Sourav Ganguly has responded to allegations of a conflict of interest in his new role as Delhi Capitals head coach while also serving as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal. The former Indian cricket captain claimed there was no conflict of interest and pointed to a decision by the BCCI ombudsman that backed his position.

Ganguly will become the head coach of an IPL team for the first time when he takes charge of Delhi Capitals in the 2027 season. Ganguly will replace Hemang Badani and bring a wealth of experience from his previous roles with the franchise, having been associated with the Capitals since 2019 and served as the Director of Cricket for both the men's and women's teams.

Sourav Ganguly cites BCCI ombudsman order on dual roles

“Delhi will play well. I'm looking forward to it,” Sourav Ganguly told reporters Tuesday after watching India's 1-6 defeat to Uruguay in a FIFA international friendly at Salt Lake Stadium.

The former India captain was asked about the potential conflict of interest in having two roles after he witnessed the incident and responded by citing an order of the ombudsman.

“I've got the order of the ombudsman,” Sourav Ganguly said.

The 54-year-old's appointment marks a big shift in his role with Delhi Capitals. After years of working in the franchise's management structure, he will now step into the dugout and lead the team during the 2027 IPL season.

Ganguly spoke about India taking on high-profile international opposition in football. The former cricketer supported the approach and said regular exposure to elite teams would help Indian players develop.

“It's a good initiative and they will learn in this way. It (the development) doesn't happen overnight. You only improve playing against good teams,” he said.

India has played five international matches, ending a 1-1 draw against Panama in Bengaluru and suffering heavy defeats against Brazil and Uruguay.

India was 0-4 down to five-time world champions Brazil but had a goal from Anirudh Thapa in the second half to draw level. They were then 1-6 down to two-time world champions Uruguay.

Maximiliano Araujo scored twice while Rodrigo Zalazar, Rodrigo Aguirre and Juan Sanabria all scored in a rain-affected encounter. Darwin Nunez scored from the penalty spot as Uruguay pulled away in the second half after having equalized the score.

Sourav Ganguly on Messi's international farewell

Sourav Ganguly also gave his views on Lionel Messi's farewell match for Argentina against Benin that was scheduled for the early hours of Wednesday.

The former India captain admitted he would not be able to watch the match live. “I won't be able to watch at 4.30 am; I will watch the repeat telecast,” Ganguly said.

Asked about Messi's retirement from international football, Ganguly gave a simple reflection on the inevitability of sporting careers coming to an end.

“That's the law of sport.

Sourav Ganguly also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years of uninterrupted leadership, first as Gujarat Chief Minister and later as Prime Minister of India.

“He is the leader of a huge country. Wishing him best of health, heartiest congratulations, and good wishes,” Sourav Ganguly said.