TOI understands that the members themselves will seek to carry out their own “proverbial ambush”, questioning Ganguly about these “multiple conflicts” when the AGM begins.
There is a clear line of thought at this point in regards to Ganguly’s multiple conflicts: A) How many brands has Ganguly signed after becoming president of the BCCI, which is an honorary position, compared to the brands he was associated with prior to October 2019? SECOND) Of those brands, how many are direct rivals of BCCI’s own sponsors? C) What omen for the Board when the BCCI president has been seen asking fans to adopt a fantasy league? RE) Even though fantasy leagues are an accepted platform, are there any ownership issues that the BCCI needs to look at more objectively? ME) Does the constitution allow a BCCI official to win from the cricket ecosystem and from BCCI’s own partners or rivals while holding an honorary position?
BCCI senior members point to examples and ask questions
TOI spoke with at least a dozen high-level Board members who want this issue discussed and brought to the attention of all stakeholders. They are raising multiple questions, citing numerous examples.
* Dream11 bought the property rights of IPL and the BCCI president signed up for MyCircle11, Dream11’s direct rival. Now, it is possible that the partner has not filed an official complaint, but does such a move by the BCCI president himself bode well?
* The president signed with a direct rival of the India team’s jersey sponsor, Byju, some time ago. Recently, he joined another education and technology company. “Byju’s hasn’t made an official complaint, but are we waiting for them to write to us?”
* the Adani Group is a potential bidder for an IPL franchise when the next bid is submitted. Ganguly is an ambassador for an edible oil product from the same company.
* As president, how can you enroll in a company that runs an IPL franchise? JSW Cement incorporated Ganguly in June of this year. The company owns 50% of the Delhi Capitals franchise.
* As a member of the BCCI Apex Council, he has tried to participate in almost every IPL Governing Council meeting as a special guest. Technically, isn’t that a conflict of interest?
“The list does not end. And the worst part is that these conflicts are flagrant. You need to explain what this is all about. Because if you want to make money, you could have easily done it without occupying the BCCI chair. After all, you are a former captain. from India, “say members.
Ganguly was first offered the role of chairman of the IPL governing council in October 2019, when the members had taken control of the BCCI from the COA. It was at that meeting that Ganguly put his foot down and said he wanted to take over as the president of the BCCI.
“It was seen as a progressive step back then. Everybody thought that Ganguly’s incorporation as president would add value to the setup, especially at a time when new aspirations had to be forged. But it seems like all he’s interested in is signatures. brands. So why do you need the BCCI chair? “members are asking more.
BCCI members aren’t just complaining that their president has opened a can of worms when it comes to conflict. Their greatest concern stems from the damage, which they believe, has been done even more to the image of BCCI at a time when improving that image should have been the focus.
“Why did the BCCI have all kinds of problems with the courts or the media? Because it could not resolve the conflict complaints that had become flagrant. Therefore, when the members returned in 2019, the responsibility should have been improve that image … Far from it, the president is up to his neck in the same mess, “say members.
These are topics that will be addressed at the AGM on December 24. Members will also expect the BCCI Ombudsman and Ethics Officer to carefully study the entire issue and make appropriate recommendations.
“At the end of the day, the BCCI has been guilty of its own wrongdoings in the past, most of which have arisen out of arrogance and a sense of authority. For all the good things it has done in the past, it has all remained overshadowed by this handful of mistakes. It’s time to correct them and make sure they don’t happen again, “a relatively new and young BCCI member representative told TOI.
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