I have been made a scapegoat: Raj Kundra

NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra today expressed shock at BCCI's decision to suspend him on charges of gambling in IPL and said he was being made a "scapegoat" by people in powerful positions.

"I am shocked and upset at the unilateral decision taken today by the BCCI and will fight the grounds of suspension," Kundra said in a statement.

"All sorts of accusations were made against me without proof, by people in powerful positions. It is sad that without accurate facts, I am being made a scapegoat and put under trial by the media based on unproved claims," he added.

Kundra today became the second team owner, after N Srinivasan's son-in-law and Chennai Super Kings Team Principal Gurunath Meiyappan, to be suspended from cricketing activities.

The 37-year-old British Indian businessman was suspended by BCCI's all-powerful working committee, pending completion of an inquiry.

Kundra said he was committed to the development of sports in India and was hurt by the allegations which were lebelled against him.

"All those who know me are aware that sport is my first love. I own a minority 11.7 per cent share in Rajasthan Royals as well as a majority share of the Super Fight League in India which has become the largest MMA league in Asia within a year of its launch," he said.

"I have singlehandedly provided job opportunities and training to 200 Indian fighters who were doing nothing but misusing their strength on the streets or in underground illegal fight clubs. I am currently working on football to develop its popularity amongst youngsters and also to provide better infrastructure and training to them.

"It shocks, saddens and hurts me when my integrity towards Sport is questioned, especially knowing that there are very few who have taken the initiative and been successful in the development of sport in India," he added.