The founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its original chairman, Lalit Modi, criticized Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, for downplaying his role in the league’s tremendous increase in value. This came after recent billion-dollar deals involving other IPL franchises like Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Aditya Birla Group, Blackstone, Times of India Group, and Bolt Ventures acquired RCB for $1.78 billion, while Rajasthan Royals was bought by a US-based consortium for $1.63 billion. Goenka praised the IPL’s structural evolution and media rights model for the surge in franchise values but failed to acknowledge Modi’s contribution. In response, Modi labeled Goenka a “clown” and questioned his understanding of the league’s origins. Goenka has yet to respond to Modi’s criticism. The 2026 IPL season is scheduled to start on March 28, with defending champions RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. The schedule for the season’s remaining matches will be announced after election-related formalities.
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