Kolkata: Hours after dropping a bombshell tweet in which he said he was “planning to start something to help people”, Sourav Ganguly announced this evening that he has launched a worldwide education app, ending speculation.
“I have launched a worldwide educational app,” news agency ANI reported Mr Ganguly as saying.
His initial tweet, which spoke of a new “chapter of his life” was interpreted by many as joining politics.
“Today, I am planning to start something that I feel will probably help a lot of people. I hope you continue your support as I enter this chapter of my life,” Sourav Ganguly had tweeted.
The cryptic tweet had triggered massive speculation that Mr Ganguly, 49, is joining politics. He has been the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India since 2019.
“2022 marks the 30th year since the start of my journey with cricket in 1992. Since then, Cricket has given me a lot. Most importantly, it has given me the support of all of you. I want to thank every single person who has been a part of the journey, supported me, and helped me reach where I am today,” wrote the cricket legend.
Responding to buzz about the former India skipper quitting as cricket board chief, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah told ANI: “The rumours doing rounds about Mr Sourav Ganguly stepping down from the post of BCCI President are factually incorrect. We have some exciting times in the form of media rights coming up and my colleagues and I are completely focused on the upcoming opportunity and safeguarding the interest of Indian cricket.”
Last month, Sourav Ganguly had hosted Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his home in Bengal. BJP leaders Swapan Dasgupta and Amit Malviya were also present at the dinner that fed wild speculation about “Dada” finally taking the plunge.
As leaders of Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress telegraphed their resentment at the dinner meeting, Sourav Ganguly spoke about his close ties with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and also praised other Trinamool leaders. “Our honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is a person very close to me. I had approached her to help up this institute,” he told reporters.
He also dismissed speculation about joining the BJP. “Speculation is rife… but I have known him (Amit Shah) since 2008. While playing, I used to meet him. There’s nothing more than that,” he said.
Comments Sourav Ganguly, one of Bengal’s most popular personalities, has eluded both parties so far and is seen as a prize catch.
