Lalit Modi slams Karnataka Deputy CM over IPL 2026 ticket distribution row

Despite the ongoing controversy, the Karnataka government allowed its MLAs to receive two complimentary tickets each for the IPL 2026 opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). The match is scheduled to be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.

The issue over VIP quota tickets has continued even after the allocation to MLAs. The quick distribution of tickets to public representatives has drawn criticism from the public and several prominent voices.

Addressing the matter, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi strongly criticised Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar over the ticket distribution linked to IPL 2026. His remarks have further intensified the debate around the allocation of VIP passes for matches.

Also read -Karnataka Deputy CM confirms ticket allocation for politicians for IPL 2026 opener

Lalit Modi reacts strongly to political ticket allocation controversy

Former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi strongly criticised the demand, calling it “absolutely complete nonsense.” He said that fans—not elected leaders—made the IPL successful. He also gave an example from another Asian country, where a minister was removed from his post for accepting just two free tickets to a major sports event without declaring them as a gift.

“This is absolutely complete nonsense. Why should they be privileged? It is the fans who made the IPL, not the elected representatives. Yet they want it as their birth right,” Lalit Modi wrote on social media.

The reaction on social media was quick and very critical. Industrialist Harsh Goenka also spoke against the issue. He said that the public, who vote for these leaders and support the system, are now being ignored. He added that equality should not end where privilege begins.

Both Lalit Modi and Harsh Goenka criticised the special privileges asked for by Karnataka MLAs. They said that IPL fans are the real reason for its success, and that public representatives have not played a major role in building it.

What Karnataka Deputy CM said about IPL 2026 ticket distribution

The Karnataka government decided to provide two complimentary tickets to each MLA for the opening match of the season. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar explained the decision, saying, “Four tickets can’t be given. So, every MLA, MP and Minister used to get one seat each. Now, we have requested them to give two tickets if the family members go. For tomorrow’s first match, they will get two tickets. For the next match, we will discuss later.”

The announcement came after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy met former India cricketer and KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad on Friday.

The decision has also led to a political debate in the state. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the move, calling it an example of “VIP culture.” Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra said, “We legislators are not bigger or different from the common man. We should not be asking for special privileges. I am opposed to this idea of legislators asking for IPL tickets.”

Fans react as ticket row escalates ahead of IPL 2026 opener

Not only Lalit Modi, but fans have also criticised the demand. Many people went to social media to show their anger over free tickets being given to MLAs. They said it is unfair to regular fans who struggle to buy match tickets.

Some users criticised what they called “VIP culture,” while others said that cricket belongs to the fans, not politicians. The issue has started a wide debate online, with many people asking for equal access and more transparency in ticket distribution.

Here is how the fans reacted: