Surprised BCCI seemed to know the result before anyone else: Modi

Former Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi on Monday expressed happiness after the BCCI conceded his victory in the Rajasthan Cricket Association presidential election but lamented the further delay in the official announcement of the result.

The BCCI told the Supreme Court that Modi will emerge as a clear winner in RCA polls but successfully opposed opening of a sealed envelope containing its results at a hearing before the apex court in New Delhi.

"I am surprised that BCCI seemed to know the result before anyone else and before the court even pronounced it. But extremely happy that they think I have won," Modi said from London.

The BCCI had urged the apex court to hear it before opening the envelope and declaring the result. The Court has now set March 4 as the next date of hearing on the issue.

"I am disappointed that yet again we have to wait for the results to be opened due to BCCI wanting more time to explain their stand on how they should be allowed to interfere with the democratic process. So I guess I will have to wait," Modi added.

The BCCI has been firmly opposing Modi's return to Indian cricket administration, with lawyers claiming that Rajasthan faces expulsion from the Board if Modi becomes RCA president.

Modi had contested for the president's post in the RCA election held in Jaipur on December 19 and is widely expected to win.

The BCCI in September 2013 had imposed a life ban on the UK-based businessman for alleged irregularities when he headed the IPL from 2008 to 2010.

However, Modi was allowed to contest the elections on the basis of Rajasthan Sports Act, which does not recognise the BCCI ban.

Image: Lalit Modi

Photograph: Mike Hutchings/Reuters