Sourav Ganguly launches online educational app after cryptic Twitter post

After hours of speculation and a storm on social media, the former Indian cricket captain clarified that he has launched a worldwide online educational app.

"It is a worldwide educational app (that) I have launched online," Ganguly told the media here.

The drama began early in the evening when Ganguly posted his tweet, calling his fresh plan a new "chapter of my life" and sought people's support, without divulging any details.

"Today, I am planning to start something that I feel will probably help a lot of people. I hope you continue your support as I enter this chapter of my life," Ganguly, considered one of the greatest Indian cricket captains, said on social media.

In the tweet, Ganguly referred to his maiden international tour as an Indian cricket team player in Australia, when he did not get to play any Tests or ODIs.

"2022 marks the 30th year since the start of my journey with cricket in 1992. Since then cricket has given me a lot. Most importantly it has given me the support of all of you.

"I want to thank every single person who has been a part of the journey, supported me and helped me reach where I am today," he said.

Known for his closeness to Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Ganguly's post raised speculations about his imminent entry into politics.

With Ganguly taking a nostalgic look back on the beginning of his journey in international cricket 30 years back, his post was also interpreted as a precursor to him stepping down as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had to rush in to clarify that the former Indian cricket captain had not resigned from the top post in the board.

Ganguly's possible foray into politics has been a discussion point for nearly two years. Prior to last year's Assembly polls, there was much speculation about the BJP's keenness to project Ganguly as its face in Bengal.

Very recently, Amit Shah dined at Ganguly's residence, giving a fresh twist to the speculations.

However, Ganguly has time and again ruled out any immediate political innings.

Joining in the speculation, West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, "Ganguly could always be nominated to the Rajya Sabha. But for that, such a tweet was not required."

However, Ghosh called it "dada's googly" and claimed it could be an advertisement stunt.

"The only other possibility is it could be a new advertising campaign. Most probably, that is the case," he said.

An amused Ganguly said, "I find it unbelievable how a very simple tweet was blown out of proportion".

The ex-cricketer said he would give details about his educational app soon.