‘False stories, ready for probe’: Sourav Ganguly hits back as CAB ticket row, age controversy erupt ahead of elections

YouTuber’s investigation triggers ticket controversy

The controversy erupted after veteran Bengali journalist Suman Chattopadhyay, in an episode of his YouTube show, published an investigative report alleging irregularities in the World Cup ticket distribution system.

In a separate video, Chattopadhyay alleged that the number of complimentary tickets sold under Ganguly’s leadership was substantially higher than the limit permitted under the CAB Constitution, which he said had been “validated by the Supreme Court”.

Addressing the allegations at a press conference in Kolkata, Ganguly dismissed the report and maintained that CAB had followed a transparent ticket-distribution system, with complimentary tickets allotted to affiliated club units according to established protocols.

“We want to make it absolutely clear that ticket distribution for the World Cup is decided by the BCCI and communicated to the state associations. As per the stadium agreement, no special allotment or preferential access is permitted for life members, honorary members, or any other category,” Ganguly said.

“Tickets have to be purchased through the official prescribed mode on a first-come, first-served basis. BookMyShow is not a CAB agency; it is a central ticketing agency appointed by the BCCI to handle ticketing across associations under the instructions of the BCCI and ICC.

“The entire process is guided by the parent bodies, and the associations are required to follow their directions,” he added.

Without naming Chattopadhyay, Ganguly suggested that the YouTube report was based on documents allegedly leaked by insiders.

Calling the report “fake”, Ganguly said, “We have reservations about what has happened.”

BJP MLA raises age-discrepancy questions

A separate controversy has emerged over the age-verification process in Bengal cricket, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ritesh Tiwari targeting the CAB.

Tiwari alleged that CAB had felicitated two players who had previously been excluded by the association over age discrepancies.

The Kashipur-Belgachia MLA sought answers from Ganguly and said the CAB president should be held accountable for the position he occupies.

“The matter is worrying and must be investigated,” Tiwari said.

Ganguly defends CAB’s age-verification process

Responding to the allegation, Ganguly said CAB has a transparent mechanism to deal with age discrepancies and pointed out that the award ceremony referred to by Tiwari had taken place last year.

The CAB president also said the BCCI has introduced an Aadhaar update system as part of its age-verification mechanism.

Ganguly said the two players at the centre of the allegations, Rohit Yadav and Ravi Kumar, were not included in Bengal’s probable squad, while Rohit had also been dropped from the national team.

“CAB can’t do anything. The CAB can only verify and exclude it. I don’t know where they come from, whether they get fake certificates from KMC or from hospitals or boroughs. The CAB will not be able to reach that far,” he said as quoted by The Telegraph.

“But if submitted, it will be captured in the Aadhaar update system. No one will be spared. The CAB has 10 people on salary for this job. They’re checking everything,” the former BCCI chief added.

Ganguly says ‘false stories’ are being planted

Visibly displeased by the controversy, Ganguly, who said he had known Tiwari since 2017, insisted that his public image could not be damaged by such allegations.

“My public image is not built by my service to the CAB. Like all, my service to the CAB is voluntary,” Ganguly said.

“False stories are being planted. We are ready for any kind of investigation. All papers are available. We have passed every decision transparently, passing through the apex committee,” the CAB chief said, firmly displaying documents he had brought to the press conference.

Controversy ahead of CAB elections

The controversy has erupted in Bengal cricket ahead of the CAB elections, which will decide the posts of secretary, joint secretary and members of the Apex Council.

The elections will be held during the CAB Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 24.

The deadline for filing nominations has been fixed for September 16.