PC,Pranab,Pawar meet on IPL row

It was not immediately clear as to what transpired in the meeting. However,it is understood that the controversy surrounding the IPL figured in the discussions.

Tharoor had resigned from the government following a row over giving sweat equity to his friend Sunanda Pushkar and the opposition uproar on the issue.

Pawar is now meeting with BCCI President Shashank Manohar at his residence to discuss what action,if any,has to be taken against Lalit Modi,the chairman of the IPL Governing Council,for his perceived role in the controversy that saw the Minister of State for External Affairs,Shashi Tharoor,resigning.

Earlier in the day,Pawar distanced himself from Modi. He told reporters that he had nothing to do with the IPL. “I am not dealing with this subject,am not a member of IPL committee. I am not aware of any BCCI meeting or impending decision. I have not received any notice of the meeting,only read in the papers that such a meeting has been scheduled for April 25,” said Pawar.

But sources said that Manohar,who has also refused to comment in public on the issue,is in New Delhi to meet Pawar to discuss Modi’s removal. A final decision on Modi will only be taken by the BCCI after the IPL finals on April 25. The course of action is likely to be decided today,a private television channel reported.

The Cricket Board has also rescheduled its Working Committee meeting from April 24 to May 2 as it wants the IPL Governing Council — which is expected to meet here on April 26,a day after the IPL final — to first discuss the issue.

Pawar spoke with Modi at an ICC Board meeting in Dubai last night,where the two were attending a board meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC).