IPL Was Born in 2008, But Lalit Modi Pitched the Idea a Decade Earlier
New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL), which started in 2008, revolutionized T20 cricket worldwide and has grown into one of the most lucrative sporting events on the planet. Eighteen years on, the league continues to attract the best international players, command massive bids during auctions, and expand its global footprint.
While the IPL’s success is well known, few realize that the concept of franchise-based T20 cricket was pitched nearly a decade earlier. Former Indian cricketer and ex-BCCI selector Saba Karim revealed on Doordarshan Sports that Lalit Modi, the founder of the IPL, had submitted a proposal for such a league as early as 1997-98.
“Many people don’t know that Mr. Lalit Modi came up with the T20 franchise cricket concept in 1997-98. Long before the IPL actually started, he submitted a proposal to the BCCI suggesting the creation of a league like it. There was no concept of T20s back then; it was primarily ODIs,” Karim said.
According to Karim, a few Bengal players had even agreed to be part of Modi’s early plan, with contracts signed and the idea of including two to three overseas players per team. However, due to various logistical and structural challenges, the league did not materialize at the time.
“It did not materialize due to various reasons. But it remained in our minds that we should have a league like this,” he added.
Lalit Modi: The Architect of IPL
Lalit Modi went on to serve as the first chairman and league commissioner of the IPL until 2010. His vision not only introduced franchise-based cricket in India but also created a platform that merged sport, entertainment, and business on an unprecedented scale. Today, the IPL is known for its glitzy auctions, star-studded teams, and immense fan following worldwide.
Recent Developments: IPL Franchises Change Hands
The IPL continues to make headlines off the field as well. Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was acquired by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, alongside the Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and US-based Blackstone. The consortium reportedly paid $1.78 billion (over Rs 16,600 crore) for the defending champions.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals franchise was sold to a consortium led by US-based entrepreneur Kal Somani. The deal reportedly valued the team at $1.63 billion (Rs 15,286 crore), highlighting the growing commercial appeal of IPL franchises.
A Legacy That Began Before Its Time
The journey from Lalit Modi’s early proposal in the late 1990s to today’s billion-dollar franchises underscores the IPL’s transformative impact on cricket. What started as a vision for a franchise-based T20 league has become a global phenomenon, drawing millions of fans and redefining the economics of cricket.
As the IPL moves forward, its combination of sporting excellence and business innovation continues to set benchmarks for leagues worldwide, cementing Lalit Modi’s legacy as its pioneering architect.
