Ganguly to skip Deodhar opener against South zone

Kolkata, Feb 24 (UNI) Sourav Ganguly will not play the first match of Deodhar trophy against South Zone commencing in Indore tomorrow.

Cricket Association of Bengal Secretary Saradindu Pal told UNI that Sourav will not play the match and the deposed skipper has cited personal reasons for the withdrawl.

''I have asked him to give his reason in black and white to me.'' ''He has promised me that he will send a detailed communication,'' he said.

Mr Pal further said that Sourav would be available for the rest of the tournament.

Ganguly had been included in the 16-member East zone side to be led by Deep Dasgupta.

Sourav's decision comes a day after the selection committee dumped him from the national squad stating that he did not fit into the ''look ahead scheme of BCCI''.

UNI BA SG/TJP PM RK1445