MUMBAI: Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi will be appealing against the High Court of London?s verdict in the libel case filed against him by ex-New Zealand captain Chris Cairns.

Modi has to lodge papers by 20 April. Modi lost a libel case to Cairns and was asked to pay 90,000 pounds in damages to the all-rounder.

Cairns had sued Modi over a tweet in which the latter accused the New Zealander of being involved in match-fixing during the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2008.

Meanwhile, Modi criticised the opening ceremony of the IPL held last night that had the likes of Katy Perry performing. He tweeted: "So according to IPL fans ? nearly 100% have Tweeted they would have preferred Pre Game Opening Ceremony rather than an opening like today. Can?t bear to watch it anymore ? as on TV it looks appalling. Was really looking forward to seeing something well presented. I am sure the Ratings will show."

MUMBAI: Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has lost libel case against former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns and as a consequence has to pay : ?90,000 in damages, according to to a London High Court order.

Modi will now have to pay up a part of the damages within the next 28 days and has until 20 April to file an appeal. The court also refused to entertain his plea for a stay on the damages.

Cairns, who was captain of Chandigarh Lions in the now defunct Indian Cricket League, had his contract terminated in October 2008, on allegations of breach of terms of his contract by failing to disclose an ankle injury.

As IPL chairman Modi had alleged that Cairns was involved in match fixing while justifying the decision to keep Cairns out of the league following which the cricketer sued Modi.

Cairns contended that the match-fixing allegation put a strain on his marriage as well.