IPL franchises to support Lalit Modi

Mumbai, Apr 21 (ANI): Most of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises continue to support IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi despite the controversies surrounding him.

Royal Challengers Bangalore owner Vijay Mallya and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Shilpa Shetty have openly supported Modi.

Shilpa Shetty said the IPL is Modi's brainchild.

"I support Lalit as someone who has been part of IPL. It is Lalit's brainchild. Because of Lalit, IPL happened," Shetty said.

"If there is something murky happening behind the scenes, I am unaware about it, and in that case, let the law take its own course. However, people should not jump to conclusions. Till you are not proven guilty, you are not guilty," she added.

Shetty further said that Modi should be credited for his effort to make IPL a global event.

"We must not forget that it was Lalit who made IPL successful in the overseas market. We must give him that credit. It is all because of his efforts that the IPL has become successful across the world," she said.

Shetty's statement comes in the wake of recent media reports of an income tax department probe revealing Modi's silent stake in three IPL teams - the Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab.

Shetty claimed that her team has all legal documents.

"I don't understand what is happening. Every day, new things are coming out. As far as our (Rajasthan Royal) papers are concerned, we have all legal documents. About the remaining teams, I have no idea. I don't know who is involved and from where has the money come," Shetty said.

"As an Indian, I think we all should be proud of IPL. It has generated not just a lot of revenue, but also pride in the sporting space and created job opportunities. IPL has been good in a lot of ways," she added.

The IPL franchise owners are reportedly, not too keen on the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar taking over as the league's commissioner.

Owners believe that Manohar may not be the right choice for the post of IPL Commissioner, as matters need to be conducted professionally in the league. (ANI)