In 2008, Lalit Modi was the face behind the Indian Premier League’s inception, a league that was a fusion of cricket and glamour.
Lalit Modi is once again making headlines after the IPL founder announced dating with First Indian Miss Universe, Sushmita Sena.
Who Is Lalit Modi?
Lalit Modi, born in Delhi in 1963, was the founder, the first Chairman, and the Commissioner of the Indian Premier League, which was started in 2008 after India’s win in the first T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007.
The 58-year-old holds an engineering degree and business administration in the USA.
He was highly inspired by the business of sports in the USA and tried to bring it to cricket in India.
In 1995, he had pitched the idea of a new 50-over domestic league, a project he had proposed by the name, Indian Cricket League Limited. The BCCI however, was not quite convinced of the idea.
Political Connections
Modi held strong influence in Indian politics as well, with close ties to Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) as well as Indian National Congress (INC). He was appointed as the Rajasthan Cricket Association President in 2005 under Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of the BJP.
And IPL Happened
In 2008, Lalit Modi was the face behind the Indian Premier League’s inception, a league that was a fusion of cricket and glamour. In 2009, when IPL had to be shifted to South Africa following the Lok Sabha elections (general elections), Modi proved how the value of his product would hold a big value even overseas. only a few know he also started the Champions League 20-20. A cricket competition played between qualifying domestic teams from some major cricketing nations. However, it could not sustain much.
The Downfall
After the IPL 2010 final, Modi was suspended from BCCI after being accused of misconduct, indiscipline, and financial irregularities in association with the two rigging bids over the two new franchises, Rising Pune Super Giants and Kochi Tuskers Kerala. BCCI launched a probe against him and banned him for life in 2013 after a committee found him guilty of these charges.
Since then he lived out of London, United Kingdom, and has given several interviews claiming innocence on all charges raised by the BCCI.
A special court in Mumbai had issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Lalit Modi in 2015 for his alleged involvement in a money-laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Who Was Minal Modi?
Minal Modi was Lalit Modi’s first wife, the couple tied the knot in 1991. Minal Modi was about 10 years older than Lalit Modi. They had two children together, Aaaliya Modi and Richir Modi. Before Lalit Modi, Minal Modi was married to a Saudi Arabia-based businessman, Jack Sagrani.
“Just back in London after a whirling global tour #maldives #sardinia with the families – not to mention my #betterhalf @sushmitasen47 – a new beginning a new life finally. Over the moon” Mr. Modi tweeted yesterday.
Just back in london after a whirling global tour #maldives # sardinia with the families – not to mention my #betterhalf @sushmitasen47 – a new beginning a new life finally. Over the moon. 🥰😘😍😍🥰💕💞💖💘💓 pic.twitter.com/Vvks5afTfz
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) July 14, 2022
However, in a subsequent tweet, he said “Just for clarity. Not married – just dating each other. That too it will happen one day,”.
Just for clarity. Not married – just dating each other. That too it will happen one day. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Rx6ze6lrhE
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) July 14, 2022
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