Modi fails to convince BCCI,suspension likely

The BCCI has also pulled up Modi for giving no explanation on why he made the shareholding patterns of the new Kochi IPL franchise public.

Less than a week after Lalit Modi replied to the third showcause notice issued to him by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI),the board has rejected the suspended IPL commissioners explanations on all charges.

The BCCI didnt find some of Mr Modis explanations satisfactory. As the secretary of the board,I have sent my report to the disciplinary committee. It will be up to the disciplinary committee to decide now, BCCI secretary N Srinvasan said,while refusing to elaborate further on the issue. Following the first showcause notice where the board had accused him of financial irregularities during the conduct of the league and of rigging bids for franchises Modi had been issued two more censures.

The second was with regards to an email from the England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke,who had blamed Modi of trying to destroy the structure of world and Indian cricket. The third alleged irregularities in the awarding of theatrical rights and commercial slots during the telecast of IPL 3 matches. Modi had repeatedly touched upon the authenticity of the many charges against him,and also the roles played by various members of the board,in his replies.

In a letter sent by Srinivasan to all members,the board has revealed to have not been convinced with Modis explanation and has asked for a detailed inquiry despite receiving more then 15,000 pages as part of his replies. The BCCI has also pulled up Modi for giving no explanation on why he made the shareholding patterns of the new Kochi IPL franchise public.

The BCCI,however,also said it might take action against the Kochi franchise if the allegations by Modi were found to be true. The board has sought further inquiries into the IPLs TV rights after finding Modis reply unconvincing. In the letter,the BCCI have also raised questions about inserting clauses during the bidding process for the two new IPL teams. It read,Lalit Modi inserted clauses during the bidding process for the two new IPL teams that kept away many interested parties. These clauses,it says,were inserted without the knowledge or approval of the board.