In continuation to the ongoing government probe into the alleged irregularities in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry may now soon look into the details of foreigners who may have worked with Multi Screen Media, also known as Sony Entertainment Television. Also, I&B may look into the nature of association of such foreigners with MSM, if any, highly placed government sources told FE.
MSM has the India telecast rights of IPL and has the necessary permissions to broadcast in the country. But the television production of IPL is being undertaken by IMG on behalf Indian cricket board and the government wants to probe into the details of foreigners and any off-shore firms that may have worked with MSM for IPL coverage.
MSM is broadcasting the live IPL matches on its channel SET Max.
According to sources, the I&B ministry will soon be asked to furnish the details of foreigners who have worked with SET in relation to the broadcast coverage of IPL?s all three seasons. MSM, in accordance with the downlink guidelines for all broadcasters, has to furnish these details to I&B ministry periodically.
As per the uplink and downlink guidelines issued by the ministry, all registered broadcasters have to intimate the names and details of any foreigners/non-resident Indians that are employed or engaged in the company in any capacity for more than 60 days in a year. All three IPL tournaments played so far have involved the production work of over 60 days.
?All angles are being probed as part of the ongoing investigations. There are several foreign firms involved in various aspects of IPL therefore the matter is being looked into from all possible angles,? a senior government official said.
This all-round probe is part of the continued efforts of the government to look into the financial irregularities of Indian Premier League (IPL), its link with commissioner Lalit Modi and the 10 franchise teams (including Kochi and Pune teams) and the alleged violations of foreign exchange norms.