Ganguly on backfoot, denies controversial interview

UNDER FIRE: Sourav Ganguly's denial leaves Aaj Kaal in a tricky situation

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New Delhi: Controversy and Sourav Ganguly have been constant bedfellows ever since he started his career and even as he leaves the stage, controversies continue to chase him.

Ganguly on Saturday denied a newspaper report that quoted him launching a scathing attack at the cricket establishment for being responsible for his retirement.

Bengali newspaper Aaj Kaal had quoted Ganguly as saying he retired because he was tired of being "humiliated" again and again.

The report went on to quote Ganguly spewing venom on unnamed players in the Indian team but now the former India captain rubbished that report.

"Reports of the interview from the Bengali daily published in various newspapers are false. I have not given the interview of that sort to anyone and hopefully also in the future. I would request you to clarify with me before publishing news from other sources," Ganguly said in a press statement.

Ganguly's denial leaves Aaj Kaal in a tricky situation as it is a widely read daily published from Kolkata and Ganguly's denial has left them fumbling for a response.

"At the moment on behalf of the newspaper we are saying just one thing. No comments for the simple reason that the time will come and a very important series is going on and Sourav Ganguly is playing his last series. Correspondence has already taken place between the concerned reporter and our Sports Editor Dhiman Dutta and some action will definitely be taken but not at the moment. Let the Test match get over," Aaj Kaal's cricket correspondent Debashish Dutta said.

Whether or not Ganguly made his comments in an off the record conversation isn't clear but curiously the former India skipper waited for three days before issuing a denial, perhaps after the criticism his comments came under.

"The outburst again is understandable. I only wish that this outburst was only after the series had concluded because by saying all these things he has not helped himself. I don't think he has helped the harmony in the team in the dressing room," former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar said on Thursday.

What is clear though that Ganguly is searching for controversy-free exit from international cricket but will that wish be fulfilled?