First in Bengal, N.C.C and Sambaran C.A joint hand to start Baby League

For the first time in West Bengal, the National Cricket Club (NCC) and Mainland-Sambaran Cricket Academy launched an initiative that had never been seen in Bengal Cricket. Conceptualised by the former Cricket Association of Bengal (C.A.B.) President Avishek Dalmiya, N.C.C., and Mainland Sambaran Bannerjee Cricket Academy introduced the Baby League 2026, a cricket tournament exclusively for the 8-10 age group.

Baby League 2026 starts in Kolkata

In the presence of N.C.C President Pawan Bahlotiya, Avishek Dalmiya and former Ranji-winning Bengal captain Sambaran Banerjee, the NCC Baby League 2026 was inaugurated at the Mainland-Sambaran Cricket Academy and Rajasthan Ground in Kolkata.

To incorporate game reading skills and match awareness, the Baby League was introduced in Bengal. With the hope of discovering the next wave of cricketing talent early in the state, Avishek Dalmiya conceived the idea, and Sambaran Banerjee and NCC helped him execute it in a great manner.

Read also: Every record India broke by winning the T20 World Cup 2026.

24 teams will take part in the tournament

Since the tournament is being played by kids aged 8-10, the tournament committee prioritised the safety of the children.

To ensure no injury, the tournament will be played with a synthetic ball, and no close-in fielders will be allowed.

Along with safety, they kept the enjoyment and participation of the kids as the highest priority. Any 11 of the 15 from the squad can bat while any 10 bowlers can bowl during the inning, which will allow every player to be on the ground and enjoy the game.

A total of 24 teams are taking part in the tournament. The mega final will be played on 25th March at the Mainland-Sambaran Cricket Academy Ground.