22 April,2010 07:29 AM IST | | A Correspondent
The walls are closing in on Lalit Modi but the IPL Commissioner is putting up a brave face, smiling at the cameras even as he tries to fight the biggest battle of his life.
The problem is, many believe the battle is already lost. With Sharad Pawar withdrawing support, many in the BCCI are convinced that Modi is in his final days as IPL chief and come Monday, he will be relieved of his duties. But Modi is not going to give up all too easily, as was evident yesterday.
The BCCI has asked the IPL's Governing Council to take a call on Modi's fate and a meeting is scheduled for April 26. But Modi insisted that only he can convene a GC meeting.
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla shot back saying the GC can't just call the meeting but can also dismiss Modi without him being physically present.
Modi said yesterday he wants the GC meeting delayed so he can prepare his defence. But rumours are doing the rounds that he is actually buying time to find ways to stay afloat. And the IPL head will be looking towards the IPL franchise owners, some of whom have made no secret of their liking for him.
Some insiders also believe Modi feels he might get support from the state associations, who have benefited financially after the advent of the IPL. The state associations will play a crucial role in Modi's ouster if the GC finds Modi guilty as, according to the constitution, he can be removed only if it is passed by a 2/3rd majority.
Modi will also be hoping that the leaked email, which shows how the GC members stopped him from disclosing ownership details, fetches him support.
However, there are some who believe that Lalit Modi knows a bit too much about some senior BCCI officials and if he is unceremoniously sacked, he could spill the beans on them too.
This has lead to a compromise theory wherein Modi is to be given a secondary position in the IPL sans most of his powers.
