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Give Modi a fair trial - Bindra

IS Bindra has called for a fair trial for Lalit Modi, suspended on charges of financial impropriety, and criticised the BCCI and the media for the manner in which Modi was targeted

Cricinfo staff
29-Apr-2010
IS Bindra, a member of the IPL governing council and the ICC's chief adviser, has called for a fair trial for Lalit Modi, suspended on charges of financial impropriety, and criticised the BCCI and the media for the manner in which Modi was targeted. Modi was suspended by the Indian board shortly after the IPL final on April 25, and was given 15 days to respond to the charges levelled at him.
Bindra while claiming he was not defending Modi, referred to him as the "hero of the IPL" and credited him for India's envied standing and clout in international cricket. "Let us not forget that everyone is entitled to a fair trial," Bindra was quoted by PTI as saying. "I can opine with conviction that part of the blame lies with our own cricketing fraternity for being an instrument in leaking all kinds of unconfirmed reports without veracity or merit.
"The media has been ready with the guillotine to hang the hero of the IPL. He has been accused of match fixing, rigging of bids, laundering of money, and all kinds of allegations pertaining to financial irregularities and dealings based on unsubstantiated evidence.
"It was due to the marketing genius of a maverick - Lalit Modi - that Indian cricket finally emerged as a colossus in the international firmament in terms of reach and financial clout. Indian cricket became the epicenter of world cricket and the envy of the cricketing fraternity during this key phase."