Mamata Banerjee to attend felicitation of KKR at Eden tomorrow

OLKATA: A packed schedule in notwithstanding, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be here to attend the grand felicitation of IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens tomorrow.

Banerjee, who has left for Jalpaiguri for review of welfare projects, will return tonight for the KKR programme being jointly organised by the state government and the Cricket Association of Bengal.

The state government will also invite Bengal wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha whose 115 not out from 55 deliveries for Kings XI Punjab went in vain after KKR held their nerves to win by three wickets in a pulsating IPL-VII final in Bangalore last night.

"Heartiest congratulations to KKR, everybody played well... I also congratulate Wriddhiman Saha for his brilliant innings. I had already told (team co-owner) Shah Rukh (Khan) to organise a reception for the team after they emerge champions. I also had a word with (CAB chief) Jagmohan Dalmiya regarding tomorrow's reception," she said.

"At the same time, I had a few meetings lined-up over next few days but I will return tonight (from North Bengal) to felicitate the side," she added.

After attending the felicitation that will begin at 2pm, Banerjee will leave for Alipurduar to attend a government programme.

The state government had felicitated KKR grandly after their maiden IPL triumph in the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League two years ago.