Former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has once again grabbed headlines with his latest remarks, this time targeting the England Cricket Board (ECB) and their ambitious plans to privatize The Hundred. According to reports, the ECB is planning to sell nearly 100% of the stakes in the eight teams of the franchise-based competition, aiming to generate substantial revenue through media rights. However, Lalit Modi has issued a stern warning to IPL team owners who are showing interest in buying these stakes, expressing his doubts about the profitability of such investments.
IPL Teams Eye The Hundred
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown exponentially since its inception, and several franchise owners are looking to expand their influence beyond India. Teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and others are reportedly keen on acquiring stakes in The Hundred. The English league, which has completed four seasons, features teams like Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, and Oval Invincibles, among others.
However, Lalit Modi, the visionary behind the IPL, remains skeptical of the ECB’s claims and financial forecasts.
ECB’s Big Revenue Projections
The ECB has made some eye-popping projections, expecting a significant surge in income from media rights deals between 2024 and 2028. The board estimates that by 2029, they could rake in up to £15 million (around Rs 160 crore) from the Indian market alone. Despite these optimistic predictions, Modi feels that these numbers may not materialize, especially in international markets. He believes the ECB might be misleading investors with overblown estimates.
“They’re Fooling People” – Lalit Modi’s Warning
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Modi bluntly criticized the ECB, stating, “They are fooling people with such forecasts. International rights have no real value, and without them, there is little chance for sponsorship growth.” Modi compared The Hundred to other international leagues such as South Africa’s SA20, Australia’s Big Bash League, and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), none of which, according to him, have succeeded in generating significant revenue from overseas markets.
Modi also highlighted the challenges faced by leagues in securing media rights deals outside their home countries, pointing out that even the IPL was distributed for free in international markets during its initial years.
Concerns About International Revenue
One of Modi’s key arguments is that international markets hold little value for leagues like The Hundred. Without meaningful revenue from media rights abroad, he believes the ECB’s plans may not deliver the desired results. He also questioned whether the investments being made by IPL team owners would bring the same returns as those they see with their IPL franchises.
The absence of Indian male players in The Hundred adds another layer of uncertainty for potential investors. Although Indian female players have participated in the league, the lack of big-name Indian male cricketers might limit the league’s appeal in India, one of the world’s biggest cricket markets.
Lalit Modi’s remarks have certainly raised concerns for those considering investing in The Hundred, and his critical views may spark more debate around the ECB’s plans to privatize the league.
