Ojha set to leave Hyderabad for Bengal

Pragyan Ojha has decided to leave Hyderabad and ply his trade as a professional on the domestic circuit. The left-arm spinner, who was cleared to bowl in February after being suspended for bowling with an illegal action earlier in the 2014-15 season, could turn out for Bengal next season.

John Manoj, the Hyderabad Cricket Association secretary, said the HCA had issued permission to Ojha for turning professional, and Sourav Ganguly, the CAB joint secretary, confirmed Bengal were in talks with the bowler.

"It is still work in progress," Ganguly told ESPNcricinfo. "We may take a few days more to arrive at a decision."

According to a CAB insider, only the formal approval of the CAB executive committee remains before Ojha is officially unveiled as a Bengal player. Ojha will start the new season next month, playing for India A in two four-day games against Australia A.

It is understood that Ojha wanted to showcase his skills against top teams in the Ranji Trophy in his bid to return to international cricket. With Hyderabad playing in Group C, the lowest rung of the Ranji Trophy, Ojha opted to switch allegiance to a higher-ranked team. Bengal were happy to have him on board since they were struggling to find a lead spinner.

Ojha will thus become the second high-profile cricketer to leave Hyderabad in recent seasons. Ambati Rayudu had moved first to neighbouring Andhra before settling on Baroda following a stint in the unrecognised Indian Cricket League following a spat with the HCA hierarchy. Ojha's switch, on the other hand, looks like a smooth one.

"He approached us and explained his rationale honestly," Manoj said. "Once he had made up his mind, we just respected his decision, supported him and issued the NOC."

According to BCCI rules, players who wish to turn professional have to first obtain a no objection certificate from their home associations and submit it to the BCCI. The deadline for domestic transfers is September 1.

Bengal, meanwhile, have approached Lalchand Rajput, the former India opening batsman, to replace Ashok Malhotra as coach. It is understood that Rajput has also been in talks with Uttar Pradesh, who are looking for a replacement for Venkatesh Prasad.