Lalit Modi declared bankrupt in UK court

Modi owes the Page Group,an international securities and risk assessment company,fees for services provided in 2010.

Modi in his defence,said 8220;Until the order was served,I was completely unaware of any outstanding monies. I have not seen any previous demands but since it came to my attention,

I8217;ve even offered to lodge the sum being claimed with the court pending clarity. But for some reason,that was refused,by the company concerned.8221;

The former BCCI vice-president and cricket entrepreneur,who now lives in London,feels that it is an attempt to gain cheap publicity by the securities firm.

Stuart Page,the company8217;s chairman,said: 8220;It8217;s unfortunate that we have come to this situation but Modi has given us no other option. We gave Modi a number of security services in relation to threats made against him and his family. We submitted a number of invoices which were not paid.8221;

Page further stated: 8220;Our attempts to reach a settlement with Modi were to no avail and we were forced to take the action we have taken.8221;

A hearing will be held in London shortly when Modi will attempt to have the order set aside.

8220;It is a ridiculous waste of everyone8217;s time and I can only assume it is being done in an attempt to gain some sort of publicity at my expense. Any suggestion that this order means I am unable to pay is equally ridiculous,8221; Modi said.