From Captaincy to Chief Minister? Sourav Ganguly Says a Clear No

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Sourav Ganguly has firmly ruled out any inclination to step into the political arena of West Bengal, even as speculation around his possible entry continues to swirl ahead of next year's state assembly elections.

Speaking to PTI, Ganguly was asked directly if he was considering joining a political party with polls in the state approaching. He responded in no uncertain terms: "I am not interested." The 52-year-old, who will turn 53 next month, reiterated the same stance when asked whether he would consider entering politics even if offered the top post in the state government. "I am not interested," he stated again.

While Ganguly has maintained cordial relations with various political figures across party lines and has been spotted at multiple public functions alongside them, he has never formally endorsed or aligned himself with any political outfit.

Earlier this year, a group of teachers affected by the West Bengal School Service Commission recruitment scam reached out to Ganguly for support. These teachers, who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court ruling, attempted to invite the cricket icon to join their protest march to the state secretariat, Nabanna, in April.

According to media reports, the group, part of the platform Chakrihara Oikyamanch, went to Ganguly's residence hoping for a personal meeting. However, police intervened and escorted the teachers to the Thakurpukur police station, citing procedural requirements for such visits. The teachers reportedly refused to hand the invitation to Ganguly's staff, insisting on handing it over to him directly.

In response, Ganguly is reported to have told them clearly: "Please do not involve me in politics."

Back in March last year, Ganguly had also met the West Bengal Chief Minister, a meeting that sparked speculation about his potential political ambitions ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. But once again, nothing materialised, and Ganguly distanced himself from political conjecture.

Having served as Delhi Capitals' team director in the IPL from 2018 to 2019 and again between 2022 and 2024, Ganguly has continued to contribute to Indian cricket in administrative and advisory roles. However, his repeated assertions suggest that, at least for now, politics isn't on his radar.