'Not associated with their cricket' - Sourav Ganguly denies 'conflict of interest' case for being brand ambassador of JSW Cements

Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly had raised a few eyebrows after sharing a picture on Instagram where he was spotted wearing a JSW Cement t-shirt as the company’s brand ambassador. JSW Sports, a joint owner of Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals, is the sports arm of the JSW Group. However, Ganguly was quick to clarify that he has no connection with the sports company.

Ganguly ensured that he brushed aside the ‘conflict of interest’ issue, which has grappled with many Indian cricketers in the past. Many India internationals like VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar have been slapped with a ‘conflict of interest’ complaints in the past.

However, Ganguly cleared the air and said that he has no association with JSW Sports which handles Delhi Capitals in the IPL. JSW Cements isn’t a sponsor of the Delhi franchise and that proves the absence of ‘conflict of interest’ in this case, explained Ganguly.

I don’t see any conflict in it: Sourav Ganguly

“How do I influence? I am not a brand ambassador of JSW Sports (which handles Delhi Capitals in IPL). I don’t think the cement company is a sponsor of the (Delhi Capitals) team. I don’t see any conflict in it. I am not associated with their cricket; had I been, it would have been a conflict,” Ganguly told The Sunday Express.

Ganguly, in the past too, has expressed his disagreement over ‘conflict of interest’ clause in the BCCI constitution. According to the current BCCI president, the norms will prevent the board to use the services of any former cricketer.

The ‘conflict of interest’ clause mentions– “When the BCCI, a Member, the IPL or a Franchisee enter into contractual arrangements with entities in which the individual concerned or his/her relative, partner, or close associates has an interest.

This is to include cases where family members, partners or close associates are in positions that may, or maybe seen to compromise an individual’s participation, performance and discharge of roles.”

Ganguly had resigned as the mentor of Delhi Capitals before bracing the role of BCCI president. However, he had continued his association with online cricket fantasy game My11Circle, raising questions over Ganguly’s possible ‘conflict of interest’ case.