Decks cleared for BCCI to impose life ban on Lalit Modi

An SGM has been convened to discuss the report on Modi and decide quantum of disciplinary punishment

With the Delhi High Court allowing the BCCI to conduct its Special General Meeting (SGM) in Chennai tomorrow, the decks are cleared for the Board to impose a possible life ban on former IPL chairman Lalit Modi for alleged financial irregularities while being at the helm of cash-rich league from 2008-2010.

The SGM, which is likely to be chaired by president in-exile N Srinivasan, has been convened to discuss the report of the Diciplinary Committee on Modi and decide the quantum of disciplinary punishment. Two-third of the majority will need to vote in favour of Modi's life ban.

It effectively means that a minimum of 21 votes are required out of the total 31 units to make the former IPL czar a persona non-grata in the world's richest cricket board.

"Save Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), expect no other BCCI units to support Modi tomorrow. Even PCA's case will depend on who attends the SGM -- persident I S Bindra who is a Modi backer or secretary M P Pandove who is not known to possess a hardline stance," a BCCI official said.

While Modi got a stay order from Patiala House Court on Saturday, the Delhi High Court today gave a favourable verdict to the BCCI which literally ends any chances Modi harboured of escaping the life ban.

Modi was the IPL chairman-cum-commissioner during the first three editions but was suspended immediately after the closing ceremony in 2010, on charges of financial irregularities in running of the league as well as improper practices during auction of two new teams before the third edition.

During the suspension, a three-member disciplinary committee comprising political heavyweights Arun Jaitely and Jyotiraditya Scindia along with president Srinivasan was formed. But Srinivasan recused himself and the erstwhile IPL chairman Chirayu Amin was made a member. But subsequently Amin also recused himself and it became a two-member committee.