I've nothing to do with IPL issue: Warne

There were unconfirmed reports that 27 players, including “a famous Australian”, were alleged to be under investigation by Indian tax officials for match-fixing in the IPL.

Warne said he was not completely surprised by the controversy but was shocked that his name had been dragged without any substantiation. “In the time I have played in the IPL, I have never been approached or heard anything at the Royals regarding match-fixing. I said to a couple of friends I am comfortable because I am not involved in this IPL controversy in any way, shape or form,” Warne said.

“Although, weird things can sometimes happen in Twenty20 cricket. That’s the nature of the game. I do know this: To fix a Twenty20, you would have to have the captain, otherwise you just couldn’t do it. Any players involved in this controversy, if found guilty, should be banned for life,” said the legendary leg-spinner.

“I have total confidence that no Australian is involved. It’s good to hear that the authorities have come out and said that no Australian is under investigation,” he said.

Warne expressed his admiration for Lalit Modi for the huge success of the IPL but indirectly hinted that there was lack of transparency in running the show. “Modi’s vision has been fantastic and he should take all the credit for the IPL, which is very much his baby,” Warne said. “But in the IPL everything must be transparent so there can’t be any innuendo.”