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Modi's startling revelations

New Delhi: Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi on Monday made startling revelations that the BCCI forced the ICC to change its constitution to outlaw the now defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL).

In a series of tweets, Modi, who was sacked as IPL commissioner in April last year, disclosed that the BCCI had wanted ICL to shut shop at any cost and it flexed its muscle to ensure that ICC and the other cricket boards fall in line.

“ICC set up a three-member committee with me, Giles Clarke, President ECB, and Norman Arendse, President CSA, to draft the new constitution. BCCI called every member of ICC to ensure that they all help in changing the ICC constitution to outlaw ICL,” Modi wrote on his Twitter page.

“ICC used Bird and Bird a UK-based law firm to ensure regulations to stop ICL was made consistent globally. The three-member team worked with them. We drafted the same and then BCCI ensured it was approved and implemented with lightening speed. Result — Demise of ICL,” he said.

Modi, however, admitted that he was part of the efforts to scuttle the ICL as he was one of the three-member ICC panel which worked on the matter.

“Yes I was part of BCCI and ICC when these decisions were taken. I am not denying that. All I am doing is telling you what happened,” he wrote in one tweet.

He said the BCCI used everything in its arsenal to finish the ICL.

“Yes I admit it was a mistake to have systematically used everything in BCCI's arsenal to finish ICL. Yes we as BCCI called all and sundry to oppose ICL. Cricket associations were told not to give their grounds or fear losing matches,” he said.

“Advertisers were called and told if you advertise on ICL than you will be barred from all BCCI cricket. Players were told do not play for ICL or we will blacklist you. This then BCCI had to implement thru change of constitution,” Modi said.

“BCCI even terminated Zee Sports contract unfairly as they had launched ICL and BCCI wanted window for IPL.

“Commentators were called and told do not associate with ICL or BCCI will ensure we will not take you... BCCI even went to the extent of blacklisting suppliers like TV Production cos, Event Managers who worked with ICL,” wrote Modi.

Modi said the final straw was to offer ICL players an amnesty scheme so that they would desert ICL and join IPL. — PTI

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