‘Lalit Modi pioneered T20 leagues in 1997-98’ – Saba Karim reveals IPL origins ahead of 19th edition

Lalit Modi (Source -Twitter/X)

Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim revealed that Lalit Modi pioneered the T20 franchise concept more than a decade before the IPL began. Karim said that Lalit first came up with the idea in 1997-98, at a time when the T20 format had not yet entered the world of cricket.

Back then, cricket only featured ODIs and Tests, but Lalit aimed to introduce a stronger, more exciting format much earlier. Karim added that Lalit had even planned to create a team for Bengal by selecting players from various regions and submitted the proposal to the BCCI, though the idea never materialized.

“Many people don’t know that Mr. Lalit Modi came up with the T20 franchise cricket concept in 1997-98. Long before the IPL actually started, he submitted a proposal to the BCCI suggesting the creation of a league like it. There was no concept of T20s back then, it was ODIs primarily,” said Karim in The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan.

“We were going to make a team for Bengal. We had even signed a contract with them. It was decided that there would be 2-3 players from outside in each team. It was not materialized due to various reasons. But it was in our minds that we should have a league like this,” he added.

This early vision laid the groundwork for the IPL’s explosive launch a decade later. In 2008, the IPL began with eight teams competing for glory in a double round-robin format, showcasing Modi’s blueprint of high-octane cricket, including big hitting, fiery bowling spells, and vibrant celebrations across India.

The IPL has now completed 18 editions, and the 19th edition is set to begin on March 28 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) remain the most successful franchises with five titles each, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have won three. After a 17-year wait, RCB clinched the trophy in 2025.