CAB confident of successfully hosting all five World Cup matches at Eden Gardens

Thrilled about hosting four 50-over World Cup games and one semifinal later this year, CAB chief Snehasish Ganguly said he is confident of organizing all the matches successfully and in a grand style.

"At first, I would like to thank BCCI secretary Mr Jay Shah for believing in CAB. We all know that Eden Gardens is a historic stadium, and we have earlier hosted high-profile games. This time, too, we are confident of doing the same," Ganguly said during a press meet at Eden Gardens.

Kolkata will be hosting its first match on October 28 between Qualifier 1 and Bangladesh, followed by Pakistan vs Bangladesh on October 31, India vs South Africa on November 5, England vs Pakistan on November 12 and the big Semifinal on November 16.

"When I met Mr Shah during the Women's Premier League in Mumbai, I convinced him about the fantastic facilities at the Eden Gardens and the renovations and upgrades we are doing.

"I also assured him that the renovation will be fully completed much ahead of the World Cup. I even showed him the design and the way we are going to remodel parts of the stadium," Ganguly said.

"He (Shah) was happy to see our progress and assured us of big and high-profile games. I want to thank him again and make the games at Eden a success."

The President also was confident of hosting and giving full security to the Pakistan team during the mega event.

"We earlier hosted Pakistan, so it is nothing new to us. We are up for the challenge and ready to accept it. We will give our best in making everything possible to make the stadium and the facilities world-class," he said.

Speaking on the potential India-Pakistan semi final in Kolkata, Ganguly said, "It will be a grand success. If that happens, we are confident and ready to host any big match given to us.

Security will not be a problem as Kolkata Police is one of the best. Besides, we always get the full support of our beloved CM Smt Mamata Banerjee and her whole team in all of our endeavours."

Asked if there would be additional pressure as two high profile matches coincided with Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja, he said: "It will only add to the festive fervour. It is not a problem. The Eden crowd is very educated and loves good cricket. The games will increase the festive mood."

The president also assured that the tickets for the matches will be priced at an affordable rate.

"The tickets will be available at a cost which will be affordable for all. I want fans to come in large numbers and fill the stands," he said.