Mohali/Mumbai, April 16
Widening their net beyond Mumbai, I-T officials today raided Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium in Mohali to investigate books of account of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

PCA president IS Bindra and secretary MP Pandove are members of the IPL governing council and have their headquarters in the stadium. IPL commissioner Lalit Modi was PCA vice-president from 2004 to 2008.

A five-member I-T team, led by two deputy directors, reached the stadium at about 6.30 pm. The raid was going on till the filing of this report. I-T Director (Investigation) Pawan Parmar said the aim was to look for any IPL accounts being maintained in the stadium.

I-T officials had surveyed the stadium in March last year following which the department had revoked I-T exemption being enjoyed by the association since 1998.

In his orders I-T Commissioner AK Kaushal had pointed out that in 2008-09 the PCA had received Rs 10 crore as its share from the BCCI for sale of TV rights of IPL matches. PCA had also earned Rs 3.50 crore from Kings XI on account of hiring of the cricket ground and other services at the rate of Rs 50 lakh per match.

Protesting against revoking of the I-T exemption, the PCA had taken the plea that revenue generated during cricket matches was “incidental”. The commissioner had, however, pointed out: “There is nothing incidental in the running and conduct of IPL matches, international matches and various other activities on totally commercial lines. The revenue generated is not incidental, but it is the cricket which has become totally incidental.”

“There is a shrewd mix of proper planning, marketing, entertainment and cricket in the conduct of IPL and other matches. The PCA and other cricket associations in India, including the BCCI thinks, eats and breathes money,” added the I-T Commissioner’s order.

Meanwhile I-T departmental sources in Mumbai told TNS that it would spread its probe into IPL’s financial transactions to other franchises. The officials who conducted a raid at the BCCI premises yesterday took away documents, files and computers with data of the teams.

Lalit Modi was questioned for over eight hours last night by the I-T sleuths. Emerging from the marathon grilling at the board office, he put on a brave front before waiting reporters. “I am still the IPL commissioner,” a tired Modi said. He, however, confirmed that tax officials were looking for financial dealings of the IPL franchisees. The I-T department has created a special cell in Mumbai to keep a tab on the income generated by the IPL and its marketing ventures.

The Maharashtra Government has also turned the heat on Ravi Gaikwad - one of the owners of the IPL Kochi franchisee. A show-cause notice was delivered early today at his residence, sources said, adding that he had been asked to provide details about his investments in the franchisee.