BCCI President Sourav Ganguly Raises Eyebrows By Endorsing My11Circle

Sourav Ganguly has really started his tenure as BCCI president on a promising note. Within two weeks of taking over as board supremo, the former India skipper has taken a number of big decisions. Unsurprisingly, he has been lauded by the fans and has been tipped by most to do a fine job as BCCI head.

However, the legendary cricketer recently raised a number of eyebrows when he posted a commercial tweet. Sourav Ganguly took to Twitter to post a comment on the brand he endorses. He wrote about My11Circle which is a fantasy league brand, saying:

“The #INDvsBAN series is on fire! The excitement continues in the 3rd match with series levelled. Will #TeamIndia keep up the winning streak or will Bangladesh bounce back? Beat my team on @My11Cirlce & Win Big. Make Your Team Now!”

He was talking about the ongoing India-Bangladesh T20I series that is currently level at 1-1. The third and final T20I will take place in Nagpur on November 10. Meanwhile, at a time when several former cricketers have landed in hot waters for conflict of interest issue, Ganguly’s tweet unsurprisingly sparked off reactions on social media.

One of the users wrote: “Isn’t this a case of conflict of interest considering you’re now the BCCI chief or is it permitted?” while another wrote: “Dada are you still endorsing my11circle? You are BCCI president now.”

Also Read: A Look At Sourav Ganguly’s Work As BCCI President In First Week

But conflict of interest is not the main issue here. What was more baffling was that the board president was endorsing a brand which openly targets fans? Moreover, My11Circle is a brand that is in conflict with one sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Earlier this year, Dream11, which too is a fantasy-league platform, secured the title rights of the IPL from Vivo.

“Whether the BCCI president is doing anything right or wrong is not the point. The issue is whether it is appropriate or not. Can he openly talk about a brand that engages fans? The second point is when he announces his XI, what message could it could go to the players and selectors,” a sports commentator told Mumbai Mirror.

Ganguly, meanwhile, is yet to respond to the recent turn of events.