DUBAI // Allegations of match-fixing, illegal betting and money laundering in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are tarnishing cricket's image, the sport's top official said yesterday. Haroon Lorgat, the chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), said: "I think, as a general statement, any bad press about cricket is not good for the image of the game, but you have to keep in mind these are all allegations."
He was addressing the media at the ICC's Dubai Sports City headquarters after a board meeting on Sunday attended by the IPL chairman, Lalit Modi. Mr Modi's presence at Sunday's meeting was taken as a sign by some that he was there to answer questions about the corruption allegations against him. Denying this had been the case, Mr Lorgat said the ICC was closely monitoring the situation. At the same time, he distanced the ICC from the controversy, describing it as a "domestic issue" and putting the onus on the Board of Cricket Control in India to investigate and decide on Mr Modi's fate. He said the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit had been monitoring the IPL closely but had not detected any signs of match fixing.
Mr Modi has faced calls for his resignation after the Indian media alleged he was involved in corruption including misappropriation of funds and placing illegal bets. @Email:pmenon@thenational.ae
