Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi Monday alleged that the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament was “glorified gambling” run with black money.

Accusing IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi of being “very close” to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ravi told reporters: “What is IPL? It is glorified gambling with black money.”

He said it was for the government to look into the role of big money in the IPL cricket championship. “It is a matter of serious concern.”

Asked about the role of cabinet ministers like Sharad Pawar and Praful Patel, the minister said they were linked more to cricket and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “The IPL is something else.”

Ravi’s comments came a day after Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor resigned over his controversial link to the IPL Kochi franchise.