Lalit Modi reveals shocking IPL breach: 'I broke every rule in the book that day'

NEW DELHI: Lalit Modi has been dropping one bombshell after another, with the former IPL chairman now making a startling revelation about breaching broadcasting rules. Modi had already drawn flak for sparking controversy by releasing the infamous 'Slapgate' video involving Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth.

In a stunning revelation, Modi admitted that he had deliberately breached broadcasting rules during the inaugural IPL match in 2008 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (then Royal Challengers Bangalore).

Although Sony held exclusive rights, Modi felt their reach was limited and that the IPL's success hinged on the very first game being widely watched. So, he instructed all broadcasters and news channels to go live with the match.

"Everything, everything was dependent on that one game. I broke every rule in the book that day. I signed the contract, an exclusive contract with Sony, but Sony didn't have the reach. I said open the signal. Now it was available everywhere, right? And I told all the broadcasters who lost out, all of you, all news channels, go live," Lalit told Michael Clarke during a recent podcast. "Sony said 'I'll sue you'. I said 'Sue me later, forget about it? Ok, we are going live now because you don't have the reach'. I needed everybody to watch the first game. If the first game had flopped, I was dead."

In March 2009, the BCCI snapped its broadcasting agreement with Sony Entertainment Television and World Sports Group over alleged contract breaches. Modi then brokered a fresh deal that restored Sony's rights until 2017, valued at nearly 1.63 billion US dollars (around Rs 8,200 crore).

As part of the arrangement, World Sports Group was paid a facilitation fee of Rs 425 crore to give up its claims - a transaction that soon drew scrutiny. The BCCI accused Modi of overstepping his authority by altering contracts and favouring WSG, triggering investigations by the Enforcement Directorate. These contract-related allegations remain a central element of the legal cases pending against him.