Lalit Modi Criticizes Karnataka Assembly's IPL Ticket Decision
Controversy Over IPL Tickets for MLAs
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi expressed his discontent regarding a recent ruling by Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader, which mandates that each MLA receive four VIP tickets for IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This decision followed complaints from various party members who stated that they were only given one VIP ticket and directed to the general seating area. Congress MLA Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa highlighted that MLAs were compelled to queue for tickets, despite their entitlement to passes. He alleged that tickets were being sold through unauthorized channels, with a ₹5,000 ticket being resold for as much as ₹35,000. “An IPL match is scheduled for March 28, yet the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has not issued tickets to MLAs, ministers, or their families. We shouldn’t have to wait in line like the general public. Previously, we were made to queue and then redirected to a common gallery,” he stated.
Shivashankarappa further criticized the situation, saying, “They are utilizing all government resources, including security, but are failing to honor elected officials. Tickets are being sold through online platforms and middlemen,” he claimed, emphasizing the disparity in treatment.
Lalit Modi's Strong Reaction
Lalit Modi Fumes At 'Nonsense' Decision
The ruling has sparked outrage among many, who argue that while ordinary citizens stand in line to vote for their leaders, these leaders should also be willing to wait for IPL tickets. In response to a tweet from Harsh Goenka, Modi labeled the decision as absurd, asserting that it is the fans who have built the IPL, not the elected officials. “This is absolutely complete nonsense. Why should they be privileged? It’s the fan who made the @IPL, not the elected representatives. Yet they want it as their birthright,” Modi expressed on social media.
This is absolutely complete nonsense. Why should they be privileged. It’s the fan who made the @IPL not the elected representatives. Yet they want it as their birth right. In an Asian country recently a minister was sacked for taking two free tickets from the promoter for an… https://t.co/U6kdkCvlmP
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) March 27, 2026
IPL 2026 Kicks Off
Wait Over For IPL 2026
As the IPL 2026 season commences today at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are set to face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a departure from tradition, the BCCI has opted to forgo the opening ceremony this year to honor the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred last year outside the stadium.