Lalit Modi and Sanjiv Goenka's bitter IPL feud spills into public view
A bitter public dispute has erupted between Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants franchise. The clash began when Modi accused Goenka of forgetting the origins of the IPL's franchise-based system, sparking sharp exchanges on social media.
The row started after Sanjiv Goenka posted a tribute crediting key figures for the IPL's success. Lalit Modi responded by calling Goenka a 'clown' and questioning his memory of the league's creation. In a follow-up post, Modi wrote that Goenka 'really has a memory loss of who conceived the model' and even suggested he wished Goenka's brother, Harsh, had owned the franchise instead.
The argument quickly gained attention online, adding to the buzz ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Modi, who launched the IPL in 2008, has long emphasised his role in shaping its commercial structure. Meanwhile, Goenka, through his RPSG Group, has become a major figure in the league since acquiring the Lucknow Super Giants in 2022 for a record ₹7,090 crore. Under Goenka's leadership, the franchise reached the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 but slipped to 7th place in the next two seasons. Despite this, he has invested heavily in player acquisitions, including high-profile signings like Rishabh Pant for ₹27 crore in 2025 and Josh Inglis for ₹8 crore. He has also strengthened the bowling attack with Mohammad Shami, Mohsin, and Mayank Yadav for the 2026 season. Goenka has openly admitted past mistakes, such as insufficient due diligence on injury-prone bowlers, while pushing for a more balanced squad. The recent dip in performance has led the RPSG Group to explore selling a 15% minority stake in 2026, capitalising on the franchise's rising valuation. Yet, the public spat with Modi has overshadowed these moves, highlighting deeper tensions over who deserves credit for the IPL's success.
The exchange between Modi and Goenka has reignited debates about the IPL's history and the contributions of its key figures. With the new season approaching, the clash adds another layer of intrigue for fans, while Goenka's franchise prepares for a fresh campaign under his continued investment. The dispute also underscores the high stakes and personal rivalries within one of cricket's most lucrative leagues.
