Does Sourav Ganguly's endorsement deal violate BCCI rules?
Sourav Ganguly was the former skipper of Team India, while he is currently the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, for over a year, since 2019. He has also managed a team in the Indian Premier League, having been associated with Delhi Capitals.
FollowFormer Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has been the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India since 2019. In the past, he has managed a team in the Indian Premier League, having been associated with Delhi Capitals.
However, now he is in the watchful eyes of board members for a possible violation of laws, relating to his endorsement deals, which could be a conflict of interest. While Ganguly is part of number of endorsement deals, his current deal with My11Cricle has been a cause of concern for some board members.
The agreement sees him promoting the brand that specialises in fantasy cricket, which many believe is a conflict of interest and against the board's rules and regulation. However, is it really so?
According to Times of India, an analysis of the BCCI's constitution touches upon a couple of aspects. Ganguly's scope, regarding the conflict of interest, is not limited to his deeds, owing to which he cannot let go his advertising contract from BCCI's existing sponsor, Byjus.
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As per the current constitution, the current scope covers perceptions, apprehensions and linkages. It all comes down to Rule 38 of the body that explains the nature of business disputes. "When an individual enters into endorsement contracts or other professional engagements with third parties, the discharge of which would compromise the individual's primary obligation to the game or allow for a perception that the purity of the game stands compromised," the rule states.
As of now, Ganguly's primary responsibility is to sign the annual accounts and look after the fairness of the game. He must ensure that violation of the purity of the game is not allowed by his trade agreements.
Therefore, moving on to Ganguly's current deal with My11Circle, the ads carry Ganguly's picture, along with a disclaimer that reads, "The game involves an element of financial risk and may be addictive." Nonetheless, it is clear that the president is promoting a fantasy gaming platform, thereby leading to an alarming situation.
Furthermore, the website of My11Circle's says six states from India are banned from playing on the very app, owing to the legality issues. While Tamil Nadu is one such state that does not endorse the app, it is confusing as the BCCI constitution happens to be registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975.
Overall, it is apparent that Ganguly is violating terms with this endorsement.
