Bengal Minister to play cricket in CAB's second division

Ex-Bengal skipper and a minister in the government of West Bengal, Laxmi Ratan Shukla signed for Cricket Association of Bengal’s (CAB) Second Division club Salkia Friends, earlier today. The right-hander might have his hands full after being appointed a minister of State for Sports and Youth Services in the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Government in Bengal. However, the cricketer made sure that it doesn’t prove to be a hurdle that ends his career.

Although he is hard pressed with governmental works, he hopes to play as many matches as possible for the club. Apart from Shukla, joining the second-tier team would be Bengal bowler Sourav Sarkar. The new crop of fresh faces will surely make it a team to watch it out for. Shukla looks extremely upbeat and excited at the prospect of playing for his new club.

Speaking to the media, after his signing, Shukla said, “Salkia Friends is my local club. I have never got the opportunity to represent them and hence looks forward to being part of them in this coming season. Didi (Mamata) always told me not to stop playing. Hence I hope to find time to prolong my cricketing career.”

Association with Mohun Bagan

“Owing to a busy schedule, I wouldn’t have been able to play for Mohun Bagan. So I spoke to Srinjoy Bose regarding the matter and decided to shift to my new clubs. Both Mohun Bagan and Salkia are very dear to me,” he further added.

The 36-year-old all-rounder is confident of playing in the second division now after representing Mohun Bagan in the first division for a long period. He even announced his retirement from the Bengal side after playing 137 first-class matches sitting at the Bagan tent in December 2015.

Shukla has also to his credit a sports academy (LRS Bengla Sports Academy) which he set up near Dumurjala stadium in Howrah recently.