Modi Could Step down as IPC Commissioner after T20 Final

Following Union minister Shashi Tharoor, Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Lalit Modi could resign after the final of the ongoing T20 edition, said media reports citing BCCI sources.

The board officials are peeved at Modi and the controversies surrounding IPL and him and they think the present controversy is the biggest the BCCI has ever faced, reports said quoting unnamed sources.

In the meantime, BCCI president Shashank Manohar flew to New Delhi to hold discussions with former cricket board chief Sharad Pawar.

Manohar’s visit followed reports that top brass of BCCI intend to sack controversial Modi from the post of IPL Commissioner and Chairman. Besides, the meeting is important as Pawar is said to be supporting Modi.

The BCCI has rescheduled meeting of its Working Committee from April 24 to May 2 for it wants the IPL Governing Council – which is likely to meet on April 26 – to first take up the issue for discussion, said reports.

The board authorities are reported to be extremely displeased with Modi after he generated controversy by tweeting the Kochi franchise’s stakeholding pattern, which also brought the cricket board under the Income Tax department’s scanner, reports said.

In addition, Modi is himself facing criticism for allegedly helping his family and friends buy stakes in various IPL teams.

However, Pawar sought to distance himself from the entire controversy and when asked to comment on the issue, he said, “I am not dealing with this subject. I am not a member of the IPL Committee.”

In response to another query about his meeting with BCCI president, he said, “Today? I don’t know. I have read in papers that the meeting is on April 25 or 26 but till today I have not seen any notice in this regard.”

(Based on internet reports)