Thu Nov 28 01:13:01 UTC 2024: ## IPL Founder Accuses Chennai Super Kings of Auction Rigging and Match-Fixing

**MUMBAI, INDIA (November 27, 2024)** – Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has leveled explosive allegations against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and its former owner, N. Srinivasan, accusing them of auction rigging and match-fixing. In an interview with YouTuber Raj Shamani, Modi claimed that the 2011 IPL auction was manipulated to ensure CSK acquired English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, regardless of the bidding price.

Modi stated that all franchises were instructed not to bid on Flintoff at Srinivasan’s behest. “Yes, we did it [bid rigging]. Every franchise knew about it,” Modi revealed. He further described Srinivasan as actively working against the IPL’s success, alleging that Srinivasan’s attitude was one of “resistance and sabotage.”

The accusations extend beyond auction rigging. Modi also alleged that Srinivasan influenced umpire selections, placing favorable umpires for CSK matches. “He started changing the umpires and putting Chennai umpires on CSK games. It was an issue for me. That’s direct fixing,” Modi asserted.

These revelations come amidst the CSK’s two-season ban from 2015 to 2017 due to their involvement in the 2013 IPL betting scandal. The Rajasthan Royals also faced a similar ban. While Modi’s accusations are serious and could significantly impact the IPL’s reputation, no official response from CSK or the BCCI has been released at this time. The claims will likely spark an investigation into the integrity of the IPL’s past auctions and matches.

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