IPL Black Magic Controversy Grows With Lalit Modi’s Claim

NEW DELHI- Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has dismissed as fake a viral letter alleging that ‘black magic’ was performed during the Chennai Super Kings-Sunrisers Hyderabad match, while claiming that similar practices had surfaced in the past.

The controversy began after a video from the match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium showed a fan performing a ‘lemon trick’ shortly before Chennai Super Kings batter Shivam Dube was set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Sakib Hussain.

An unverified complaint letter purportedly from Chennai Super Kings then began circulating online.

“Seems fake this time. But one team owner did indulge in this type of practice,” Modi wrote on his ‘X’ account on April 20.

“I remember I posted some team owner doing this to the opposing team. By doing exactly this themselves in opposing team dressing room. I even alerted the opposing team owners about this way back in 2011 season – when it happened and I got an alert with concrete proof. I will reveal all these types of activities conducted by whom in the movie / TV series as decided by my team to disclose,” he added.

There has been no official confirmation from IPL authorities or either franchise regarding the authenticity of the letter or the alleged act.

In the match, Chennai Super Kings, chasing 195, raced to 76 in the power-play before Sunrisers Hyderabad fought back with disciplined bowling. Despite a tense finish, Sunrisers Hyderabad held their nerve to secure a 10-run victory. (IANS)