Young wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel is set to return to competitive cricket after being named in Bengal’s 16-member squad for upcoming red-ball practice matches against Assam.
The development comes just 11 days after Porel was granted bail in a case involving allegations of rape and other sexual offences. According to Hindustan Times, the Calcutta High Court granted him bail on September 18, following his arrest on August 11. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal process, and Porel has denied them.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has selected Porel for a series of practice fixtures at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, as Bengal begin preparations for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. The squad is scheduled to leave for Assam on September 30, with the tour expected to conclude on October 6.
Porel has been included as one of Bengal’s two wicketkeeper-batters, alongside Shakir Habib Gandhi. The squad will be led by Sudip Chatterjee, with experienced players including Abhimanyu Easwaran also part of the group.
What is the case involving Porel?
The legal controversy began on June 30, 2026, when an FIR was registered at Magra Police Station in West Bengal. A medical student allegedly accused Porel of entering into a physical relationship with her on the promise of marriage and subsequently refusing to marry her.
The complaint also included allegations of coercion and threats involving private photographs. Porel denied the allegations and maintained that the relationship was consensual.
Following the police investigation, Porel was arrested on August 11. The report states that he was booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, including sections involving non-bailable offences.
After his arrest, the matter came before the Calcutta High Court. A magistrate subsequently remanded Porel to custody and directed authorities to seize and examine digital devices as part of the investigation.
The investigation also involved the detention of an associate of Porel and the complainant at different stages, according to the report.
Porel was eventually granted bail on September 18, allowing him to return to normal activities while the legal proceedings continue. Bail does not amount to a finding on the merits of the allegations.
Return to Bengal cricket
The 23-year-old has been regarded as one of Bengal’s promising young wicketkeeper-batters. He made his First-Class debut during the 2021–22 season and attracted wider attention after joining the Delhi Capitals in 2023 as a replacement for injured wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
His selection in the Bengal squad marks his first reported return to cricket following his arrest and subsequent bail.
The Bengal squad for the Assam practice matches includes Sudip Chatterjee (captain), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ankur Paul, Ankit Shukla, Sumanta Gupta, Subham Chatterjee, Abishek Porel, Shakir Habib Gandhi, Pradipta Pramanik, Karan Lal, Aamir Gani, Soummyadip Mandal, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Md. Kaif, Geet Puri and Ishan Porel.
The practice matches are part of Bengal’s preparations for the upcoming domestic season. For Porel, the Assam fixtures will mark an important return to the cricket field while the legal proceedings connected to the allegations against him continue.
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