Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League, commended Jay Shah, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council, for the exceptional viewership of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Modi highlighted India’s significant impact on global cricket, applauding Shah for surpassing 500 million viewers in India. He expressed confidence in Shah’s leadership, emphasizing the growth potential of cricket worldwide despite challenges from other cricket-playing nations.
Modi also raised concerns about the escalating pressure on the international cricket calendar due to the emergence of franchise leagues like IPL, CPL, and others. He predicted a potential strain on traditional international games and advocated for a reevaluation of the relevance of one-day cricket. Modi suggested that eliminating the 50-over format could benefit players by reducing their busy schedules and allowing more time for rest and recovery.
Discussing cricket’s Olympic prospects, Modi praised the ICC’s efforts to globalize the sport by aiming for inclusion in the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles. He highlighted the opportunity to introduce cricket to new audiences and younger generations through this platform. Modi called for a critical examination of the one-day format’s relevance, emphasizing the need for the ICC to adapt to the evolving landscape of cricket and address the challenges faced by players in balancing international and domestic commitments.
