IPL ‘not clean’ anymore: Bombay High court

In a recent development, the Bombay High Court on Monday alleged that young players only wanted to make money by playing in the IPL and that it was “no more a clean entertainment” in view of the violations of foreign exchange rules. A division bench was hearing a petition filed by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, challenging a July 2015 order of the adjudicating authority of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED alleged violations of foreign exchange rules during the 2009 edition of IPL, which was held in South Africa.

The adjudicating authority had recorded the statements of seven witnesses, including senior BCCI officials, against Modi, but did not allow him to cross-examine them. Modi’s senior counsel Aspi Chinoy, on the contrary, argued that his fundamental rights would be violated if he was not allowed to cross-examine the witnesses.

With Modi’s absence, the question arose of what purpose was the hearing served by dragging the case on such small issues for so long. The bench also clarified with Chinoy who is appearing in place of Lalit Modi if the latter (who is believed to be in the UK) was ready to return to India and face these proceedings.

Speaking on the matter, Justice Dharmadhikari was quoted saying by The Statesman, “This issue is pending for long. What is the point? The larger public interest is to defeat foreign exchange violations. Looking at the serious allegations, we feel IPL is no more a clean entertainment.”

He added, “Young cricketers just want to play in IPL and earn Rs five to ten crore in one tournament and not play for the country.”

The bench would pass order on the petition tomorrow

The adjudication proceedings against Modi regarding a bank account opened by the BCCI and IPL authorities in South Africa ahead of the 2009 edition of the IPL was initiated by the ED in 2013. An approximate USD five crore was transferred to the bank account in violation of the FEMA if reports are to be believed.

After much contemplation and hearings, the bench will be giving its final verdict on the matter tomorrow which will shed some closure and knowledge about this discrepancies.

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