BCCI may take tough decisions on IPL, Modi

New Delhi, Apr 21 (ANI): The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) on Wednesday hinted that it would not hesitate to take tough decisions to protect its image which has taken a hit due to the Indian Premier League (IPL) controversy.

Interacting with media, the BCCI's Media and Finance Committee Chairman Rajiv Shukla said if the situation demands tough decisions, they would be taken when the IPL's Governing Council meets on April 26.

"The question of people refusing to back down or not, they don't matter. After the meeting between BCCI President Shashank Manohar and Sharad Pawar on Tuesday, it has been decided that in the April 26 Governing Council meeting, we will sit together and unanimously decide what to do," Shukla said.

Shukla's statement comes in the backdrop of reports of IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi refuses to step down from his post.

Shukla said the BCCI never compromised with its image and in protecting the interest of cricket.

"These decisions would in the interest of cricket and the BCCI. No matter how harsh they might seem, decisions would be taken to protect the BCCI and cricket's image in the country. We have never compromised on our image in the past 60 years and there would be no compromise this time too," he said.

Modi, who is facing allegations of financial irregularities and favouring family and friends in franchise bids, has so far refused to step down from his post, despite mounting pressure.

Amid mounting pressure from detractors within and outside the BCCI to ease him out, indications have emerged that Modi may have to quit the post as members are likely to ask him to voluntarily give up the position.

After crucial discussions with Union Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, BCCI member and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had called incumbent president Shashank Manohar and discussed the current IPL mess.

"Our (BCCI) total approach in the Governing Council will be they will take collective, unanimous decisions, and give future direction to Indian cricket," Pawar said.

Commenting on whether Modi would accept the Governing Council decision, Pawar said: "Don't forget Mr Modi is also a vice president of the BCCI and our total approach and past experience, we always take collective and unanimous decision where everyone is party to, including Lalit Modi." (ANI)