'I don't believe CAB used Bashi Phool, But They must Clarify': Disappointed Pranab Roy seeks CCTV Footage | Exclusive

An alleged disrespect during a memorial at Eden Gardens has sparked controversy involving the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

On May 31, Eden Gardens held a memorial for Pankaj Roy, a former Bengal and India cricketer, and CAB officials did not invite Roy's son, Pranab Roy, who also played for India and captained Bengal.

ABP Live Bangla reported that CAB used "bashi phool" (stale flowers) in the Pankaj Roy memorial and alleged that the same garland used at the Jagmohan Dalmiya memorial the previous day was reused for Roy's homage.

CAB president Sourav Ganguly denied the allegations and, after Eden Gardens won the 'Best Pitch Award' in IPL 2026, released a statement through CAB.

"Amidst all the fake and planted stories around 'Bashi Phool', Eden Gardens has been awarded the best pitch and ground of the IPL season. At least the cricket was fresh. Cricket continues to prevail at Eden. It is not a place for those who seek to politicise matters and tarnish the reputation of this esteemed institution. The association is bigger than any individual. Hope a few people are paying attention," Ganguly was quoted as saying.

Pranab Roy has written to CAB secretary Bablu Koley requesting CCTV footage from 6 pm on May 30 to 6 pm on May 31 for the relevant area at Eden Gardens.

On Wednesday (June 3) evening, MyKhel caught up with Pranab Roy, who clarified his stance on the current saga.

The former India player, who played 2 Tests for India, was not disappointed with the non-invitation as he clarified that it was a human mistake and he could say nothing about that.

"I was not invited. On the day, CAB joint secretary Madan Ghosh asked me why I didn't come to my father's memorial programme. I said I was not invited. An hour later, CAB's Sanjay Das called me and said he was extremely sorry as he forgot to invite me. I said, it was not a problem and I was okay with that," Roy said to MyKhel in an Exclusive chat.

But things turned south once he was notified that the same garland and flowers were used in Pankaj Roy's memorial, which were used a day before for Jagmohan Dalmiya. Soon after that, Pranab mailed CAB for a proper clarification, asking the CCTV footage.

"I have asked CAB humbly for the CCTV footage. CAB is like a temple for us as we have got the name and respect for the association. I still believe that they didn't use Bashi Phool, but they must clarify that. I can be okay with them not inviting me, but if they use old flowers in my father's memorial, I won't remain silent," he added.

The former player continued that he has the right to know the truth, which has already created a stir among the cricket fraternity in Bengal.

"The ball is in CAB's court. They have the CCTV footage. Why should anyone defame CAB? I don't want that and the association must clear if it's a misunderstanding."

MyKhel understands Pranab Roy has not received any reply from the CAB after the e-mail, and it is to be seen how things pan out in the coming days.