Conflict of interest rule has to be practical, says Ganguly

Mumbai, Aug. 23: Sourav Ganguly on Friday called for a more practical approach in implementing the conflict of interest rule and cited as example Ricky Ponting’s multiple roles with Australian cricket and IPL.

Along with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, Ganguly has been at the receiving end of conflict of interest notices for being the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president as well as the mentor of IPL franchise Delhi Capitals.

Asked whether an exception should be made to the rule for legends of the game, Ganguly said: “I wouldn’t say an exception be made to the rule (but) the rule has to be practical,” Ganguly said.

“Today Rahul Dravid has been appointed NCA head and there are issues over his job with India Cements, you got to be practical on that, you never know whether you would become the NCA head or not, three years later you may not remain NCA head, but these jobs are permanent and jobs remain with you.”

Ganguly said he does not see a cricketer doing coaching and commentary as a case of conflict of interest. “It’s got to be practically solved — even when you do commentary or coaching — I don’t see it as a conflict of interest. When you go around the world, look at Ricky Ponting, he coaches Australia, he commentates, he is commentating in the Ashes and now in the month of April next year he will be with Delhi Capitals (as a coaching staff).

“I really don’t consider this as conflict of interest; because these are all skillbased. It has to be bit more precise otherwise everything is going to be conflict.”

Even when you do commentary or coaching — I don’t see it as a conflict of interest — SOURAV GANGULY