CAB suspends Joint Secretary Debabrata Das for six months over financial misconduct allegations

The Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) has suspended its joint secretary, Debabrata Das, for six months over allegations of financial misconduct. This is the first time a senior official of the association has faced such action. Das has been removed from all CAB positions and activities while the investigation takes place. The CAB has also suspended funding for Town Club, where Das serves as Chairman.

Why was he suspended?

Das is accused of taking money from individuals in exchange for promising them a place in Bengal teams or clubs affiliated with CAB. He is also alleged to have misused CAB resources by approving food bills for Town Club players and passing them through the association’s canteen expenses. In addition, reports claim he pressured players to represent Town Club, which he chairs, by giving verbal assurances of future Bengal team selection.

Earlier this month, CAB issued a show-cause notice to Das, accusing him of withholding nearly 7 lakh in ticket sales and funds meant for East Bengal and Town Club arrangements. Another complaint, from the Aditya School of Sports, alleged that he accepted 4 laks in return for helping the school get CAB club affiliation. Along with suspension, CAB has stopped funding for the Town Club. The association’s Apex Council has said it will complete its investigation within six months. Based on the findings, further action could be taken. This is not the first time Das has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. In the past, he had a public dispute with former India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. Saha later left the Bengal team for Tripura after the disagreement.

What’s way ahead?

The CAB’s Apex council has said the investigation will be completed within six months. Further action will depend on the findings. Many in the Bengal Cricket community have called for stricter measures against any official found guilty of misconduct. Meanwhile, another senior CAB official, Treasurer Prabir Chakraborty, is also facing scrutiny over possible conflicts of interest and is under a separate inquiry. The allegations have raised concerns about transparency and governance in the association. The CAB is under pressure to restore credibility while Bengal’s players continue to prepare for the domestic season.