Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi went on a rampage against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and called him some choicest words and urged him to be banned from the Indian Premier League, after seeing a viral video of his behavior with LSG captain Rishabh Pant post a loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2026 on April 1 in Lucknow.
The outcome set off a moment that swiftly went viral, with cameras catching a lively conversation between captain Rishabh Pant and team owner Sanjiv Goenka. Goenka had also been criticized for a similar on-field encounter with former captain KL Rahul, so this was nothing new to him.
The event has rekindled the discussion over leadership dynamics and franchise owners' increasing engagement in on-field issues.
England ex-captain Michael Vaughan quoted the video of the intense chat between Goenka and Pant and shared his thoughts. However, Lalit Modi quoted Vaughan on X and shared some stinging critiques of Sanjiv Goenka.
“told you this guy @DrSanjivGoenka, owner of @LucknowIPL is a complete loser and joker of the highest order - I am seriously embarrassed with his behaviour. I created the @IPL for fans and players alike. Not for this to happen every time every year. If I was still Chairman and commissioner I would have BANNED him immediately and made him forfeit his ownership of the team for ever. He is a complete pompous clown. There is a clause in the franchise agreement for this exact issue. #bcci implement it - keep integrity above all - sucking up to powers that be is not the way to allow him to get away. Fans and players alike will remember,” Modi posted on X.
“A material breach committed by @DrSanjivGoenka which cannot be undone. Only way out he is banned from cricket globally and franchise taken away from him. @LucknowIPL,” Modi added further.
Lalit Modi then took it out on Sanjiv Goenka, after the latter posted an encouraging message for the LSG team after defeat to DC.
“I agree on one thing I agree with ONE STATEMENT YOU BOLDLY MAKE - The last sentence. You materially and consistently and concisely bring @IPL into disrepute. You will be banned. For your sake resign. And stay out of the stadium. As you are poison to the game it’s integrity and its ecosystem its fans and importantly the PLAYERS. You are toxic. Stay in your factories. You are my brother in law. But Game comes first. Not you,” Modi stated.
