The BCCI has officially unveiled India’s marathon home season schedule stretching from September to February. While Team India is set to play a staggering 22 international matches across formats on home soil, Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens has been noticeably sidelined. Out of the 22 matches, the “Mecca of Indian Cricket” has been allotted only a single One-Day International (ODI).

According to the schedule, Kolkata will host only one match against Zimbabwe early next year. Despite high-profile tours by Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England, Eden Gardens missed out on hosting any Test matches or T20Is against these major cricketing nations. Cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Chennai have walked away with the lion’s share of marquee clashes, leaving Kolkata fans with just a consolation prize in the form of a low-profile fixture.

The decision has sparked a wave of disappointment among cricket enthusiasts in Bengal. For a stadium known for its electric atmosphere and historic significance, hosting just one match against Zimbabwe feels like a significant downgrade. Social media is buzzing with debates on whether the BCCI is intentionally shifting focus away from traditional venues like Eden Gardens. Will the lone clash against Zimbabwe be enough to satisfy the hunger of Kolkata’s cricket-crazy population? Only time will tell.