Kochi's efforts to sign Ganguly hit roadblock !

Dubai: The Kochi franchise has gone on the backfoot on their plans to sign up Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian skipper, who failed to find any takers in the auction for the fourth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this month.

Ganguly, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders for two seasons, was on the unsold list along with the West Indian legend Brian Lara and few others.

Admitting the franchise had made enquiries with the Indian board last week if they could buy the retired international, well placed sources in the team said the effort has hit a roadblock as it doesn't look likely that they can get a "no objection" from the other nine franchises on the issue.

"We had made enquiries with the IPL governing council to see if there is any possibility of signing up Ganguly. However, it seems too late now as all the franchises may not give us the necessary go ahead," sources told Gulf News.

As per the IPL rules, Ganguly can again be part of the IPL through an open bidding process if all the 10 franchises have no objection to the move.

However, with all franchises having exhausted their budget cap of $9 million (Dh33 million) for the season, they are unlikely to allow the extra buying by the new outfit.

Explaining their position, Venky Mysore, CEO of his erstwhile team Kolkata Knight Riders, said: "As you know, we have been speaking with him (Ganguly) from even before the auction to remain a Knight Rider in a non-cricketing role. We would very much like him to still consider that proposal.

"However, if he is keen on playing, we would have no objection whatsoever and would only wish him the very best," the official added.

Posted in: