Cricket

Sourav Ganguly dismisses conflict of interest concerns regarding Delhi Capitals head coach role

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 7, 2026, 17:16 IST

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has confirmed he will serve as head coach for the Delhi Capitals in the 2027 IPL season, stating he has received clearance from the BCCI ombudsman regarding his dual roles.

Sourav Ganguly dismisses conflict of interest concerns regarding Delhi Capitals head coach role

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has addressed concerns regarding his recent appointment as the head coach of the Delhi Capitals for the 2027 Indian Premier League season. Despite maintaining his position as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, Ganguly has explicitly stated that his new coaching role does not constitute a conflict of interest.

The 54-year-old, who has been a fixture within the Delhi Capitals organization since 2019, is set to take on the head coaching responsibilities for the first time, succeeding Hemang Badani. When questioned by reporters about the potential overlap of his administrative and coaching duties, Ganguly pointed to formal approval, noting that he has already secured an order from the BCCI ombudsman to proceed with the appointment.

Transitioning to a new leadership role

Ganguly’s history with the Delhi franchise is extensive, having previously served as an advisor and, more recently, as the Director of Cricket for both the men’s and women’s teams. His move into the head coach position marks a significant shift in his involvement with the team. Reflecting on the upcoming season, the former national skipper expressed optimism about the squad's prospects, stating, "Delhi will play well. I'm looking forward to it."

This appointment follows his recent foray into coaching within the SA20 league, where he led the Pretoria Capitals last year. With a distinguished playing career that includes 113 Test matches and 311 One Day Internationals, Ganguly brings a wealth of experience to the dugout as he prepares to lead the Delhi Capitals in the 2027 campaign.

Broader sporting perspectives

Beyond his cricket commitments, Ganguly also shared his thoughts on the development of Indian football. Speaking after attending India's international friendly against Uruguay at the Salt Lake Stadium, he offered support for the national team's strategy of scheduling matches against high-caliber international opponents. Despite recent results, including a 1-6 loss to Uruguay and a 0-4 defeat to Brazil, Ganguly emphasized the long-term benefits of such exposure.

He noted that improvement is a gradual process and that testing themselves against world-class teams is a necessary step for the growth of Indian players. His comments highlighted a belief in the value of competitive experience, a philosophy he now looks to apply as he transitions into his new head coaching role in the IPL.