London, June 9: Fugitive Indian businessman Vijay Mallya has arrived at the Oval stadium to watch the India vs Australia match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. On confronted by reporters, Mallya said he has arrived here akin to any other cricketing fan. "I am here to watch the game," the former liquor baron remarked. Catch Live Score & Updates of IND vs AUS Match.

Mallya's appearance at the Oval stadium comes amid the extradition order issued against him by the UK Westminster Court. The order, issued in December last year, has not been implemented as Mallya's counsel is still exercising legal remedies.

Watch Mallya Being Confronted by Media at the Oval:

Mallya, the former chief of United Breweries and Kingfisher Airlines, fled to the UK in March 2016, immediately after a consortium of 17 Indian lenders led by the State Bank of India (SBI) declared him a wilful defaulter.

The consortium of banks had moved the court seeking the attachment of Mallya's assets. However, he succeeded in escaping the nation before the authorities could act against him. The quantum of fraud the embattled businessman is accused to have committed amounts to nearly Rs 9,800 crore.

The joint team of CBI and Enforcement Directorate, who have been pursuing Mallya's extradition since the last 3 years, are hopeful of clearing the remaining legal hurdles as well.

Meanwhile, India is squaring off against Australia in the first round of the Cricket World Cup. A victory here would bolster either of the sides bid to secure a place in the semis.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 09, 2019 04:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).