Ghulam Ali’s Concert Controversy, Ganguly Hits Back

Sourav Stated very Aptly to Media on the Ghulam Ali Concert Controversy at Eden Gardens Stadium

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CAB president Sourav Ganguly displays the letter from the secretary of West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation . Image Source : Xtra Time

Kolkata: After refraining himself from making any comments on the recent controversy surrounding legendary Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali’s concert at the Eden Gardens, Cricket Association of Bengal President chose to hit back at his critics and the members who are trying to malign him and the association’s name. In a hurriedly arranged media conference on his way back after attending the Business Summit organized by the State Government, the Prince of Kolkata chose to give it back at his critics.

Sourav, after discussing the issue with the chief minister Mamata Banerjee at the Business Summit, chose to clear the misperception about the whole episode. Sourav came to know about Ghulam Ali’s programme from DC South Muralidhar on the day of working committee meeting which was held a few days back. DC South informed him that West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation would want to host the concert of Ghulam Ali in Eden Gardens on January 12. On Thursday morning Sourav personally called up the Urban Development Minister Firhad Bobby Hakim, and explained him that it is their priority to host the World Twenty 20 matches smoothly. He informed the minister that it would be difficult for them to host such a programme at the Eden Gardens, as they anticipate a huge gathering, which may lead to the Eden turf getting damaged before the ICC World Twenty 20. He also pointed out that ICC will not be happy with such an event being organized just months before the mega event. “I could not contact the Chief Minister, but explained in details about the problems to her secretary. Yesterday afternoon when I came at the Eden Gardens, I saw a letter left on the table from Minority Forum.” Showing the letter to the media gathered at the club house, he went on commenting that it was a letter signed by the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation secretary S Suresh Kumar. He again called up the chief minister and informed her about their difficulty to host such a function at the Eden Gardens. But he was amazed to see the media reports.

“When the programme is not finalized, then where does the question arise about the matter needed to be discussed at the working committee? When I met the chief minister at the business summit, I did realize she was also aware of the whole story. ”

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Sourav Ganguly with Mukesh Ambani and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Business Summit . Image Source : Xtra Time

He was also surprised to see the reports in different sections of the media about Laxmi Ratan Shukla’s retirement.

On being asked about the recent controversy surrounding the sponsorship of the scoreboard, he clarified “I did read in some reports about the sponsorship of the new electronic scoreboard. There were reports of ambush marketing. The installation of the scoreboard will be completed by February 15. Reliance has formally agreed to sponsor the electronic scoreboard for an amount of Rs 2.5 crore. This is to make it clear for you that in tournaments like the ICC and IPL, Reliance will not use its logo. But for any other international matches apart from ICC and IPL they will use their logo.”

He also made it clear to the media, “I know what exactly ambush marketing is all about. I still endorse more than 20 brands and know the pros and cons of ambush marketing. As a responsible individual, I will not get the association into any trouble.”

There have been ample talks about tender as well in recent times. He mentioned the difficulties in floating an open tender, “Since Eden Gardens is not the sole property of CAB as compared to other stadiums owned by the respective state associations, and it would invite controversy. The permission from BCCI is also required. In the last board meeting, the issue of naming rights was discussed elaborately. ”

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Sourav Ganguly briefing the media at the Eden Gardens . Image Source : Xtra Time

He requested the media to refrain themselves from reporting any stories without knowing the actual facts. “Everyone has my number and I wish you will clarify yourself with me before filing any stories related to the association.

On being asked why time and again his name is getting dragged into controversies, Sourav for once got very emotional, “It is not in my nature to malign any colleague in my own association. In fact I have never come across any association that wishes to tarnish its own image. Whoever is spreading such news, I have spoken to them personally. Let’s see what lies in store for the future.”

After a slight pause, Sourav went on adding “I know there is an individual who have made a statement in the media that Dalmiya would have drowned himself in the Ganges had it happened during his time. I would like to make it very clear that Eden Gardens never hosted such events before and shall not give it a second thought of hosting such programmes in future as well. “

He alleged that it was due to a few present members in the association that Eden lost out on hosting any India matches during the 2011 world cup, “It might not sound fair as I do not wish to drag previous incidents and create further controversy. I went personally with Mr Dalmiya to the Prime Minister’s office so that the matches were held at the Eden Gardens. Mr Dalmiya looked completely helpless then. So, I wish the same individuals refrain themselves from making any statements in the media.”