Lalit Modi quits, urges son to take Rajasthan forward
MUMBAI Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) currently on a selfimposed exile in London, resigned as president of Rajasthan’s Nagaur District Cricket Association (NDCA) on Friday .
Lalit Modi shared a letter of his resignation on his Twitter page, written to the CEO of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rahul Johri.
Due to the involvement of Modi, who faces probe in more than two dozen cases of money laundering, financial irregularities and criminal cases, the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) was banned by the Indian cricket board.
Announcing his exit from cricket administration, Modi wrote in the letter, “I feel that the time is now ripe to pass on the baton to the next generation. Thus, today I want to bid goodbye to cricket administration for now.”
Modi’s resignation comes ahead of Rajasthan Royals ‘ comeback in the IPL after serving a two-year ban.
They were not allowed to play any of their ‘home’ matches in the state in the last three years, particularly at their fortress, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The RCA also did not get money from the BCCI, which amounts to ~100 crore. The state cricket board can now hope to return to the BCCI fold and also be granted funds.
Modi’s son Ruchir had contested the RCA elections in June but lost to Congress leader and former Union minister CP Joshi.
Modi said, “I have done my part for the betterment of Rajasthan cricket, and now it is your turn to honour your part of the promise! I repose my faith in you and the BCCI to do the right thing!”
He added, “I would,therefore request you to release the funds due to RCA as soon as possible. I believe it was blocked because of my presence.
“With my exit from all forms of cricket, at all levels, forever, I think RCA deserves to reclaim their share and presence on the Indian cricket map. I hope the BCCI under your stewardship lives up to that promise.”
Members with whom Hindustan Times spoke to were not surprised. “It is good riddance for Rajasthan cricket as they have suffered a lot due to Modi’s involvement. Hopefully, everything should come to normal operations,” said a BCCI member.