Sourav Ganguly Takes Legal Action Against Defamatory Facebook Page
Ganguly Files FIR Over Defamatory Content
Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of the Indian cricket team and current President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), has filed a complaint with the Kolkata Police. He claims that a Facebook page titled 'Sourav Ganguly fans' is attempting to damage his reputation, along with references to the media platform Sportzwiki. The FIR was registered at the Thakurpukur Police Station.
In his complaint, Ganguly stated that the page has been persistently posting content aimed at harming his public image.
"As a public figure, I recognize that criticism and differing opinions are part of the territory; however, the dissemination of false and damaging information intended to harm my reputation is intolerable and warrants legal intervention," Ganguly expressed in his complaint.
"I kindly request that you register my complaint against the individuals or group behind this page and take appropriate legal measures as per the relevant laws," he added.
A Look Back at Ganguly's Illustrious Career
Ganguly is celebrated for his unique leadership style during his cricketing career. He made his Test debut against England in the summer of 1996, earning the nickname 'Dada'. He quickly gained attention by scoring a century in his first Test at Lord's, and subsequently became the third player in history to score hundreds in both of his first two Test innings.
In 2000, following a match-fixing scandal that engulfed the Indian team, Ganguly was appointed captain, where he began nurturing new talent. Under his leadership, India reached the finals of the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy for the first time.
A significant achievement came in 2001 when Ganguly's team triumphed over Australia 2-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Australian squad, led by Steve Waugh, had challenged India to follow on, but VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks in Indian cricket.
One of Ganguly's most iconic moments occurred when he famously removed his shirt on the balcony at Lord's after India clinched victory against England in the Natwest Trophy finals in 2002.
Ganguly also guided India to the World Cup finals in 2003, where they narrowly lost to Australia. In 2004, he oversaw both ODI and Test series in Pakistan, marking India's first Test series victory on Pakistani soil.
Later Career and Controversies
'Dada' had a notable conflict with then-coach Greg Chappell during 2005-2006 after being excluded from the Indian squad. However, he made a comeback and scored over fifty runs in Johannesburg.
His last Test appearance was against Australia in Nagpur in 2008, and he continued to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) until 2012, when he retired from domestic cricket.
Ganguly's Career in Numbers
Ganguly participated in 113 Tests and 311 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for India, accumulating a total of 18,575 runs across all formats.
Test Career Statistics
In Test cricket, Ganguly played 113 matches, scoring 7,212 runs at an average of 42.17. He achieved 16 centuries and 35 half-centuries in 188 innings, with a highest score of 239. He ranks as the seventh-highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket, having scored a century on his debut against England at Lord's in 1996.
As captain, he led India in 49 matches, winning 21, losing 13, and drawing 15, achieving a win percentage of 42.85, making him one of India's most successful captains.
ODI Career Statistics
In ODIs, Ganguly represented India in 311 matches, scoring 11,363 runs at an average of 41.02. He recorded 22 centuries and 72 half-centuries in 300 innings, with a best score of 183. He is India's third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, having captained India in 147 matches, winning 76, losing 66, and with five matches resulting in no result, achieving a win percentage of 51.70.