Former Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Lalit Modi has claimed that media magnate Rupert Murdoch became his second-biggest enemy after the cancellation of the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Background of the Controversy
Speaking to ANI in London, Modi recalled the difficult circumstances after the November 26, 2008, terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The attacks forced the cancellation of the inaugural CLT20, which was scheduled to take place in December that year. Modi stated, "Rupert Murdoch became my second-biggest enemy. Because I sold my Champions League (CLT20) rights to Rupert Murdoch, and that story has already been said."
Contractual Obligations
The CLT20 was originally set for December 3 to 10, 2008, but was first postponed and later cancelled after organizers could not find a suitable window. It eventually debuted in September 2009. Modi claimed that despite the cancellation, broadcasters were contractually bound to honor their commitments. "I cancelled Champions League (2008). They lost a few hundred million dollars. But they still had to pay us, because the minute the team touches down, the contract is live. So the contract becomes viable. Rupert tried to make me cancel the contract even when I left. And paid me hundreds of millions of dollars to cancel the contract. I could have taken that money, and I did. But I made another enemy," he said.
Modi's Adversaries and Legacy
Reflecting on his tenure, Modi noted that powerful adversaries made it impossible for him to continue fighting. "I had multiple strong enemies against me, and when you have such strong enemies against you, you can't fight it. So you just sit back and just let it go," he added.
Murdoch's Role in CLT20
Murdoch's media empire, through ESPN STAR Sports, had secured the global commercial, marketing, and broadcasting rights for the CLT20 under a long-term deal. The tournament was envisioned as cricket's equivalent of football's UEFA Champions League, bringing together top domestic T20 franchises globally. Despite significant financial backing, it struggled to sustain viewership outside India and was discontinued by the BCCI in 2015.
Modi's Current Status
Lalit Modi is currently serving a lifetime ban imposed by the BCCI after being found guilty of misconduct, indiscipline, and financial irregularities following investigations into the early years of the IPL.
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