Lalit Modi vs Sanjeev Goenka saga heats up as IPL bid list surfaces ahead of 2026

The ongoing exchange between Lalit Modi and Sanjiv Goenka has created fresh buzz before IPL 2026. An old list of IPL team bids from 2008 has come out again and is being widely shared. The details shared by Modi have started new talks about how much teams were bought for in the beginning and how much their value has grown today.

Lalit Modi said that the bids were given in Mumbai in 2008 when the US dollar value was lower. He also said that the team owners did not pay the full amount at once. The payment was done over many years, and many teams started making a profit early. This shows that the real value growth is much higher than what people usually think.

His comments have come during his ongoing issue with Sanjiv Goenka. Both have shared strong views about the IPL and its business. As IPL 2026 is close, this topic has again brought focus on how much the league and its teams have grown over the years.

Also read -Lalit Modi calls LSG Sanjiv Goenka ‘clown’ in explosive attack ahead of IPL 2026

Former IPL chairman reveals details of latest franchise bids

Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has shared details about the original franchise bids from 2008, highlighting how much the value of teams has grown over time. In a recent post, he recalled that the bids were awarded on January 24, 2008, in Mumbai, and were calculated when one US dollar was equal to ₹40.

Modi explained that the franchise fees were not paid in one go but were spread evenly over a period of 10 years. He also pointed out that many teams started making profits as early as the first year, meaning the payments were largely covered through their own cash flow.

Emphasising the scale of growth, Modi said that the actual value appreciation of IPL teams is much higher than what is commonly reported in the media. He added that the true figures can only be understood by checking official company filings, which show the exact investment and returns over time.

Lalit Modi vs Sanjeev Goenka: full saga and controversy explained

The controversy began after Sanjiv Goenka, the owner of the Rishabh Pant-led LSG franchise, shared a post about the growth of the Indian Premier League. In his post, he gave credit to key figures, including Jay Shah, for helping the league reach its current level. The post quickly gained attention online and led to a strong response from Lalit Modi, who has always said that he created the IPL’s franchise model.

Lalit Modi reacted sharply and criticised Goenka on social media. In one post, he wrote, “It’s because a clown who has no idea about anything decided to call it that. Sanjiv Goenka. What else can you expect from jokers.” His strong words quickly went viral and drew mixed reactions from fans.

He later continued his attack and added, “Seriously this guy really has a memory loss of who conceived the model. That’s ok. He just lives in his own world. We all know that Sanjiv Goenka is a clown. Wish it was his brother Harsh who owned the IPL franchise. He is a true cricket fan. Not this clown — who thinks his tweet will change history. Just proves he has zero knowledge. Just swelled up head. Jai Hind. IPL.”

The comments spread quickly on social media, with many people reacting to his blunt statements. Some fans supported Modi for speaking openly, while others felt the remarks were too personal. The incident has once again brought focus to the IPL’s early history and its business model, showing how discussions around the league continue beyond the cricket field.

Fans react as Lalit Modi drops major IPL 2026 update

Fans reacted strongly after Lalit Modi shared details about the original IPL 2008 bids. Many found it interesting and said it showed how much the league has grown over the years. Some supported Modi and praised him for reminding everyone about the early days, while others felt his comments during the exchange with Sanjiv Goenka were too harsh. Overall, the post started a big online discussion, with fans talking about the IPL’s history and value as the new season gets closer.