The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday served a third show cause notice on Lalit Modi (Chairman IPL =96 suspended) for alleged unethical dealings while awarding a ten-year theatrical rights to Mauritius-based Entertainment & Sports Direct (ESD).
The BCCI has also pointed out flaws in the marketing of 150 seconds of 60 IPL-III matches. Modi has been asked to explain within 15 days of receipt of the notice.
In November 2009, the IPL announced that ESD has made the highest bid for the theatrical rights at Rs. 330 crore. The deal gave ESD the exclusive exhibition rights for audiences in cinema halls, stadia, water-borne vessels, buses, trains, armed service establishments, hospitals, bars, hotels, restaurants, airports, railway stations, shopping malls, offices, construction sites, oil rigs, clubs, auditoriums, spas and salons and other public venues. The second bidder was Triplecom Media.
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The IPL also said that ESD was promoted by DAR Capital Group, an investment advisory and private equity firm and that it has signed with UFO Moviez and Valuable Media for theatrical and public exhibition in India and key-global markets.
Modi has replied to the first show cause notice dated April 26. The BCCI is awaiting reply to the second show caused notice dated May 6 in connection with the complaint received from Giles Clarke, Chairman, England Wales Cricket Board (ECB).