Lalit Modi, the controversial founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), dropped a series of bombshells about his tumultuous tenure as the league’s chairman. From accusations against former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials to anecdotes about Bollywood and death threats from underworld figures, Modi’s revelations provide a closer look into the drama behind the glitz of the IPL.
He managed the tournament for three years, up until 2010. In a recent podcast interview on Raj Shamani’s YouTube channel, Modi discussed the IPL’s business model and various controversies associated with it.
Modi accuses CSK of match fixing
Modi accused N Srinivasan, former president of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and a powerful figure in Indian cricket, of manipulation during player auctions and “indirect fixing.” He alleged that in 2009, CSK pressured him to ensure no other team bid for English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff during the IPL auction.
“There was this time when CSK and its chief Srinivasan asked me to ensure no other team bids for Flintoff,” said Modi. “We rigged the auction to fulfil his demand.” Flintoff was ultimately signed by CSK for INR 7.4 crore but failed to make an impact.
Modi also accused Srinivasan of influencing umpiring decisions, specifically assigning Chennai-based umpires to matches involving CSK, which he termed “indirect fixing.” These explosive claims have reignited debates about CSK’s credibility and legacy in IPL history.