Out on bail after rape allegation, Porel named in Bengal squad for Ranji opener
Wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been named in the Bengal Ranji Trophy squad despite facing ongoing legal issues related to rape allegations. The Cricket Association of Bengal stated that his legal matters are personal and do not currently prevent his participation.
Why it matters
The decision raises ethical questions regarding the inclusion of athletes facing serious criminal charges in professional sports teams.
KOLKATA: Wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel, who was recently granted bail in a case involving allegations of rape and other sexual offences, has been included in Bengal's 17-member squad for their Ranji Trophy season opener against Delhi in Kalyani.Porel, who has not played competitive cricket since the end of IPL 2026, was arrested in August following allegations that he had sexual relations with a woman on the promise of marriage. He was subsequently granted bail and has now been picked for Bengal's Elite Group C opener, with Abhimanyu Easwaran continuing as captain.The match will be played at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani after Bengal's season opener was moved from the iconic Eden Gardens.
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