Pragyan Ojha released by Bengal on eve of Ranji Trophy opener

KOLKATA: The drama over Pragyan Ojha's availability for Bengal finally came to an end on Thursday when the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) decided to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on Thursday. The former India spinner, who came to Bengal two seasons back, wanted to return to his home state Hyderabad due to some family reasons. But CAB president Sourav Ganguly, who was instrumental in bringing him to the state, was dead against releasing him.
A dejected Ojha then decided not to report for Bengal pre-season practice which forced the selectors to drop him for Bengal's first two Ranji Trophy matches. However, after a deliberation on Thursday, the CAB decided to allow him to play for Hyderabad.
"We had received a letter from Pragyan Ojha where he requested for the NOC to play for Hyderabad. I discussed the matter with the president, and the association would have no objection if he plays for Hyderabad," CAB joint secretary Avishek Dalmiya said.
However, it was not clear whether CAB acted after Ojha had reportedly moved the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the matter.
Ojha, who joined Bengal in 2015-16, claimed 36 wickets from nine matches to become the joint highest wicket-taker for the side with pacer Ashok Dinda in his first season for the state.
But he had a lacklustre last season when he managed only 10 wickets from six matches. There were reports of him getting into frictions with some teammates too.
Bengal open their campaign against Services on Friday while Hyderabad will open against Maharashtra at home.