IPL 2019: BCCI's Ethics officer sends notice to Sourav Ganguly over conflict of interest issue

The BCCI’s Ombudsman, Justice D K Jain, who was earlier asked to serve as ethics officer for the Board, has issued a notice to former India captain Sourav Ganguly after receiving a complaint about his alleged conflict of interest. Ganguly is now the advisor to the Delhi Capitals side in the Vivo IPL while also serving as the President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

A notice has been issued to the former Indian captain after two fans alleged that Ganguly’s conflict of interest will create problems when Delhi travel to play Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, April 12. In his notice, Jain has asked Ganguly to explain his position on the issue.

“Yes, I have received a complaint about Ganguly. Today I have issued a notice to him seeking his views on the matter and he has one week to send a reply. Once I get his reply, we’ll see how we can proceed in the matter and if he should be summoned for a meeting or not,” Jain confirmed to CricketNext on Tuesday.

Earlier Sourav Ganguly had defended himself saying, “There is absolutely no conflict of interest. I resigned from the IPL Governing Council earlier. I have spoken to the CoA too before committing myself to the role,” Two Bengal residents Ranjit Kr. Seal and Bhaswati Santua have separately sent their complaints to Jain.

“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 (KKR) vs Delhi Capital (sic). The match will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. KKR is the local franchisee, who are (sic) closely associated with the Cricket Association of Bengal, more so, Sri Sourav Ganguly is the President of CAB.

“On the other hand, Sri Sourav Ganguly, is an Advisor of Delhi Capital (sic). Sir, is it practically possible – in one hand CAB President is supporting in all aspects to the local franchisee to conduct the match administratively and in another way, CAB President is sitting with the team officials of Delhi Capitals as an Advisor. Sir, will it not attract any conflict of interest,” Seal wrote.

Meanwhile, Santua wrote, “KKR is the local franchisee (sic), and all the home matches are being held with the active administrative support of the Cricket Association of Bengal, where Sri Sourav Ganguly is the President…”

Pandya-Rahul issue also to be looked upon

However this is not the only issue. Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were provisionally suspended by the Committee of Administrators (COA) for their loose talk on chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ before the ban was lifted pending an inquiry by the Ombudsman.

“We have finalised the dates or April 9 and 10 in Mumbai when the both of them will be deposing in front of me. I will hear what they have to say in the matter and decide on what future course of action needs to be taken,”  Jain said.

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