Abishek Porel named in Bengal cricket squad following bail

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has named wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel in its squad for practice matches ahead of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. This marks Porel’s return to the Bengal cricket setup following his release on bail on September 18, 2026, after spending over a month in judicial custody.

Porel was arrested in August 2026 following allegations made by a medical student involving sexual intercourse on the promise of marriage and blackmail. He faces multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Porel has denied all allegations, and legal proceedings are ongoing.

The CAB stated that a player remains eligible for selection as long as no conviction has been recorded. The practice match squad, led by Sudip Chatterjee, will prepare for the Ranji Trophy Elite division campaign, which is scheduled to begin on October 11, 2026.