IPL 2026: Lalit Modi Critiques Current Format Amid Rising Valuations

As the IPL enters its 19th season, Lalit Modi expresses concerns over the current format, which he believes undermines the league's potential revenue. With the recent valuation of teams soaring, Modi argues that the original plan of 94 matches is crucial for maximizing media rights income. He warns against expanding the number of teams if the schedule cannot support the desired match count, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the home-and-away structure for the league's financial health.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 7, 2026, 13:48 IST

IPL's Growing Valuation and Format Concerns

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is currently in its 19th season, showcasing an intense competition among 10 teams over 74 matches spanning more than two months. This league has emerged as one of the most lucrative sports leagues globally, with the recent sale of Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) valued at over Rs 31,000 crore. However, Lalit Modi, the former chairman and architect of the IPL, has raised concerns, stating that the league incurs losses of approximately Rs 2,400 crore each season.

In an interview with Sportstar, Modi voiced his dissatisfaction with the current home-and-away format introduced in 2023, which limits the number of matches played. Each team competes in 14 games, facing five teams twice and the remaining four teams once. Modi highlighted that the initial plan was to have 94 matches, allowing each team to play against every other team twice. He argued that adhering to this format would have significantly increased media rights revenue by Rs 2,400 crore, translating to Rs 118 crore per match.

"If we had 94 matches under a home-and-away system at Rs 118 crore per game, the media rights would have generated an additional Rs 2,400 crore, benefiting the BCCI immensely," Modi elaborated. He noted that this would have resulted in Rs 1,200 crore distributed among the 10 teams, enhancing their overall valuations.

'Avoid Expanding Team Numbers'

Modi emphasized that the true worth of IPL 2026 hinges on the home-and-away structure. He cautioned against increasing the number of teams if the schedule cannot accommodate 94 matches. "The value lies in the home-and-away format. If the calendar is tight, do not expand the teams. This is not what was originally agreed upon. I doubt everyone has consented to this change," Modi stated. He questioned the rationale behind not implementing the home-and-away format, asserting that it is a contractual obligation and a commercial necessity for the teams.