Sourav Ganguly Moves Court, Sends ₹50 Crore Defamation Notice Over Messi GOAT Tour Remarks

Former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has issued a ₹50 crore legal notice and lodged a complaint with Kolkata’s Cyber Crime Branch against Uttam Saha, founder and self-styled president of the Argentina Football Fan Club in Kolkata, over alleged defamatory remarks linked to the chaotic Lionel Messi GOAT Tour event.

According to the legal notice accessed by ET Online, Ganguly accused Saha of deliberately and maliciously publishing false, defamatory and libellous statements in a video interview circulated on social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. The notice states that the remarks have caused serious damage to Ganguly’s reputation, professional standing and public image.

In the video, Saha allegedly accused Ganguly of political opportunism, financial misconduct and harming Bengal cricket, making claims that Ganguly has strongly denied. The notice asserts that the statements were reckless, baseless and intended to malign him.

The controversy stems from the Lionel Messi GOAT India Tour event held at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, which descended into chaos due to overcrowding, poor visibility and alleged mismanagement. Thousands of fans who paid premium ticket prices reportedly could not see the football star, triggering protests, vandalism and police intervention.

Following the unrest, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologised to fans and ordered a probe into the incident. State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas resigned, while opposition parties demanded accountability and refunds for spectators. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing crowd control failures and security lapses.

Event organiser Satadru Dutta has been arrested and remains in police custody in connection with the incident.

Ganguly, who currently serves as President of the Cricket Association of Bengal, Chairman of the ICC Technical Committee, and coach of Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 League, is widely credited with ushering in a new era in Indian cricket during his tenure as captain by backing young talent and reshaping team culture.

The legal action underscores Ganguly’s intent to protect his reputation amid what his legal team describes as a campaign of misinformation linked to the failed football event.