IPL broadcasting firms now under IT scanner

Mumbai, Apr 21: Two firms handling the broadcasting rights of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have now come under the Income Tax (IT) department scanner in the wake of the snowballing controversy over alleged financial and monetary irregularities and impropriety in connection with the cricket series.

IT officials reportedly raided the Mumbai offices of Multi-Screen Media (MSM), the telecasting agency of IPL and World Sports Group (WSG), the marketing agency of IPL on Wednesday, Apr 21.

According to a report in CNN-IBN, WSG is facing allegation that it received 80 million dollars as facilitation fee for IPL broadcast rights from MSM.

WSG, which holds IPL's overseas rights, maintains that it has not indulged in any wrongdoing and has decided to take appropriate action to clear its name and uphold its image.

Some reports suggest that the company owed 2.5 million dollars to Modi Entertainment Network, and that it was given rights at favourable terms by IPL commissioner Lalit Modi for settling old dues.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly pressurising IPL chief, Modi to answer 10 questions posed by the IT department.

OneIndia News