Huge Controversy Erupts Over Sourav Ganguly’s Delhi Capitals Coaching Appointment

Delhi Capitals have appointed former India captain Sourav Ganguly as their new head coach for IPL 2027, replacing Hemang Badani. Delhi are heading into a new chapter with big hopes from Ganguly, who has already been associated with the franchise in several roles over the years. The Capitals are still searching for their maiden IPL title, and the franchise will hope Ganguly’s vast experience as a player, captain and cricket administrator can finally help them take the next step.

However, soon after his appointment, a major controversy emerged. Questions are being raised over a possible conflict of interest, as Ganguly is currently also serving as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Conflict of Interest Questions Over Ganguly’s Two Roles

The main question is whether Ganguly can simultaneously remain CAB president and serve as the head coach of an IPL franchise.

Following his Delhi Capitals appointment, questions started being raised over whether he would have to leave his position at the CAB or whether he could continue holding both roles.

The matter has now gone beyond just media discussion. Sanjeev Gupta has reportedly raised a formal conflict-of-interest complaint following Ganguly’s appointment as Delhi Capitals head coach. Gupta has questioned whether Ganguly can simultaneously serve as CAB president and the head coach of an IPL franchise. Reports say copies of his communication were sent to the BCCI and the Supreme Court, among others.

When Ganguly was asked about the potential conflict arising from his dual roles, he dismissed the concern and said, “I’ve got the order of ombudsman.” Ganguly’s response indicates that he believes an existing BCCI Ombudsman order allows him to continue in both positions.

However, the dual roles have still created controversy because Ganguly will be holding an important position in a state cricket association while simultaneously working as the head coach of an IPL franchise.

Ganguly Faced a Similar Situation in 2019

Interestingly, this is not the first time Sourav Ganguly’s association with Delhi Capitals has raised conflict-of-interest questions.

A similar controversy emerged in 2019, when Ganguly was serving as CAB president while also working as an advisor for Delhi Capitals.

At that time, complaints were submitted to the BCCI Ombudsman questioning how Ganguly could perform both roles simultaneously. The issue became particularly prominent because Delhi Capitals were scheduled to play Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, which comes under the Bengal cricket administration.

Ganguly rejected the conflict-of-interest allegations at the time. He maintained that there was no direct or indirect conflict between his roles and argued that his CAB position did not allow him to influence matters concerning the IPL.

Seven years later, Ganguly once again finds himself facing questions over his association with Delhi Capitals while serving as CAB president. The difference this time is that his role with the franchise is even more prominent — he is now the head coach.

For Delhi Capitals, the cricketing focus will be on whether Ganguly can turn their fortunes around and build a strong team for IPL 2027. But even before his first season as head coach begins, the conflict-of-interest question has ensured that his appointment has become one of the major talking points ahead of the tournament.