Lalit Modi to contest Rajasthan cricket body poll

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi Monday filed, through his lawyer, his nomination for the post of the Rajasthan Cricket Association president despite being banned for life from all cricket matters in India, said informed sources.

Modi, who was a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) administrator and instrumental in creating the Indian Premier League, is allegedly hiding out of the country at present. The ban on him came after he was found involved in alleged financial irregularities in IPL.

After the matter came to the notice of the BCCI, it shot off a letter to the RCA warning it of suspension if the nomination of Modi is accepted.

As per the BCCI letter, the RCA will be banned in case it allows Modi to contest election.

The election for 21 posts of the RCA executive committee is scheduled to take place Dec 19.

"Modi's lawyer Mehmood Abdi reached RCA today (Monday) and filed nomination on behalf of Modi for the top post. Abdi himself is fighting the election for the post of vice-president," a source in the RCA close to the development told IANS.

As per the election schedule, the last date of withdrawal of nomination is Dec 18.

Modi supporters told IANS that Modi will win the election with thumping majority.

"As of now, he is the only contender for the top post. He has support of 24 district cricket associations out of the total 33," said a supporter.