BCCI has no documents to prove charges against Modi

New Delhi:

In reply to suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi's demand for written proofs of the charges levied against him, the BCCI gave four documentary 'proofs' of his alleged wrongdoings, which said it could not offer other evidences since those were of verbal nature.

Modi's lawyer Mehmood S Abdi told reporters after receiving the documents from the BCCI headquarters that out of 10 references in the show cause notice, for which the suspended IPL chief wanted documentary proof, only four were given while the rest, it has been told, were by nature of oral communications only.

BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan replied to Modi's mail. Here are the excerpts from their exchange:

Modi asks BCCI: Your showcause notices states that "several contracts have been executed by me as the Chairman of IPL either without the authority of the Governing Council of IPL or which have not been brought to the knowledge of the Governing Council". Kindly provide me copy of such agreements.

BCCI replies: A reading of the showcause notice would establish that the Governing Council of the IPL authorized the signing of an agreement with the successful franchise 'Emerging Media (IPL) Limited' and not 'Jaipur IPL Cricket (Pvt) Limited'. This is clear from page 5 of the showcause notice. Similarly, the agreements and cancellation documents referred from para 3 till para 8 on pages 17, 18 and 19 of the showcause notice were without approval of the Governing Council. This fact is mentioned in para 9 of the showcause notice at page 20.

Modi asks BCCI: Your showcause notice states that "the President, BCCI, has been receiving messages and requests from Senior Office Bearers, Committee Members, highly reputed public figures, renowned players and senior functionaries in the last few days expressing their anguish and concern at how the image of BCCI and in turn the game itself is being tarnished in the public eye due to my statements and alleged misdeeds". Kindly provide me copy of such messages and requests.

BCCI replies: These communications received by the BCCI President from Senior officers, Committee members and others expressing their concern about tarnishing the image of the BCCI and the game of cricket were all oral communications. I am sure that even you would have been concerned at the adverse image suffered by the BCCI and the game of cricket on account of the media reports which had appeared at the time of issuance of the showcause notice.

Modi asks BCCI: Your showcause notice states that "reports suggest that I have proxy stake in 3 franchisees of IPL". Please supply me a copies of such reports.

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

Modi asks BCCI: You have stated that it has been brought to notice of BCCI that subtle message were sent to corporate entities that they were unwelcome to bid. Please provide the names of the entities to whom such messages.

BCCI replies: It was brought to the notice of the BCCI by a reliable source that such messages were given to him. Since this communication was privileged and confidential, the name of the person is being held up. This information was provided orally.

Modi asks BCCI: You have stated that contract with Kochi agreement had to be signed under a directive of the BCCI President. If a written directive exists, please supply me with a copy of the same.

BCCI replies: President BCCI on hearing that there was a delay in executing the contract with the Kochi franchise, orally informed you, Ms. Akhila Kaushik and Shri Sundar Raman that this was completely unfair and he wanted the contract to be signed and executed forthwith. This communication was given to you orally on telephone.