Lalit Modi quits, urges son to take Rajasthan ahead
Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and presently on a self-imposed exile, has resigned as the president of the Nagaur District Cricket Association (NDCA) late on Friday night.
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. In his letter Modi wished for the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) to be at its ‘best again’.
Due to the involvement of Modi, who is accused of more than two dozen cases of money laundering, financial irregularities and also criminal cases against him, RCA was banned by the Indian cricket board.
Announcing his exit from cricket administration, Lalit 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.”
Once a hotbed for IPL matches with the local team Rajasthan Royals (RR) — set to make a comeback in the tournament after serving a two-year ban — were not allowed to play any of their ‘home’ matches in the state in last three years, particularly at their ‘fortress’, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The Rajasthan Cricket Association also did not get money from the BCCI, which amounts to Rs 100 crores. The state cricket board can now hope to return in the BCCI fold and also be granted money.
Modi’s son Ruchir had competed in the RCA elections in June this year but lost to Congress’ person CP Joshi.
“I have done my part for the betterment of Rajasthan cricket, and now it is your turn to honor your part of the promise! I repose my faith in you and the BCCI to do the right thing!,” wrote Modi.
Lalit Modi 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, for ever, 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 HT spoke were not shocked. “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.