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‘An open canvas’: Arun Lal wants to reshape Bengal cricket from the grassroots up

Arun Lal, the former India opener and architect of Bengal’s only Ranji Trophy victory four decades ago, has taken on a fresh challenge as Director of Cricket at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). His focus is not limited to the senior team but extends to revamping the entire cricketing ecosystem in the state, starting with junior development.

Lal, who previously coached Bengal’s senior men’s team for three seasons—culminating in a Ranji Trophy final appearance in 2019-20—has stepped down from that role in July 2022, citing age and fatigue. Now, he aims to address long-standing issues like limited playing facilities, disrupted schedules due to monsoon delays, and retaining young talent within the system.

His priority is expanding competitive cricket at younger age groups, including under-11 and under-14 levels, to foster early competitiveness among players. Lal also plans to overhaul the state’s first and second division leagues, emphasizing better wickets, improved grounds, and more meaningful contests to make domestic cricket more competitive rather than just a fixture calendar.

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