Sourav Ganguly will begin his first assignment as an Indian Premier League head coach with Delhi Capitals in 2027, despite continuing as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). The former India captain has rejected concerns about a potential conflict of interest, saying an official order permits him to take up the position. Delhi Capitals confirmed Ganguly's appointment on Tuesday, with the 54-year-old replacing Hemang Badani, who departed after two seasons in charge. Asked about the possibility of a conflict, Ganguly told reporters, “I’ve got the order of ombudsman," referring to the ruling that allows him to continue with his coaching responsibilities. Previous conflict concerns resurface The appointment revives questions previously raised over Ganguly's overlapping cricket administration and franchise responsibilities. In 2019, the then BCCI ombudsman DK Jain was approached over Ganguly's position as an advisor to Delhi Capitals while he was serving as CAB president. Ganguly has also questioned whether the conflict-of-interest regulations are practical in their application. He has said, “I wouldn’t say an exception be made to the rule (but) the rule has to be practical." His association with Delhi Capitals dates back to 2019. During that period, he held several positions within the franchise, including Director of Cricket for its men's and women's teams. His latest appointment marks a change from those administrative roles to direct responsibility for coaching the IPL side. Read also: India T20I Squad vs New Zealand Announced, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Makes Comeback Pretoria experience precedes IPL challenge Ganguly has already experienced coaching at franchise level, having served as head coach of Pretoria Capitals, Delhi Capitals' South African T20 League team, last year. However, the IPL 2027 campaign will represent his first stint as head coach of an IPL franchise. In a statement released by the franchise, Ganguly said, “I am looking forward to take on the role of Head Coach in the IPL. Delhi Capitals is a franchise very close to my heart, and one that I have shared a strong relationship with over the years." He also expressed optimism about the team's prospects, saying, “Delhi will play well. I’m looking forward to it," while speaking to reporters after watching India's 1-6 defeat against Uruguay in a FIFA international friendly at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday. Ganguly's appointment places him at the centre of Delhi's preparations for the 2027 season, with his coaching responsibilities set to run alongside his CAB presidency.