It's absolute nonsense, Modi on charges of betting in IPL

Indian Premier League's embattled Chairman Lalit Modi today refuted allegations of betting and money laundering in the event, saying the charges were "nonsense" and aimed at discrediting the Twenty20 tournament.

Indian Premier League's embattled Chairman Lalit Modi on Monday refuted allegations of betting and money laundering in the event, saying the charges were "nonsense" and aimed at discrediting the Twenty20 tournament.

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Reacting to media reports that some stakeholders, including he himself, were involved in betting in the league, Modi said there is no wrongdoing in the event as the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit is keeping an eye on it.

"It's absolute nonsense. ICC's anti-corruption unit is tracking the tournament. (It's) another attempt to discredit IPL," Modi, who is currently in Dubai to attend the ICC's Executive Board meeting on behalf of BCCI President Shashank Manohar, wrote on Twitter.

The IPL Commissioner is under fire ever since he picked up a public spat with now former junior foreign minister Shashi Tharoor over the issue of stakeholders in the Kochi franchise, which will make its IPL debut next year.

Modi revealed the shareholding pattern of the team and it emerged that Tharoor's close friend Sunanda Pushkar had a free equity worth Rs 70 crore in it.

Tharoor had to resign from his post after being accused of helping Pushkar get the stake by wielding his influence.

Modi too has landed in a soup due to the controversy and his and IPL offices were raided by the Income Tax department a few days ago.

There is also speculation that the high-flying IPL commissioner could have his wings clipped by the BCCI as there is growing resentment over his style of functioning in the Board.