Abdullah denies being Modi's 'saviour'

Union Minister Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday denied backing IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi, who is facing allegations of financial irregularities, and said he merely wants the facts of the controversy to come out.

"How do you say Farooq Abdullah is his (Modi's) saviour or hanger? Everybody is saying that Farooq Abdullah is a saviour and Sharad Pawar has turned this way or that way. Let the facts come out first. Government has already acted and we are trying to find out," Abdullah, who is also an Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council member, told reporters here.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association President said the inquiry will show who all are involved in the alleged corruption in the league

"Shashi Tharoor has also sought an inquiry to clear his name. Once facts are clear, we will know what decisions are to be taken," he said.

Asked whether some of the IPL teams want Modi to stay, he said, "Whatever I have heard on this is from press reports. Until unless we hear it from them, there is no point in Farooq Abdullah making a comment."

Abdullah yesterday defended Modi in the IPL row and said the commissioner of the tournament should be given a chance to reply to the charges made against him in the controversy.

"Let us not become judges without hearing the poor man. If there is a charge against him, let him reply to them," he had said.

Modi, who is facing allegations of financial irregularities and favouring family and friends in franchise bids, has so far refused to step down from his post.