‘When cricket met the underworld’:Lalit Modi alleges Dawood links to IPL betting

Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has alleged threats from underworld networks led by Dawood Ibrahim after he opposed match-fixing, claiming intimidation attempts, financial pressure and personal security risks during IPL years.

Post Published By: Donika Singh

Updated : 4 June 2026, 7:28 PM IST

Lalit Modi’s Big Allegations Against Dawood Network (Image Internet)

New Delhi: Former Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi has claimed that his efforts to curb match-fixing during the early years of the tournament led to serious threats allegedly linked to underworld networks. Speaking in an interview, he said his stance against corruption in cricket created conflict with illegal betting syndicates.

Allegations involving Dawood Ibrahim network

Modi alleged that criminal networks associated with Dawood Ibrahim operated a large betting ecosystem influencing cricket outcomes. He claimed the system, often referred to as “Satta Bazaar,” involved shifting odds on every ball rather than fixing entire matches.

He also alleged that he personally faced intimidation attempts and was offered large sums of money to ignore illegal activities linked to betting operations.

Claims of high-level intimidation incidents

Modi further stated that he was targeted in multiple alleged assassination attempts across different countries, including India, South Africa and Europe. He also claimed that he was placed under high-level security protection following these incidents.

He additionally alleged that his family faced threats, including a claim that his son was briefly kidnapped in London, though he provided no supporting evidence in the interview.

London meeting and alleged pressure

Recalling an incident from 2012, Modi described a late-night meeting in London involving intermediaries who allegedly attempted to secure an IPL franchise for individuals linked to betting syndicates. He claimed a phone call was made during the meeting to Dawood Ibrahim, during which pressure was applied regarding cricket-related business interests.

Claims of continued influence in betting networks

Modi alleged that modern betting networks have become highly sophisticated, with manipulation shifting from entire matches to specific overs and even individual deliveries. He suggested covert signals are sometimes used within the sport to influence betting outcomes.

Context and lack of verification

The claims made by Lalit Modi remain his personal account and have not been independently verified. Indian cricket authorities and law enforcement agencies have previously investigated issues related to betting and match-fixing in the sport, but no official confirmation has been provided regarding the specific allegations mentioned.