Lalit Modi loses key election

Lalit Modi, the supremo of the Indian Premier League, suffered a major setback when he failed to win a crucial cricket election.

He lost his bid to regain the presidency of his state cricket association in an election marred by scuffles between supporters of rival contestants. Modi lost 19-13 to Indian cabinet minister CP Joshi, who also hails from western Rajasthan state.

Modi's position as chairman of the IPL will not be affected and he will remain in that position until 2013.

Yesterday, votes were cast by representatives of district cricket associations.

Modi alleged that his car was attacked by his rival's supporters as he came to vote at the state cricket academy. His car windows were smashed, but he escaped unhurt, he said.

"This is hooliganism," Modi said. "Politicians have started dominating cricket bodies and this is the result."

The Press Trust of India news agency said supporters of rival groups clashed as the voting began, but police separated them. Joshi said his supporters were not involved in the attack on Modi's car.

Modi's four-year tenure as Rajasthan Cricket Association president ended in March after he lost the election 18-13 against career bureaucrat Sanjay Dixit.

A second election was called after nine months following a split in the cricket body.