'Lalit Modi called...': Ex-India cricketer reveals IPL career threat

NEW DELHI: Former Indian fast bowler

Praveen Kumar

has revealed the intense pressure he faced during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) over his choice of franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
In a recent interaction with Lallantop, Praveen disclosed that RCB was not his preferred team, and his reluctance to join them led to a severe reaction from IPL commissioner Lalit Modi.
Expressing his initial preference for Delhi Daredevils, Praveen explained, "I did not want to play for RCB because Bangalore was quite far away from my place, I didn't know English, and the food was not to my liking.

Delhi is quite close to Meerut, which would have allowed me to travel to my home once in a while."

However, a crucial misunderstanding occurred when he signed a paper from an RCB official, thinking it was a different document. When Praveen communicated his choice to Lalit Modi, he faced an unexpected and extreme reaction.
"There was a person who made me sign a paper. I did not know it was the contract. I told them I wanted to play for Delhi and not Bangalore. Lalit Modi called me and threatened to end my career," Praveen revealed during the interview.

The revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by players during the early years of the IPL, emphasizing the significance of franchise choices and contractual agreements in shaping their careers.
The incident also reflects the intense dynamics and uncertainties that characterized the early stages of the IPL.

(With agencies inputs)