I've nothing to do with IPL bidding: Pawar

Shillong, Feb 22 (UNI) BCCI president Sharad Pawar today said that tonight rpt tonight he will be briefed on the bidding of cricketers in BCCI-promoted Indian Premier League, which has evoked sharp criticism from several sections.

Mr Pawar, who is returning to the national capital after launching his election campaign in Meghalaya, said that IPL chairman Lalit Modi, amongst other members, would brief him about the development.

The BCCI chief was not present at the bidding held on February 20 as he was campaigning for Nationalist Congress Party in the state.

''I have nothing to do with the bidding process, as there were eminent businessman in the IPL panel to assist the cricketers,'' he told mediapersons here.

He also added that 'proper experts' were there to manage the affairs of the BCCI.

Cricketers are more equipped to handle the affairs of the BCCI, Mr Pawar said adding that he wasn't sidelining cricket for politics and had his own style of managing things.

''I believe in decentralisation and in my absence there are experts with set guidelines. I have confidence on them. In any case, I am always there as a trouble-shooter,'' Mr Pawar quipped.

Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni fetched the highest bid with 1.5 million dollars followed by Australian Andrew Symonds with 1.3 million dollars for a three-year contract.

The IPL was formed to counter the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) by media baron Subash Chandra.

However, off-spinner Erapalli Prasanna reportedly lashed out at the bidding, stating it has turned 'players into commodities'.

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, in an open letter, has asked Pawar to stop the 'gamble'.

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