IMG files defamation case against ECB chief Clarke

Sports Marketing firm IMG has filed a defamation case against England Cricket Board chief Giles Clarke for claiming that it was part of suspended IPL chief Lalit Modi's alleged plan to start a "rebel" Twenty20 league in London.

Sports Marketing firm IMG has filed a defamation case against England Cricket Board chief Giles Clarke for claiming that it was part of suspended IPL chief Lalit Modi's alleged plan to start a "rebel" Twenty20 league in London.

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According to a report in The Daily Telegraph, the "firm served Clarke with a writ for defamation yesterday".

"IMG has carried through its threat to take Clarke to court unless he apologises for remarks in an email to the Indian board which allegedly accused the company of promoting rebel cricket," the newspaper reported.

In an e-mail to the BCCI, Clarke had alleged that Modi and IMG were in talks with three counties to start a rebel league on the lines of IPL.

The allegations were rubbished by both Modi and IMG and they insisted that there were no underhand plans to start anything.

"The writ was served in the High Court Queen's Bench Division and Clarke, who is in the Caribbean at the World Twenty20, will now have a period of time to acknowledge receipt and formulate his response to the action," the newspaper said.

IMG has stated that Clarke's remarks have dented the company's reputation.