IPL (Indian Premier League) is Lalit Modi’s brainchild. In a cricket crazy country like India, a doze of cricket with Bollywood is always going to be a big hit. IPL has unique business model with very high value for global sponsors and advertisers. ICL (Indian Cricket League) was also a similar concept, but what made IPL stand over erstwhile cricketing league ICL?
I would say it is Lalit Modi’s great vision, sheer brilliance, sound interpersonal skills and efficient administration. He took IPL from a startup cricket league to one of the best global sport’s league. IPL-1 was a great start. It drew attention from who’s and who’s of cricketing world. Lalit Modi, with his astute management skills, could bring IPL franchisee’s owners, top cricket players, state cricket boards, media, and big Bollywood stars onto the board in a relatively shorter span of time. Lalit Modi took personal attention of lot of things to ensure that smooth operations. The show was absolutely fabulous with lazer shows, cheerleaders, in-stadia extravaganzas, events and celebrations all over the country. The hype was such that it stopped Bollywood producers to release any movie during that time.
IPL went into its second season. The months were closing for second season’s inauguration. Mumbai terror attacks happened. Security concerns were raised over the whole tournament. India’s home ministry did not risk extending the security blanket for IPL-2. Foreign players showed their reluctance in participating during this time. The great success of season 1 raised the expectation bar of everybody. The pressure was on to hold commitments. Lalit Modi analyzed the situation and decided to move IPL-2 out of India. His decision astonished many people. But he was very clear about his work. He wanted cricket and not politics. He showed his thorough professionalism in handling this situation. He flew to South Africa and worked out a plan. He worked day and night to ensure that IPL-2 goes as per plan. Lalit Modi brilliantly re-negotiated few contracts and ensured that nothing falls apiece. He was instrumental in restoring people’s faith in his decision by his actions. Suddenly, there was great rush and IPL-2 was on in South Africa. In its second season itself, IPL managed to move out of India with a mass support from people all over the world.
Again, IPL-3 returned to India. Lalit Modi has worked out everything to perfection. This season is biggest of all. Lalit Modi has recently flown to US to check feasibility of similar such tournament. There is an expansion plan worked out for season-4 with 2 new teams. The initial bid process saw some poor response due to hard regulations. Lalit Modi quickly responded to the situation and re-worked things. The revised bid process is received phenomenally. The total valuation of 2 new franchisees outnumbered total valuation of existing franchisees. Big business houses, like Adani and Videocon could not manage to get a team. IPL-3 in on and has reached theatres and decks. The man is at work. Kudos, Mr Lalit Modi!
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