‘Lalit Modi threatened to end my career’: Praveen Kumar reveals sensational incident

Former India pacer Praveen Kumar recently said that he did not want to join the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Praveen stated that his preferred team was the Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals) since the city was closer to his hometown, Meerut. Speaking about the situation, he mentioned signing a paper, unaware that it was a contract, as requested by an RCB official before the season began.

Praveen went on to recall that he was hesitant to join RCB because Bangalore was distant from his home and also because he was not fluent in English. The 37-year-old said that when he expressed his desire to play for Delhi, the IPL founder Lalit Modi stepped in and threatened to jeopardize his cricketing career.

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In an interview with The Lallantop, Praveen stated, "I didn't want to play for RCB because Bangalore was far from my place, I didn't know English, and the food wasn't to my liking. Delhi is close to Meerut, which would have allowed me to travel home even during the season. However, someone made me sign a paper, and I did not know that it was a contract. I told them I wanted to play for Delhi, not Bangalore. Lalit Modi then intervened and called me and even threatened to end my career if I do not play for RCB."

Despite the initial reluctance, Praveen Kumar did eventually turn up for RCB in the first IPL game in 2008 but remained wicketless against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Throughout his IPL career, the former RCB pacer claimed 90 wickets in 119 matches. In addition to his IPL stint, Praveen played six Tests, 68 ODIs and 10 T20Is. He also played for other IPL teams, including Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Lions.