HNExpress Staff Reporter : The cricketing landscape of Bengal is all set to experience a transformative chapter with the debut of the Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers in the Bengal Pro T20 League, commencing on June 11, 2024. Proudly co-owned by Shyam Steel Group and Lux Cozi, the Kolkata Tigers represent the districts of Kolkata and Hooghly, bringing together the best of Bengal’s cricketing talent under a single banner.
The Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers, one of the franchises in the Bengal Pro T20 League tournament that was initiated by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) are fully geared to demonstrate the strength and richness of the cricketing talent of the state. This league comprising both men and women cricketers, given Bengal’s historical background and legacy, is expected to scale new heights of excellence in the realm of Cricket. While the Skipper for the Men’s team will be the wicket-keeper batsman Abishek Porel; Mita Paul, the right-handed off-breaker bowler, will lead the Women’s team.
Shib Sankar Paul, Head Coach, along with the Assistant Coach Kanchan Maity, will provide coaching to the Men’s team. Similarly, the women’s team will have the privilege of getting coaching from Head Coach Charanjit Singh Nair and Assistant Coach Trisha Bera. With these eminent coaches for both Men’s and Women’s Teams in place, the teams will get the best of their skill and learn cricketing enabling them to face any challenges in the field.
What the Bengal Pro T20 League now looks for is an energetic, enthusiastic and exciting season; both the Men’s and Women’s Teams comprising 18 members in men and 16 members in women will play 31 matches in the prestigious Eden Gardens and BCCI certified Jadavpur University Salt Lake campus grounds. The games will be telecast on popular sports channels and digital streaming platforms like Sports 18, Jio Cinema, Fancode, and Air Bangla for wider public view.
Mr. Saket Todi, an eminent industrialist of the State besides being an enthusiastic Cricket-lover, and Founder of Lux Cozi said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers to the Bengal Pro T20 League. “ He added, “Our mission is to nurture local talents and provide a platform to the young boys and girls to shine and make their presence felt on the national and international stage. We believe that the Tigers will become a symbol of pride and excellence for the people of both Kolkata and Hooghly.”
Mr. Lalit Beriwala, a renowned industrialist in the Steel industry and noted philanthropist, Director of Shyam Steel, also spoke in the same vein. He said, “Our commitment to quality and innovations extends beyond the realm of our steel products to the sports arena as well. By co-owning the Kolkata Tigers, he added , “ we aim to foster community spirit, develop sportsmanship , reinforce the passion for cricket among the youth, strengthen their ability to perform better than ever before and ignite in them greater sense of purpose for delivering the best in the field making India proud in Cricket in the same way our celebrated cricketers had done in the past and the present-day cricketers do now.”
Sourav Ganguly, former Indian National Men’s Team Captain and former BCCI President, and Jhulan Goswami, the highest wicket-taker in Women’s One Day International Cricket, have agreed to serve as league mentors, bringing their wealth of experience and providing valuable guidance to the young boys and girls.
As the Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers prepare to make their mark, they cordially invite their fans to join them on this exciting journey, be partners in celebrating the vibrant spirit and cricketing heritage of Bengal and help achieve the Team’s goal to make their bond with the people stronger and sustainable like Shyam Steel products and as reassuring as Lux Cozi products. Lux Shyam Kolkata Tigers vision spreads far beyond the visible landscape and encompasses inclusivity through sports and athletics for lasting social benefits.