BCCI-Sahara patch up: We have not bent any rules, says Rajeev Shukla

BCCI is pleased to have sorted out all the issues with the Sahara Group but insisted that they have not bent rules and the matter has been resolved within the framework of rules and regulations.

Sahara had severed all its ties with the BCCI just a day before the IPL 5 auction on February 4 but on Thursday it returned as the sponsors of the national cricket team and also announced that it's team Pune Warriors will compete in the IPL.

"The matter has been resolved. We are happy. Whatever issues were there, have been addressed. Whatever was possible within the franework, has been achieved. We have not bent rules," IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla told reporters.

Shukla acknowledged the contribution of several people in breaking the impasse and had a special mention for Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who is also the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders.

"I want to thank Sahara Shree Subrata Roy, his son Sushanto, former BCCI President Shahshank Manohar and current president N Srinivasan for interactions and finding a way out. Shah Rukh went out of his way to work in the interest of the league," he said.

Shukla also insisted that there was "no arm-twisting in resolving the issue".

Talking about the contentious issue of fielding a fifth foreign player in the side, Shukla said the ball is in the court of other franchisees.

"Other franchisees have to be consulted and the matter will be refered to the BCCI."