The senior Bengal squad started their preparations for the upcoming domestic cricket season on Friday.

The centre of attraction was minister of state for sports and youth affairs, Manoj Tiwary, who joined his teammates at practice.

The former Bengal captain worked out at the indoor hall of Videocon Cricket Academy, Salt Lake, and is confident of doing well. “I took permission from Didi (chief minister Mamata Banerjee) to play. I told her that I wanted to play and she also appreciated it. Cricket is my love and passion and I am happy to be back at the ground,” Manoj told The Telegraph on Friday.

He thinks time management would be the key as he has to keep pace with his busy schedule. “I was confident of getting back to playing. So I have planned it that way. I have a team which will look after the people of my constituency when I will be busy with the game,” the MLA from Shibpur said.

“My target is to play tournaments for Bengal and help the team win the Ranji Trophy,” he added.

Team coach Arun Lal waspleased with the opening day’s proceedings. “We have finally started another season and the fitness camp is on… First day it’s very heartening to see the efforts put in by the boys. Of course, it will take a little time before they attain peak fitness. What I have seen is the intensity and desire and that is very encouraging. That’s what we want. We want to do our best,” he said.

“We want to try winning trophies for our state and that is the prime motivation behind the intensity.”