Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi recently threw light on the genesis of the lucrative league and the important role played by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Modi revealed that KKR was not King Khan’s initial choice for an IPL team, as he had initially expressed interest in acquiring a stake in Mumbai Indians. However, due to circumstances she had to buy KKR along with her close friend Juhi Chawla for a reported sum of Rs 570 crore. For your information, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their third IPL title earlier this year. Kolkata Knight Riders squad for IPL 2025: Anrich Nortje bought by KKR for Rs 6.5 crore in Indian Premier League auction,

Shahrukh’s first choice was not KKR but Mumbai Indians.

Lalit Modi said that Shahrukh wanted to buy MI for IPL, but later he chose KKR. “His first choice was Mumbai, but Mukesh Ambani took him. Kolkata was his last choice. But Shah Rukh’s real contribution was in making cricket entertaining. He brought women and children to the stadiums, which was crucial for the success of the IPL. That’s why we added music, cheerleaders, and a festival-like atmosphere — they turned it into an event for everyone,” Lalit Modi said during Raj Shamani’s podcast. IPL 2025 Mega Auction Day 1: Juhi Chawla’s daughter Jhanvi Mehta bids for KKR; Check out her viral pictures!

Watch Lalit Modi’s full interview below:

Lalit Modi called Shahrukh the ‘pillar’ of IPL

Lalit Modi praised Shahrukh Khan as the pillar of IPL. He credited Khan for making cricket more accessible to a global audience, especially women and children. “Bollywood and cricket sell in this country. I have always been into glamour. Shah Rukh Khan went to school with me; we are school friends. When I approached him for cricket, I myself didn’t know much about it, But I told them, ‘I just want you to be a part of it.’ He was the number one pillar for the IPL,” he said.

“In the first year, we had to beg or pay celebrities to come. By year two, they had come into their own. After seeing Shahrukh, everyone wanted it – Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, you name it. Shahrukh’s presence made IPL more than just cricket; It became a cultural movement,” concluded Lalit Modi.

For those unfamiliar, the IPL 2025 mega auction began on November 24 in Jeddah, with the second day scheduled for November 25. Teams are allowed to retain a maximum of six players or use a Right to Match (RTM) card for one player. This auction will play an important role in shaping the teams for the upcoming season.