In a recent exclusive interview with RevSportz, Lalit Modi opened up about an unexpected experience that reminded him of his lasting impact on cricket — even 15 years after his exit from the game.
“I went to my grandson’s school in Winchester, all his friends are cricket fans but somehow they all recognise me. I never thought that would happen. I haven’t been associated with the game for 15 years. You are banned from saying my name in the stadium, commentators can’t say my name on air, yet a completely new generation of kids recognise me. And that is a dynamic I did not expect,” Modi shared.
Lalit Modi is widely regarded as the architect of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having launched it in 2008. His vision revolutionised the sport, shifting cricket from traditional, country-versus-country contests to a dynamic, fast-paced, and globally popular league that combined sports with entertainment.
With backing from the BCCI, the IPL made its debut in April 2008, featuring eight franchise teams representing major Indian cities. The league brought together top international and Indian talent, alongside Bollywood stars, cheerleaders, and major sponsors — creating an unprecedented fusion of cricket and showbiz. The IPL’s explosive opening, including Brendon McCullum’s iconic unbeaten 158 in the very first match, set the tone for what quickly became one of the most-watched cricket tournaments in the world.
However, Modi’s career saw a sudden fall in 2010. After the conclusion of the IPL’s third season, the BCCI suspended him over a series of financial and administrative allegations. He left India soon after and has since lived in self-imposed exile in London. Despite consistently denying any wrongdoing, Modi was handed a lifetime ban by the BCCI in 2013.
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