Lalit Modi Reinstated as Rajasthan Cricket Association President, Gets Sharad Pawar's Backing

Embattled Lalit Modi has been reinstated as president of Rajasthan Cricket Association. The former Indian Premier League commissioner, suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for financial irregularities in 2013, now enjoys numerical superiority in the 33-member RCA after a rival faction withdrew its no-confidence motion against Modi and his team on Tuesday. (Lalit Modi Removed From Rajasthan Cricket Association, Supporters Cry Foul)

In an exclusive chat with NDTV, former BCCI president Sharad Pawar said, "The credit for IPL's success should go to Lalit Modi. He shouldn't be harassed by BCCI officials who are not at helm today. I am worried that people can victimise Modi. During his tenure, he has made some enemies."

Power struggle in Rajasthan cricket has seen dramatic twists and turns in the last two years. Nine months ago, BJP leader and RCA vice-president Amin Pathan served a no-confidence motion against Modi and his faction. The same Pathan group, which claimed the support of 15 districts, did a U-turn in front of a retired judge on Wednesday to pave the way for Modi's return. (BCCI Suspends Rajasthan Cricket Association After Lalit Modi Elected President)

I once again look forward to making #RCA the best and most forward thinking #cricket #association... https://t.co/6MwKlbrbW6

- Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) December 15, 2015

Pathan said his action was "in the interest of cricket in Rajasthan," but has also hinted at political pressure. Reportedly, a compromise was reached between Pathan and the Modi group following which the latter proved its numerical superiority to retired Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra. (Lalit Modi Hits Back After Rajasthan Cricket Association Sacks Him as President)

"I did not have to give a decision, they (Amin Pathan group) took back the no-confidence motion. Better sense prevailed...if you cannot win, it's better to compromise," said Justice Mishra on Wednesday.

Modi's return will not amuse the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The N. Srinivasan-led Board had suspended Rajasthan for electing the banned Modi as its president. Modi promptly went to court and continues to fight the BCCI.

Meanwhile, the BCCI formed an ad-hoc committee to run the RCA's cricket affairs. Pathan was serving as the 'acting' RCA president till Tuesday's 'compromise.'

(With Inputs from Harsha Kumari Singh)