Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has expressed strong support for Saudi Arabia’s potential investment in the IPL. Modi, a veteran businessman, suggested the possibility of establishing a second-tier league with 20 teams. Significantly, he disclosed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not communicated with him for the last 15 years, as they banned him in 2013.
The success of the IPL has attracted international interest, with reports indicating discussions between advisers of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian officials about transforming the IPL into a holding company. If the Saudi investment materializes, it is expected to significantly enhance the league’s popularity.
While there is no official confirmation of Saudi Arabia’s interest in the IPL, Lalit Modi remains optimistic about the potential investment. Despite his lifetime ban by the BCCI, he proposes the establishment of a second-tier league featuring 20 teams.
Modi also shared his perspective on the future of cricket formats.
“I believe 50-over ODIs are fading away. I don’t see any real purpose in them; they seem to exist just for the sake of it. The true significance lies in Test cricket. A four-day Test, or even a five-day one, especially a day/night Test, holds value because people lack the time from morning to evening. With a day/night Test, fans have the opportunity to attend the game after work hours,” Lalit said RevSportz.