BCCI didn't bend rules for Sahara: Rajiv Shukla

 Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Rajiv Shukla on Thursday said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not bend rules and all issues with Sahara India were solved within the framework of rules and regulations.

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

Sahara was on Thursday back as the sponsor of Team India and owner of IPL franchise Pune Warriors after sorting out most of its issues with the BCCI.

Sahara, sponsors for last 11 years, had decided to sever all its ties with the BCCI earlier this month citing denial of "natural justice". The last straw that split the relationship was BCCI's refusal to allow ailing cricketer Yuvraj Singh's price to be added to Pune Warriors' auction purse after the southpaw was ruled out of the tournament with a lung tumour.

After 12 days of intense negotiations, the two parties issued a joint statement in Mumbai signed by BCCI president N. Srinivasan and Sahara India managing director Subrata Roy.

Shukla said ex-BCCI president Shashank Manohar and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, also Kolkata Knight Riders principal owner, played crucial role in breaking the impasse.

"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 ruled out any arm-twisting on part of Sahara. "No arm-twisting in resolving the issue," he said.

Asked about the contentious issue of fielding fifth foreign player in the side, Shukla the decision will be taken after discussing with the franchises.

"Other franchises have to be consulted and the matter will be referred to the BCCI," he said.