Lalit Modi Reflects on the 2007 T20 World Cup and Its Impact on Indian Cricket

In a recent interview, Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, shared his experiences trying to convince senior Indian cricketers to participate in the 2007 T20 World Cup. Despite their reluctance, the young team led by MS Dhoni went on to win the tournament, marking a pivotal moment in cricket history. Modi reflects on how perceptions of T20 cricket have evolved since then, highlighting the format's rise to prominence and its impact on the sport globally. Discover more about this fascinating journey and the changing landscape of cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 15:23 IST

A Bold Move in Cricket History

Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared insights about persuading prominent Indian cricketers, such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, to participate in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup. This tournament marked a significant turning point in the evolution of cricket worldwide.

Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India was one of the twelve teams competing in this first edition of the T20 World Cup, ultimately clinching victory against Pakistan in the final. Notably, the Indian squad entered the tournament without cricketing legends like Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Dravid, which surprised many fans.

The State of Indian Cricket in 2007

Following a disappointing exit in the 2007 ODI World Cup, Indian cricket faced intense scrutiny. Many senior players viewed the T20 format as less significant compared to traditional formats, leading to a lack of interest in the tournament.

Modi's Plea to the Legends

In a recent interview on a podcast, Lalit Modi recounted his attempts to convince the Indian team during their 2007 tour in England to join the T20 World Cup in South Africa. However, he encountered skepticism from senior players who dismissed his requests.

"I approached every player in the dressing room during the England tour in 2007, pleading, 'Please, I beg you to play the T20.' They responded with disbelief, questioning the legitimacy of the format," Modi recalled.

The Decision to Skip the Tournament

Ultimately, legends like Tendulkar, Ganguly, and Dravid chose to forgo the tournament, citing fatigue and a lack of enthusiasm for the new format. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to send a relatively inexperienced team led by MS Dhoni, which went on to achieve a historic victory, surprising many and igniting the T20 revolution.

Reflections on Changing Perspectives

Modi reflected on how perceptions have shifted over the years regarding team selection. He noted that sending a 'B' team to a World Cup would be unthinkable today. He questioned whether the public or the board would accept such a decision now, highlighting the evolution of cricket's status.

"Back then, the BCCI sent a second-string team to the T20 World Cup. Would that be acceptable today?" he pondered.

The Evolution of T20 Cricket

Lalit Modi played a crucial role in the rise of T20 cricket in India through the establishment of the IPL, which has become the most lucrative T20 league globally. He emphasized that initially, there was little belief in the format's potential in India, but its popularity has since transformed it into a commercial powerhouse.

"If there are no viewers, there are no advertising dollars. Today, anything that attracts attention will draw financial support from advertisers," Modi stated.

A Global Phenomenon

The success of T20 cricket in India, particularly after the 2007 World Cup win and the launch of the IPL, has turned the format into a global sensation. Numerous T20 leagues worldwide, such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Big Bash League (BBL), have emerged, further solidifying T20 cricket's status as a dominant force in the sport.