I don’t fear for my position: Lalit Modi

IPL chairman Lalit Modi faces allegations of having offered the Kochi consortium a $50 million bribe to withdraw their bid. DNA tries to get the truth from the high-profile cricket official. Excerpts from an exclusive interview.

There is a lot of heat on you because of the Rendezvous issue.
I don’t feel any heat. As commissioner of the IPL, I’m expected to be straightforward and neutral. I’ve discharged my duties in keeping with those principles. I did not favour anyone.

Why did you disclose the names of the Kochi team owners?
Because many people in the consortium itself were not aware of who owned the side.

Why did you not disclose the names of other franchises?
They are in public domain. If required, I will disclose them.

Some people have alleged that you have a stake in Rajasthan Royals.
I have nothing to hide. Many people have inquired into this and found nothing. Of all the teams, I’ve punished Royals the most. In the first year, I punished them for not spending enough on players. In the second, we sent back their key bowler Kamran Khan. This year we took action against Ravindra Jadeja. I’ve not shown any favouritism towards that team.

But your colleagues seem upset.
I don’t know about that. I will call a governing council meeting after the IPL is over and we will discuss everything. I will clarify any questions they have. This [chairmanship of IPL] is an honorary post that I’ve been holding for three years and I’ve worked without any selfish motives. I’ve brought in about Rs40,000 crore into the Board’s [BCCI’s] coffers. My achievements as an administrator speak for themselves.

Some have called you arrogant and a drug addict.
I’m used to hearing that. People are raking up things that happened 25 years ago. There is nothing to hide. I don’t run away from my past. I believe in performance and straightforwardness and if you interpret that as arrogance, so be it.

What about the franchise owners? Are they supporting you?
Why don’t you find that out? People like Mukesh Ambani, Vijay Mallya, Shah Rukh Khan, Bomidala (Srinivas), Ness Wadia, Preity, Juhi (Chawla) and Jay (Mehta) have taken the plunge [put money in IPL] because they trust my word. I’m happy that we have delivered a world-class league for investors and the public. Nine out of 10 franchises are with me.

What about the governing council meeting? Do you fear for your position?
I don’t. As I said, this is an honorary post and I have given all my time and energy to it. I sincerely think I have done my best. If some people think differently, so be it. I have no issues. I don’t fear for my position at all.