IPL 2026: Lalit Modi Explains How BCCI Is Losing ₹2400 Crore Annually

Lalit Modi has sparked a fresh debate around the structure and commercial potential of the Indian Premier League, criticising the Board of Control for Cricket in India for what he claims is a massive annual revenue loss of nearly ₹2400 crore.

The former IPL chairman believes that the league's current format is preventing it from fully capitalising on its financial strength despite its status as the world's most valuable T20 competition.

The Core Issue: Limited Match Format

At the heart of Modi's argument lies the IPL's scheduling model. Since the expansion to 10 teams, the tournament has been limited to a 74-match format, primarily due to calendar constraints. However, Modi points out that the original commercial blueprint of the IPL was built around a full home-and-away system, where each team plays every other team twice. Such a structure would increase the total number of matches to 94, adding 20 more games to the season.

Modi in an interview with Sportstar claimed these missing matches translate directly into lost revenue. He estimates that each IPL game generates around ₹118 crore in media rights value. With 20 additional matches, the league could potentially earn an extra ₹2400 crore per season.

Impact on Franchises and Fan Engagement

This, he argued, is not just a theoretical figure but a significant financial opportunity being overlooked. Under the IPL's revenue-sharing model, half of this amount would go to the BCCI, while the remaining half would be distributed among the franchises. This means each team could gain approximately ₹120 crore more annually, significantly boosting their financial position and overall valuation.

Expansion Without Structural Alignment

Modi has also questioned the decision to expand the league without adapting the format to maintain its original commercial promise. In his view, if the cricket calendar cannot accommodate a full home-and-away season, increasing the number of teams only dilutes the structure and reduces potential earnings.

He insisted that the value of the IPL lies not just in broadcasting rights but also in the localised engagement that home matches bring, including ticket sales, sponsorship activations, and fan connection.

No Threat to IPL, But Concerns Beyond

Despite his criticism, Modi remains confident about the IPL's global dominance, stating that no other T20 league poses a real threat to its stature. However, he used the opportunity to make broader observations about the future of cricket, suggesting that the sport should move away from One-Day Internationals and focus on T20s and day-night Test cricket formats.

His remarks have reignited discussions around the balance between scheduling practicality and revenue maximisation. While logistical challenges such as player workload, international commitments, and travel remain key considerations, Modi's comments underline the financial trade-offs of the current system.

As the IPL continues to grow as a global sporting powerhouse, the question raised by Lalit Modi is whether the league is truly operating at its full commercial potential, or if structural limitations are holding it back from reaching even greater heights.