In a recent podcast released by Sportstak, the former IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi made big claims regarding the losses made by the BCCI. Modi has claimed that the IPL is losing nearly ₹2,400 crore in potential revenue every year because the BCCI is not following a full home-and-away format. He argues that the current 74-match schedule, instead of the 94-match "double round-robin" format originally intended for a 10-team league, is a breach of contractual obligations to the franchises.
Modi highlighted that the reduction in matches significantly limits the commercial potential for both the board and the teams. He calculates that an extra 20 matches would generate approximately ₹2,400 crore in additional media rights revenue alone, based on a value of ₹118 crore per game. Since revenue is split 50-50 between the BCCI and the teams, each franchise is allegedly missing out on about ₹120 crore annually.
He stated that these "lost" matches directly suppress franchise valuations, which could be much higher if the original model were followed. According to Modi, the IPL currently plays only 74 matches, meaning it is missing 20 potential games every season."If there is no space in the calendar, do not increase the number of teams. It is as simple as that. That is not what we sold", the former Commissioner said on the podcast.
Lalit Modi opens up on management issues and future of IPL
Modi has been vocal about several other "losses" and management issues in 2026. He earlier slammed the current stadium infrastructure as "third-rate," calling for several venues to be demolished and rebuilt to modern standards to fix the declining fan experience. Modi recently also lashed out at the LSG owner, Sanjiv Goenka, for bringing disrepute to IPL and urged for his ban.
Despite his criticisms of current management, Modi remains highly optimistic about the league's future, he predicted that individual team valuations will reach $5 billion within five years and eventually hit $10 billion (comparable to NBA teams) as the market shifts toward subscription-based streaming models.
He remains firm on his stance that the IPL is the only major sports property in the world with consistently growing viewership numbers.
