Lalit Modi Accuses UPA of Protecting Shashi Tharoor During Kochi IPL Controversy
Lalit Modi: UPA ganged up to shield Shashi Tharoor in Kochi IPL row

Image: Asianet Newsable
Lalit Modi, former IPL Chairman, alleges that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government shielded Congress leader Shashi Tharoor during the 2010 Kochi Tuskers IPL controversy. Modi claims he faced political pressure and threats while questioning the legitimacy of the franchise's financial structure, which involved Tharoor's late wife, Sunanda Pushkar.
- 01Lalit Modi claims the UPA government, including Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee, pressured him to approve the Kochi Tuskers franchise despite concerns over its financial model.
- 02He alleges that Sunanda Pushkar was awarded 25% free equity in the franchise, raising questions about her role and the consortium's financial viability.
- 03Modi recounts a threatening call from Shashi Tharoor, who warned him against questioning Pushkar's involvement, stating he would have Modi raided.
- 04The Kochi franchise was terminated in 2011 after just one season, during which it finished eighth out of ten teams.
- 05Modi also reflects on receiving humanitarian assistance from late politician Sushma Swaraj for emergency travel during his wife's illness.
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Lalit Modi, the former Chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has made serious allegations regarding the political dynamics surrounding the Kochi Tuskers IPL franchise in 2010. In an interview, he claimed that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, led by Congress, conspired to protect Shashi Tharoor amid concerns over the franchise's financial structure, which he deemed fraudulent. Modi stated that he faced intense pressure from high-ranking officials, including Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee, to approve the consortium despite his reservations about the legitimacy of 25% equity awarded to Tharoor's late wife, Sunanda Pushkar. He recounted a threatening phone call from Tharoor, warning him against probing Pushkar's identity. Modi ultimately signed the franchise agreement under duress, as he alleges that BCCI president Shashank Manohar insisted on immediate approval. The Kochi franchise, which had a $350 million bid, was terminated in 2011 after a poor performance in its inaugural season. Modi also discussed receiving humanitarian aid from Sushma Swaraj during a personal crisis, emphasizing that it was not a political favor.
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