5/21/2008 6:47:31 PM

The inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, has been marred by controversies ever since its commencement. The latest issue that looks to haunt the tournament is a reportedly rift between Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shahrukh Khan and skipper Sourav Ganguly. Sources close to TIMES NOW revealed that all is not well between the two after the sudden dip in the performance levels reportedly upset the King Khan.

The differences between the two have come out in the open after the team’s poor performance against the Rajasthan Royals cost them their chance to feature in the top four teams. According to sources close to TIMES NOW, both SRK and Ganguly have conflicting opinions over various issues like team selection, team combination and player selection. The two reportedly had a differences over tax payments as well.

The biggest row, however has followed the dismal performance of the team, which sources say is worrying team owner Shahrukh Khan the most. Sources also revealed that Ganguly has been unhappy right from the beginning of the season right from the auction, where SRK and Buchanan did not pay much heed to Sourav’s suggestions.

Difference of opinions about team composition

If IPL is about big money, it’s about even bigger egos. With names like Shahrukh Khan and Sourav Ganguly fireworks were never far away. It has taken a series of poor showing that virtually ruled Kolkata Knight Riders out of the semi-final race to bring the differences out in the open.

Team owner Shahrukh Khan and captain Sourav Ganguly had different opinions about team composition and players to buy during the auction. The other major reason for the rift is Shahrukh’s faith in coach John Buchanan that saw him giving more powers to the Australian in team issues surpassing Ganguly. The King Khan further upset Ganguly by announcing that Buchanan would be taking control of the team next season.

The tax issue

The differences between the two didn’t end there and West Bengal government was the unlikely culprit in fomenting the discord. Sharukh Khan is the only team owner who pays an entertainment tax for the matches played on home-ground Eden Gardens, unlike other franchises who’ve been exempted from this.

SRK wanted Ganguly to speak to West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and try and get it abolished. But Ganguly, who is known to be close to the CM and the ruling party, refused to oblige. This forced Shahrukh to shelve plans of a show at the Eden Gardens.

Row over auction

Team owner Shah Rukh and captain Sourav Ganguly were not on the same wavelength when it came to bid for the players in the auction. According to the Times of India the differences first surfaced during the auction itself with Dada wanted more batsmen and the team management wanted more bowlers.

Ganguly wanted Adam Gilchrist in the team as wicket-keeper and opening batsman while Buchanan impressed upon SRK to bid for Brendon McCullum to fill the slot. This choice proved crucial as McCullum had to return on national duty after the initial matches. Meanwhile, the captain also wanted more batsmen in the side but SRK persisted with more bowlers and this has clearly hampered Knight Riders campaign in the tournament.

Row over Shoaib Akhtar

The last straw in the strained relationship was squabbling over team selection for the matches in the IPL. Shoaib Akhtar provided the latest flashpoint when Ganguly and Buchanan differed over the Pakistan pacer’s inclusion in the Rajasthan game. Buchanan was adamant that Shoaib is unfit while Ganguly wanted him to paly. The Aussie’s wish prevailed as Umar Gul got the nod for the game.

All the while during Kolkata’s do-or-die encounter against Rajasthan the King Khan was conspicous by his absence. Shahrukh Khan who had pledged support to his team and promised to be present with his team during turbulent times did not go to support his team at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday (May 20). Shahrukh Khan has however featured in all the games that were played at the Eden adding more fuel to the specualtion of a rift between Dada and SRK.

Sourav Ganguly react

Reacting to the possible rift between SRK and Dada, Sourav Ganguly spoke to TIMES NOW earlier and said, “He has seen the reports and he said he will clarify his stand in the controversy later.” Following which Ganguly said, “The reports are not true and this is just about it he wants to say.”

Refusing to comment on the issue and not denying any such reports earlier hinted at a possible rift between the two. However, owner Shahrukh Khan has not reacted to reports over possible rift between the two.

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Tags: DLF Cup IPL saurav ganguly BCCI cricket SRK shahrukh khan kolkata knight riders KKR bollywood hero TIMES NOW uk aussie

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