Ganguly, Laxman involved in conflict of interest

The Ethics Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), DK Jain has passed a ruling against Indian legends Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman for their dual roles citing conflict of interest.

Indian legends Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman hold dual roles in the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) and as mentors in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The legends have been asked to choose a particular designation to avoid the conflict of interest.

Ganguly and Laxman are mentors for the Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively. Ganguly is also the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal.

The officer cited the Lodha committee recommendations as the inspiration behind the ruling.

"One person one post is the soul of Lodha committee recommendations. I have just tried to bring it out. In Sachin's (Tendulkar), the conflict of interest did not arise as he had withdrawn from CAC. But it does in Ganguly and Laxman's case and they need to decide how they would like to serve Indian cricket going forward," Jain told PTI.

He claimed that the ruling was not special and was based on the rules decided for the way cricket functions in the country.

"I have not done anything extraordinary while passing the order on Ganguly and Laxman," he said.

Jain also said that it could open the door for other complaints against individuals; however the main aim was to view this case according to the constitution and not the overarching issues.

"Based on this order there could be complaints against active players also. They can now apply their mind and be ready for that situation. I have not barred anybody (from commentating). I have only decided what Conflict of Interest means as per the BCCI constitution,” he said.

He claimed that this was his interpretation of the constitution and he was of the opinion that it could be challenged by any individual.

"It is for the players to think whether it applies to them or not. It is the first time I have examined the rules and have given my interpretation (in the order), I don't know if it would be accepted by the Board. If someone wants to challenge it he can challenge it," he concluded.