BCCI President and former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly has finally responded to his critics for levelling allegations of Conflict of Interest against him. Ganguly has been an inspiration to the youngsters and even senior players around the world, with all his achievements on the cricketing field.
The former Indian skipper came into controversy when earlier, Shreyas Iyer had made a statement extending his gratitude for the help he received from Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly. The critics alleged Ganguly as BCCI president helped a franchise captain where he was a mentor, which is a case of Conflict of Interest.
The controversy surrounding Sourav Ganguly
The controversy began when ahead of Delhi Capitals’ opening game of IPL 2020 while talking to official broadcaster Star Sports, DC captain Shreyas Iyer credited Ricky Ponting and Ganguly in helping him evolve as a captain and a player. Ganguly was the mentor of DC in 2019.
“We would have bowled first as well. I have learned to take some responsibility, with the likes of Ponting and Ganguly, it makes my task a bit easier,” Shreyas Iyer told commentator Simon Doull.
These remarks led the critics to allege Ganguly of conflict of interest issue by saying that being the BCCI president he was helping a team who he was associated in the past.
Sourav Ganguly hits back at critics
Sourav Ganguly countered the critics stating that even though he is the BCCI president, they shouldn’t forget he holds a great experience of the game and so he can help any player who seeks help from him. He also accepted he had helped Shreyas Iyer last year.
“I had helped him (Iyer) last year. I may be the Board president, but don’t forget that I’ve played 500 matches (424 matches) for India, so I can speak to a young player and help him, be it Shreyas Iyer or Virat Kohli. If they want help, I can,” Ganguly said during a promotional event.
With Iyer’s comments causing chaos, he took to social media to clear the air.
“As a young captain, I am thankful to Ricky and Dada for being a part of my journey as a cricketer and captain last season. My comment …… was to emphasise my gratitude towards the role they both have played in my personal growth as a captain,” he posted on his social media handle.
Delhi Capitals have been performing very well under their young captain Shreyas Iyer. They won their both opening matches and are set to face SunRisers Hyderabad next on September 29.