Mumbai: The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is hosting the historic 250th Test match at its Eden Gardens against New Zealand but it has "ignored" the family of late Prabir Mukherjee.
Prabir Mukherjee, who was the Eden Gardens curator for over 25 years, died at the age of 86 at his home in Kolkata in June this year and the association is hosting the first international match at this venue since his death.
"The CAB has ignored us and not even bothered to send an invitation (to the family) to witness the Test match," Pronay Mukherjee, the grandson, said.
"My grand-father spent almost half of his life at this venue. He was a curator at Eden Gardens for 28 years and also served as the secretary and member of the Ground and pitch committee. He served the game for about four decades."
Many former cricketers are invited for the match. Even Kapil Dev and Stephen Fleming were invited to the newly installed bell.
"It would have been nice had the association had sent a courtesy invitation to our family but this is how it functions," Pronay added.
Interestingly, the CAB didn't hold a condolence meeting for Prabir Mukherjhee.
"Sourav Ganguly didn't speak to us even after my grandfather's death. He (Ganguly) however, portrayed before the media that he condoled the family. The only condolence meeting was hosted by the Suburban Club, where Ganguly was present. My granddad joined this club in 1951-52."
"My grandfather was firm in his views and became victim of the CAB politics. He was so annoyed with the ill-treatment that prompted him to say, never ever take my body to Eden Gardens after my death and we fulfilled his wish."
"There is no sense in recalling the days but as they have ignored the family, we shall never ever visit the Stadium even if they rectify the policy and decide to invite us in future," the grandson concluded.
