Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 No longer just a sporting event, it has transformed into a global financial giant that has recently hit valuation milestones that have sent the sporting world into a tizzy. As the league cements its position as the world’s second most valuable sporting property per match, the off-field drama is proving to be as explosive as the on-field drama. The recent season has not only been defined by centuries and wickets, but also included a high-stakes digital feud between the league’s ‘founding father’ and one of its most prominent current owners.
Sanjev Goenka reacts on social media on RR and RCB’s record-breaking acquisition deal
The dispute began when the league’s two legacy franchises: Rajasthan Royals (RR) And Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Historical sales of Rs. The figures involved are shocking. RR, which was bought for about ₹270 crore in 2008, was recently valued at over ₹15,000 crore. RCB also made a similar valuation, increasing it to ₹16,600 crore from its initial ₹485 crore.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner of Sanjev Goenka took to social media to celebrate these figures, current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Gave credit to the administration for this unprecedented growth. Goenka particularly praised ‘the structure of the IPL’ and ‘Jay Shah’s vision’, adding that the structure of digital and broadcast rights gave investors the confidence to invest billions of rupees in this ecosystem. While the tweet seemed like a normal congratulatory message on the health of the league, it became a spark for the man who claims to have the original blueprint of the IPL.
1/ @rajasthanroyalsacquired for roughly ₹270 crore in 2008, have just been sold for over ₹15,000 crore. @RCBTweetsacquired for roughly ₹485 crore, sold for over ₹16,600 crore. Two franchises, same week, each over ₹15,000 crore.
That value was built by the architecture…
— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) March 25, 2026
‘Joker’ comment sparks controversy, Lalit Modi attacks LSG owner
Lalit Modiwho is a former IPL commissioner and currently lives in London, the reaction was quick and notably unfiltered. Modi, who played a key role in the IPL’s inception in 2008, took direct aim at Goenka’s historical perspective—or lack thereof.
In a sharp reply, Modi called Goenka a ‘joker’ and suggested that the billionaire did not remember who actually conceived the IPL model. Modi did not stop at professional criticisms; Making it personal he compared Sanjeev to his brother. Harsh Goenka Said, saying that he wished Harsh was the owner of this franchise, as he is a true cricket fan.
Modi’s statement highlights the long-standing tension between the League’s old guard and the current leadership. Claiming Goenka’s lack of knowledge and arrogance, Modi is basically fighting for his legacy, asserting that the current billion-dollar valuation is a result of the foundation he laid nearly two decades ago, and not just the efforts of current BCCI administrators.
The controversy is creating division among fans and analysts. While many acknowledge the amazing work done by the current BCCI team in taking the league to a valuation of ₹16,000 crore, others feel that Modi’s fundamental role in structuring the IPL is often unfairly omitted from the official narrative. As the IPL 2026 season begins, this war of words is a reminder that in the elite world of cricket, egos are often as big as bank balances.
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