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The resurfacing of the World Sports Group (WSG) in a new package, which was involved in the 2010 IPL pay-off controversy, has raised concerns within Indian cricket circles. WSG had been accused of duping the BCCI and siphoning off around $80 million through facilitation fees during the IPL broadcasting deal. Sources have revealed that the same individuals linked to this scandal are organising the International Master League, a new cricket venture.
A recently circulated photograph on social media, featuring these individuals, has raised concern in the Indian cricket fraternity. The return of these people to the cricket business, after their alleged misconduct over a decade ago, is causing unease, particularly given their controversial history with the BCCI. It remains to be seen how this development will be addressed by cricketing authorities, but it is certain that the board and its stakeholders are keeping a close watch on this situation, sources told CricBlogger.
The 2010 IPL facilitation fee scam, involving Multi Screen Media (MSM) and World Sports Group (WSG), became a major controversy, with the BCCI and Indian authorities investigating money laundering and corruption. MSM had paid WSG a significant facilitation fee for promoting IPL broadcasting rights, which raised suspicions of foul play. This led to a full-scale investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), particularly into the financial dealings of various IPL franchises. N. Srinivasan, then a senior BCCI official, had even lodged a complaint with the Chennai Central Crime Branch against WSG and MSM, accusing them of aiding and abetting corruption.
Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner at the time, was also implicated in the scandal and faced accusations of misappropriating ₹500 crore, resulting in his removal from the league and cricket administration. Now, with the same group of individuals involved in organizing the International Masters’ League, concerns are once again surfacing. Many in the cricket fraternity are puzzled and alarmed that those previously involved in such a large-scale scandal could return to cricket after a decade, raising serious questions about the integrity of the new venture. As one source aptly put it, “How can these same bunch of people walk into cricket again after a decade?”
This development is likely to trigger fresh scrutiny from cricket authorities and possibly law enforcement. The BCCI is growing increasingly concerned about the proliferation of various “legends leagues” across different parts of the world. Many of these leagues feature former cricketing stars, but some of the promoters behind these ventures have a questionable history, including accusations of money laundering.
This has raised alarm within the board, as these events could potentially damage the reputation of the sport and its former players, who have contributed significantly to the game. In response, the BCCI could be considering implementing a checklist or stricter regulations to ensure that these leagues do not undermine the integrity of the cricketing system.
The board wants to protect the legacy of legendary players and prevent dubious individuals or organisations from exploiting their names and achievements for personal gain. By tightening the oversight on such leagues, the BCCI aims to safeguard the sport and its esteemed figures from becoming entangled in questionable ventures.
