Sun Mar 09 10:37:28 UTC 2025: ## India Coach Gambhir Faces Backlash for Fantasy Cricket Promotion Ahead of Champions Trophy Final
**New Delhi, March 9, 2025** – India’s cricket coach, Gautam Gambhir, is facing a storm of criticism on social media for promoting a fantasy cricket app just before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. Gambhir’s post, asking fans to predict the winner of the India vs. New Zealand match, has been met with accusations of a conflict of interest.
Many fans voiced concerns that the promotion, appearing on his official channels, could influence his decisions regarding the playing XI or otherwise compromise his impartiality as head coach during such a crucial match. Comments like “clear case of conflict of interest” and “despicable” flooded the post’s comment section. Critics argued that the timing, on the eve of the final, was particularly inappropriate.
Despite the controversy, Gambhir’s coaching strategies have been largely successful, leading India to the final. His decision to include five spinners, a move that initially drew criticism, has ultimately proven pivotal to India’s success, particularly the inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy. Chakravarthy, despite limited ODI experience, is expected to play a significant role in the final. Whether the fallout from this promotional campaign will affect Gambhir’s decisions or India’s performance remains to be seen. The BCCI has yet to comment on the matter.
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