“Broke every rule in the book”- Lalit Modi reveals how he took on Sony Network to ensure all eyes were on the first IPL match

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi revealed that he broke every rule in the broadcasting book to ensure that the very first match of the IPL in 2008 got all the attention and all eyes.

Advertisment

Kolkata Knight Riders took on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first-ever IPL encounter in Bengaluru, and the match proved to be a trailblazer for the things to come in the league. Brendon McCullum set the stage on fire with 158*, the then highest score not only in the IPL but in all T20s.

He hammered 13 sixes and 10 fours in his 73-ball knock and got the audience hooked on the amalgamation of cricket with entertainment.

“If the first game had flopped, I was dead”—Lalit Modi on threats of a case by Sony Network

According to former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, he violated broadcasting regulations during the 2008 tournament's first game.

Modi stated that he chose to override Sony Network's exclusive airing rights because he was concerned about their current reach. Rather, he directed news outlets and other broadcasters to simultaneously stream the match live.

"Everything, everything was dependent on that one game. I broke every rule in the book that day. I signed the contract, an exclusive contract with Sony, but Sony didn't have the reach. I said, "Open the signal." Now it was available everywhere, right? And I told all the broadcasters who lost out, All of you, all news channels, go live," Lalit told Michael Clarke during a recent podcast.

Advertisment

"Sony said, 'I'll sue you.' I said, 'Sue me later, forget about it?' Ok, we are going live now because you don't have the reach. I needed everybody to watch the first game. If the first game had flopped, I would have been dead," he added.

Lalit Modi was expelled from the BCCI in 2010 and the IPL for unfair practices after the Kochi franchise complained to the BCCI of Modi threatening them to give up the franchise. He was suspended on 22 charges, and Modi moved to London, where he has lived since then.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!