A Century of Legacy: Sunil Gavaskar on Cricket’s Evolution and Impact

On November 13, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar is set to deliver the Jagmohan Dalmiya Memorial Lecture in Kolkata. Sourav Ganguly, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), confirmed to Sportstar that Gavaskar will be the keynote speaker as the lecture returns after a long pause. This event coincides with the first Test between India and South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens. The CAB has decided to revive the lecture, which had been on hold since 2019, to honor Dalmiya, who once led the CAB, BCCI, and ICC, before passing away in 2015. Cricket luminaries and possibly BCCI officials are expected to attend the event.

Initially, there were discussions about having former South African administrator Dr. Ali Bacher lead the lecture, but his health issues necessitated a change in plans. Previously, cricket legends like Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Graeme Smith, and Kumar Sangakkara have given the lecture. The lecture scheduled for 2020, with Ganguly as the speaker, was canceled due to the pandemic-induced lockdown.

In another development, Eden Gardens and Barabati Stadium in Cuttack are potential venues for a white-ball women’s cricket series between India and Bangladesh in December. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced plans to travel to India around December 15, the BCCI is yet to finalize the itinerary. A decision regarding the series’ venues and dates is expected next week, as confirmed by a BCCI source.