Praveen Kumar’s Revelations: Threats from Lalit Modi, IPL Journey, and Critique of Umpire Marais Erasmus
In a recent interview, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star Praveen Kumar revisited his cricketing journey, shedding light on his experiences in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and recounting a threatening encounter with the then IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi.
Praveen Kumar, known for his medium-fast bowling and ability to swing the ball both ways, rose to prominence in Indian cricket with remarkable performances, including a memorable series against Australia in 2008 where he claimed ten wickets in four matches. Despite making a mark in domestic cricket, Praveen’s stint with RCB in the IPL was not without challenges.
The former pacer shared insights into his initial reluctance to play for RCB and his desire to represent Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL. He recalled being coerced into signing a contract with RCB, despite expressing his preference for Delhi. Lalit Modi, the then IPL commissioner, allegedly intervened and threatened to jeopardize Praveen’s cricketing career if he didn’t comply with the team assignment.
“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, 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,” revealed Praveen during an interaction with The Lallantop.
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This revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by players in navigating team dynamics and contractual obligations within the IPL, highlighting the influence of key figures like Lalit Modi during the league’s early years.
Praveen Kumar also took the opportunity to criticize Marais Erasmus, a seasoned umpire, labeling him a “pathetic umpire” during a particular Test match between India and England in Nottingham. According to Praveen, Erasmus made questionable decisions that impacted the outcome of the game, and the former pacer did not mince words in expressing his dissatisfaction with the umpire’s performance.
“He is a pathetic umpire. His decisions are horrible; he gives out when it is not out and gives not out when it is out. We were playing a Test match in Nottingham. I had bowled a lot of overs. Kevin Pietersen was hit on the pads off my bowling, and it was plumb in front. Erasmus adjudged it not out. I told him, ‘Tu andha vandha hai kya?’ (Are you blind or what?),” Praveen added.
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Beyond the controversies and challenges, Praveen Kumar had a significant impact on the IPL, playing the inaugural match in 2008. Despite going wicketless in his debut game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he went on to amass 90 wickets in the tournament, showcasing his effectiveness as a medium pacer.
The 37-year-old fast bowler Praveen Kumar’s IPL journey included stints with various teams, including Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Lions. However, his cricketing journey faced a setback when he went unsold in the 2014 IPL auction.
In addition to his IPL success, Praveen Kumar represented India in all three formats of the game. He played 6 Tests, 68 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 10 T20 Internationals (T20Is). Despite facing challenges and controversies throughout his career, Praveen Kumar remains a noteworthy figure in Indian cricket, contributing significantly to the fast-bowling department during his prime.
As the cricketing world continues to evolve, Praveen Kumar’s revelations provide a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by players, from contractual disputes to confrontations with match officials, offering fans and enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the complexities within the sport.
