New Delhi, September 1: Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has emphasized the need for stringent oversight of state-run T20 leagues in India. While he views the growth of these leagues as a positive development for Indian cricket, he warns that state cricket associations must be vigilant to prevent potential corruption.
The rise of state T20 leagues has provided a platform for a new generation of cricketers. Many players are seizing opportunities and attracting the attention of state associations and IPL franchises. Modi praised the potential of these leagues to pave the way for players, but he stressed the importance of careful monitoring.
In a recent statement, he said, “I believe state leagues are a positive for Indian cricket. With the growth of the IPL ecosystem, this was bound to happen. If structured properly, these leagues can offer a fantastic pathway for young and overlooked talents to perform under pressure, gain visibility, and potentially reach IPL and higher levels.”
He added, “However, with the rapid growth of these leagues comes a serious responsibility. They must be run professionally and closely monitored by the respective state associations with strong independent governance. My primary concern will always be integrity.”
Modi reiterated the necessity of monitoring these leagues, highlighting the risks of exposure to corrupt practices. He stated, “If proper safeguards are not implemented from day one, smaller leagues could become particularly vulnerable to bookmakers, match-fixing, spot-fixing, player manipulation, conflicts of interest, dubious ownership, or financial interests, and other corrupt practices.”
He further emphasized that every league should have robust anti-corruption protocols, player education, strict access controls for players and dressing rooms, thorough vetting of owners and officials, transparent contracts and payments, independent audits, and active monitoring of suspicious betting patterns.
Modi also stressed the need for oversight of state cricket associations, as they must maintain transparency and integrity to sustain the leagues. He pointed out that the governance of state associations is crucial. You cannot expect a league to operate cleanly, transparently, and professionally if the supervising body faces serious governance issues.
He cited the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) as an example, where allegations and controversies regarding governance, transparency, and powerful administrators have frequently surfaced. Rajeev Shukla has been a prominent figure associated with UPCA and Indian cricket administration. Such issues should be independently investigated and addressed transparently rather than left unresolved.
Modi insisted that cricket administration within state associations should not be concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. He remarked, “Therefore, the lesson should be clear for every state association. Do not allow cricket administration to become a private club controlled by a handful of people.”
He highlighted the importance of regulatory oversight, disclosure of conflicts of interest, scrutiny of franchise ownership and funding, independent audits of finances, and holding administrators accountable for their decisions.
While the growth of T20 cricket has been a boon for Indian cricket, Modi cautioned that rapid expansion without governance could quickly become a liability. The leagues, associations, and the entire Indian cricket landscape showcase opportunities for young talents. Many players are making their mark in local leagues.
He concluded, “The IPL has demonstrated the immense value that can be created when opportunity, talent, and commercialization converge. The next generation of leagues must ensure that integrity grows as swiftly as financial gains. Preserving the integrity of the game must come first.”
Modi also took to Instagram to express, “I created the IPL so that it would never need me. Nearly two decades later, it continues to break records. This is not about success, but about building an institution.”
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