Board shows straight bat to Modis googly

In response,BCCI secretary N Srinivasan sent an email saying many of these allegations were based on media reports and verbal complains filed by various BCCI officials,players and other stakeholders.

The Indian Express has copies of both emails.

In his email,Modi asked BCCI to give him any documents it may have to prove he held proxy stakes in three IPL teams,that BCCI had reasons to believe he is prima facie guilty of bid-rigging,that he dissuaded potential bidders to bid for two new IPL teams this year,and

that his action and conduct had been against the cricket Boards interests.

BCCI replied that while allegations regarding discrepancy in the identity and shareholding pattern of the original bidder and present shareholders have been explained in the showcause notice,the Board does not have any documentary evidence to prove that Modi may have proxy stakes in IPL teams.

The reports which suggest you have proxy stakes in three franchisees of the IPL had all appeared in the media,particularly in the electronic media, Srinivasans email said. I am sure you have also seen such reports. The BCCI does not maintain a record of these media reports.

A top BCCI official said: He (Modi) is just beating around the bush. If all allegations against him were based on only media reports and through verbal communications,Modi should face the disciplinary committee right away. Why is he seeking more time?

We are just waiting for his reply we would not have suspended him in case all allegations were based on hearsay.

Srinivasan on Tuesday refused to comment on the email. He (Modi) sought more time to respond to the showcause notice, he said,and we have given him more time. I will say whatever I have to only after I see his responses; I dont want to comment on anything.

On allegations of misconduct on Modis part,Srinivasans email stated: These communications received by the BCCI president from senior officers,committee members and others expressing concern about tarnishing the image of BCCI and the game of cricket were all oral communications.

Even on the critical allegation that Modi tried to thwart potential bidders from participating in team auction,the BCCI refused to provide evidence or name the person who filed such complaints. The BCCI,Srinivasans email stated,learnt from a reliable source that such messages were given to Modi. Since this communication was privileged and confidential,the name of the person is being held up.

But Modis team is now trying to turn the tables against the BCCI by raising questions about the validity of such allegations made on the basis of hearsay. Modis counsel Mehmood M Abdi said,There were at least 10 instances in which the BCCI failed to support charges it has made against Modi. When we asked them for evidence,we were told many of these were oral (complaints) or based on media reports.

The Board,however,seems unperturbed by the latest salvo from the Modi camp. A senior BCCI member,who is also part of the IPL Governing Council,said,We have enough evidence to nail him,and he is aware of it. These are antics to divert media attention.