According to a top BCCI official, Cricket Association of Bengal President, Sourav Ganguly will not be barred from sitting in the Delhi Capitals' dug-out. Though the former Indian skipper may be called by the BCCI ombudsman in person, regarding the conflict of interest complaint that was filed against him.
"There is absolutely no bar on Sourav sitting in the DC dug-out. In any case, the matter is still pending with the Ombudsman and no law can prevent him from being present in the dug-out." the BCCI official told PTI on Wednesday, 10 April.
“I am not saying Ombudsman will call Sourav but he has that option before the matter is brought to a closure.”BCCI official
According to a source in BCCI, Justice (Retd) DK Jain may hear out the former Indian captain in person before taking a final decision on the matter.
"Yes, if he wants to sit somewhere else, it will be his call. And Justice Jain has already made it clear that one particular match is not his concern. So that makes it clear," the official added.
Recently three Kolkata based fans – Bhaswati Santua, Ranjit Seal and Abhijeet Mukherjee – had written a letter to the BCCI Ombudsman-cum-Ethics-Officer, DK Jain. The three had alleged former Indian skipper's dual role of being a case of Conflict of Interest.
However, Ganguly in a written reply to the Ombudsman's notice, had categorically denied the charge. One would ask, when he has given a reply to the Ombudsman, why is there a need for an in-person deposition?
To this the official answered, “It’s following the principles of natural justice. Even Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul deposed in person after their written submissions.”
Many in the BCCI believe that there is no case of conflict of interest and Ganguly can comfortably continue in both his roles. One cannot predict the Ombudsman’s line of decision-making, but as per the BCCI official what needs to be taken into account is that these allegations could be coming from a disgruntled few, who are against the CAB President.
The Delhi Capitals, where former Indian captain is an advisor, are scheduled to take on Kolkata Knight Riders on 12 April in Kolkata.
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