Sourav Ganguly rejects conflict-of-interest claims after taking Delhi Capitals coaching role

Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday dismissed concerns about a possible conflict of interest after being named head coach of the Delhi Capitals, speaking to reporters following the India vs Uruguay football match. He continues to serve as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal.

Ganguly said he holds an order from the BCCI ombudsman that addresses the matter and pointed to that document when questioned. The 53-year-old will make his first appearance as an IPL head coach in the 2027 season. He will take over the Delhi-based franchise from Hemang Badani. Ganguly previously guided the Pretoria Capitals, the Delhi Capitals’ sister franchise, to the SA20 final last year and has been part of the Delhi setup since 2019, holding multiple positions including Director of Cricket for the men’s and women’s teams.

"I've got the order of ombudsman," said Ganguly to the reporters after the India vs Uruguay football match.

"Delhi will play well. I'm looking forward to it," Ganguly told reporters on Tuesday, expressing confidence ahead of the new IPL campaign. He is expected to work with a Delhi leadership unit led by captain Axar Patel alongside KL Rahul.

The franchise has reinforced its domestic core by re-signing Rishabh Pant from the Lucknow Super Giants following the 2026 IPL season. Reports also link a high-profile backroom group to Ganguly’s arrival, with Yuvraj, Sri Lanka pace veteran Chaminda Vaas and Amit Mishra all expected to join the support staff.

Ganguly had already indicated that a coaching role with Delhi was a possibility prior to the announcement. Delhi finished sixth on the points table last year, missing out on the playoffs.

Ganguly is set to begin his tenure as Delhi Capitals head coach in the 2027 IPL season, succeeding Hemang Badani in the role.