Sourav Ganguly fined by Calcutta high court for irregular allotment of land

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If there is one issue that has constantly resurfaced in the Indian cricket circuit time and again, it has to be the rule regarding conflict of interest. With many former cricketers who are part of BCCI or are serving Indian cricket in any post, they often find themselves in trouble because of their involvement in any other events like franchise leagues in the country.

The rule regarding conflict of interest clearly states, "When the BCCI, a Member, the IPL or a Franchisee enter into contractual arrangements with entities in which the individual concerned or his/her relative, partner or close associate has an interest. This is to include cases where family members, partners or close associates are in position that may, or may be seen to compromise as individual's participation, performance and discharge of roles."

As a result, many BCCI members in past, have had to step down from one of the positions in order to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. And as it stands, it seems like the rule is no different for the president of board as Sourav Ganguly is expected to step down from his role as director of ISL football club, ATK Mohun Bagan.

It is for Sourav to make the announcement: Sanjiv Goenka

The whole conversation around it began when Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG Group vice-chairman), the owner of Mohun Bagan and new Lucknow franchise in IPL, told a media house that Ganguly will move aside from his role to avoid any conflict.

"Well, I think he is going to step down from Mohun Bagan completely... I think today... It is for Sourav to make the announcement. I mean, sorry. I think I pre-empted it," Goenka told CNBC-TV 18 on Monday.

Would it actually be 'conflict of interest' for Ganguly?

Since the inception of the rule, it has always been quite complicated to apply with so many scenarios in a particular situation. However, with Sanjiv Goenka becoming the new owner of a franchise in a tournament which is governed by BCCI, any involvement for BCCI president Sourav Ganguly with Mohun Bagan (which is also owned by Sanjiv Goenka) might actually fall under 'conflict of interest'.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the 49-year-old has commenced the procedure to step aside from his role at Mohun Bagan, where he is also a shareholder, and the same could be announced officially very soon.