Sacrifices to see IPL Kochi team reality worth it: Tharoor

Thiruvananthapuram:

Former union minister Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the 'sacrifices' he made for the Kochi IPL team were worth it and added that the presence of the Kerala team in the hugely popular league would boost development and promote tourism in the state.

After months of confusion regarding the ownership pattern of the team, the BCCI finally decided to allow Kochi to participate in the fourth edition of Indian Premier League.

"Though I had to make some sacrifices, the most important thing is Kerala got the team in the end. That is what I always wished. The recognition will boost development prospects of the state and also promote tourism in a big way," he said.

Tharoor, who had to resign from Union Ministry following a row with suspended IPL commissioner Lalit Modi over the formation of Kochi team, reiterated that he had no connection with the business part of team formation.

"But they used to seek my advice on certain matters," he said.

"Anyway I am only an individual. My situation has no relevance in the present context," Tharoor said. He said it is a good day for sports lovers and those who wish good for the state.

The IPL governing council, which had given a third deadline to Kochi last week after the consortium's investors reached a last-minute agreement over the shareholding pattern, today approved their ownership structure at a meeting in Mumbai and took it in its fold.