' Asked about the state of the lease of Eden Gardens, he said, '' The lease that expired was for 15 years and we are firmly on the road for renewal of lease with the Army. We are only working on certain conditions like the period of time. This time since we are supposed to get a World Cup match here, we want a lease for 30 years which is as good as owning the property as this is the ICC rule. '' He also clarified that the Army was the sole owner of the land of Eden Gardens. '' The army is the sole owner of the land of Eden Gardens. The government departments have some say on the constructions, '' he said clarifying that the State Government had no stakes in the ownership of Eden Gardens.

He also welcomed the return of Laxmi Ratan Shukla to the CAB fold, but was not too hopeful of Abhishek Jhunjhunwala coming back.

It had been learnt that Laxmi Ratan Shukla and Sourashis Lahari, both Railway employees, will not take part in Moin-ud-daula Cup for injury reasons.

UNI