Modi was a victim of unfair vilification, says Bindra

Published>Thu, Apr 29 10 09:26 PM

New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) Former Indian cricket board president Inderjit Singh Bindra, an influential member of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council, feels suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi was a victim of unfair vilification and lauded him as marketing genius who has changed the landscape of Indian crikcet.

Saying that he is not holding any brief for Modi, Bindra said the IPL commissioner deserved a better appreciation of his work and a fair trial if anyone thinks he has committed any serious mistakes.

'The time has arrived for me to post some appropriate questions that have been nagging my mind and have interest in the public eye. Is Lalit Modi a builder of the greatest sporting brand in the world in a short span of three years or a villain who has undermined the foundations of the edifice of Indian cricket?' said Bindra.

'In the final analysis, I would like to make it abundantly clear that I hold no brief on behalf of Mr. Modi. Some of the issues which have cropped up concern some alleged violations of laws relating to the FEMA and money laundering and some allegedly serious offences under the Indian Penal Code and are outside the jurisdiction of either the GC or the Working Committee of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) or the General Body,' Bindra noted.

'However, I am not going to prejudge the issue and in accordance with the constitutional and principles of jurisprudence enshrined in our democratic fabric I will refuse to hold anyone guilty before giving a fair opportunity. I refuse to be swayed by media frenzy in determining vital issues concerning the reputation of not only an individual but also a brand and the reputation of Indian cricket,' he said.

Bindra said he was pleased to read the extracts of Indian cricket board president Shashank Manohar's press briefing wherein he has offered to be totally objective and impartial in the application of the rules and regulations of the board.

'The unfolding events of recent weeks have, undoubtedly, created a crisis that has been fueled by massive media frenzy. Indian cricket has come under threat. The uncontrolled cascade of public perceptions is threatening to tear asunder the wonderful fabric of cricket built thread by thread by many legends,' Bindra said.

'This mosaic of cricketing leadership was woven by the blood, sweat and tears of on-field galaxy of outstanding players and honorary officials working with missionary zeal and unwavering commitment,' said Bindra, recalling the efforts so many cricket administrators in promoting the sport in the country.

'I was fortunate to step into the shoes of Mr. (Madhavrao) Scindia due to the efforts of many friends, including Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya. This period witnessed the final breaking of the monopoly of Doordarshan for broadcasting rights as per the 1994 decision of the Supreme Court. It was an epoch transformation that attained its full potential post change of regime in November 2005,' g

On Modi, he said: 'It was due to the marketing genius of a maverick -- Lalit Modi -- that Indian cricket finally emerged as a colossus in the international firmament in terms of reach and financial clout. Indian cricket became the epicenter of world cricket and the envy of the cricketing fraternity during this key phase.'

'Lalit Modi is unquestionably responsible for converting Indian cricket into a financial giant and for creating a truly global international brand in the IPL. His positioning, branding and commercial savvy puts the League in the ranks of true marketing icons akin to the many success stories dissected as case studies in leading business schools across the globe.'

'It is a sad surprise that he has suddenly become an object of vilification. All hell broke loose in the media based on some leaks from so called reliable sources within the board and some statements made by principal players in the whole drama. It is disappointing that the vast majority of the media has so far not taken a balanced perspective to the affair,' he added.

Bindra felt sad that the IPL, a successful global sporting brand has overnight became an object of ridicule and vilification in what was a veritable trial by media.

'Make no mistake, I am not sitting here to protect anyone or apportion blame at this stage. I would not like us to rush to judgment. For somebody who has been closely associated with the developments in the international cricketing arena since 1982, I cannot but painfully ponder how and why?' said Bindra.

He also held the cricket fraternity for the ongoing controversy in the IPL.

'I can opine with conviction that part of the blame lies with our own cricketing fraternity for being an instrument in leaking all kinds of unconfirmed reports without veracity or merit. The media has been ready with the guillotine to hang the hero of the IPL. He has been accused of match fixing, rigging of bids, laundering of money, and all kinds of allegations pertaining to financial irregularities and dealings based on unsubstantiated evidence,' he said.

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