The game which changed the outlook of CRICKET, Indian Premier League or IPL is marred with yet another controversy and this time its a very serious one. As per reports, IPL Kochi franchise has alleged that the IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi has offered them $50 million as bribe to to “quit the game and get out” of the Kochi Franchise. Modi on the other hand has rubbished the charge and is exploring legal options to sue Kochi franchise.

Satyajit Gaekwad, CEO of Rendezvous Sports World, owner of IPL Kochi yesterday made shocking claims on Indian television channels. He said “One week after the bid was declared in favour of the Kochi team, the investor from Rendezvous Shailendra was called by Mr Modi and told that you would be given $50 million if you just quit the game and get out,” Gaekwad told CNN-IBN.

On the other hand, when Modi was asked about the allegations of bribe he told “I can’t bribe somebody to give me the franchise because I am not a bidder in the first place. There is no reason for me to give them the bribe because automatically, it would lead to the cancellation of the tender and it would lead to a new tender. So I don’t know where they are coming up with this imaginative figure.”

As the issue of Kochi is becoming murkier day by day, the tax officials have also started an investigation about the funds used to buy the team.

“The Directorate General of Investigation in Kochi had discussed this issue with senior officials in New Delhi yesterday and the department has ordered a probe into the issue,” a spokesperson for the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Shashi Tharoor Row
Shashi-TharoorToday the parliament session begins and opposition BJP and Left have joined hands to raise huge hue and cry on the links between Shashi Tharror and a lady named Sunanda Pushkar. Shashi Tharoor who is a minister in MEA is being asked to step down from the ministerial position unless he is cleared of all chargers. Congress on the other hand is exploring options to set aside this controversial issue where as BJP and left would not let it go as easily.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh when asked about Tharoor’s resignation has said that he will look into the matter as right now he dont have all the facts with him. He assured of an action if required.