IPL 2019 | BCCI Ombudsman receives "conflict of interest" complaints over Sourav Ganguly's dual role

Former India captain and President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) Sourav Ganguly was appointed as the advisor of Delhi Capitals for the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League. As per his claims, the announcement was made only after receiving permission for the same from the Committee of Administrators (CoA). 

However, two fans Ranjit Seal and Bhaswati Shantua, in separate communications, have reached out to Justice (Retd) D K Jain, also the Ethics officer of the BCCI, citing conflict of interest during the encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens on April 12.

“I would also like to draw your kind attention that on 12th April, 2019 (inadvertently quoted 12th May, 2019 in my earlier e-mail), Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capital match will be played at Eden Gardens. KKR is the local franchisee (sic), which is closely associated with the Cricket Association of Bengal,” wrote the complainant, in a letter to Jain, reported PTI.

“Sir, is it practically possible in one hand CAB president is supporting the local franchisee (sic) to conduct the match administratively and in another way he is sitting with the the team officials of Delhi Capitals as an Advisor."

The DC advisor was not available for comments but a source close to him has maintained that there is no such conflict.

“Sourav has taken permission from the CoA. And let me make it clear, he will be very much present in the Delhi Capitals dug-out on April 12. There is no question of withdrawing when relevant permissions are in place,” stated the source.

A BCCI official has also dismissed all the accusations against Ganguly and termed the complaint as ludicrous.

“Basically, some fans want to insinuate that Ganguly as CAB president can influence local curators during DC vs KKR match at the Eden Gardens on April 12. This is preposterous. You are questioning the integrity of one of our greatest captains. I don’t know if it’s a part of BCCI’s larger politics,” said the official.

The franchises in the cash-rich league had reportedly expressed their unhappiness with the BCCI curators interfering with the local pitches, after which, the BCCI had even decided to not send their curators at a few venues.

“Since some of the pitches have come under scanner during this IPL, may betiming of this complaint has got something to do with it,” the official added.