41 clubs from across state to play 77 matches in battle for Progoti Cup
Times of India | 1 April 2025
12 Kolkata: Teen cricketers of 41 teams from different districts are locking horns at ‘The Progoti Cup 2025', which will be played across six districts over the next two months. Twenty U-17 outstanding players participating in the tournament, which started at Panihati Sporting Club on Monday, will be selected and trained by Level-3 coaches in a 3-week residential camp.
The Bengal Cricket Coaches Association (BCCA) is organising the tournament to spot and nurture young talents and create future cricket stars. The tournament,
presented by The Times of India
, is being live-streamed on social media platforms. There will be around 70 match league matches. The final will take place in the second week of May.
The inaugural 45-over league match saw Panihati Sporting Club (PSC), Sodepur, battle it out with Habra Cricket Academy (HCA). After winning the toss, HCA batted first and posted 264 runs in 41.3 overs. PSC's chase fell short at 225 runs. HCA's Anish Nath was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match'. The opening ceremony was graced by former Ranji cricketer Sagarmoy Sen Sharma and Rajesh Dani, another former Ranji player and president of BCCA.
In his address, Sharma lauded BCCA and The Times of India for organising the all-Bengal tournament. "I would like to suggest the players to maintain discipline and exhibit sportsmanship throughout the competition, which could help them advance to higher levels in the sport," Sharma said.
Dani welcomed participants and expressed optimism about their future. He emphasised BCCA's focus on talent identification, acknowledging The Times of India's contribution. "With BCCA at the helm, ‘Progoti Cup' promises to be a game-changer in grassroots cricket, inspiring young athletes and shaping the future of Indian cricket," Dani told TOI.
HCA coach and member Udayshankar Das supported these views, highlighting the tournament's role in providing exposure and guidance to young cricketers.
Monday's opening ceremony included musical performances and the unveiling of the trophy. A photography session with the guests and the players preceded the match.
Debasish Dutta, a senior LIC agent from Ramchandrapur, Sodepur, said: "The exceptional performances of these young players made the event special. We thoroughly enjoyed the match and appreciate the organizers for providing such a golden opportunity to budding talents."
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