Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story about the early days of the Indian Premier League, revealing that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was initially hesitant about purchasing the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. The revelation offers fans a rare glimpse into how one of the IPL’s most iconic teams came into existence.
Speaking about the inaugural IPL franchise auction, Lalit Modi recalled that Shah Rukh Khan was not immediately convinced about investing in a cricket team. At the time, the IPL was a completely new concept, and many potential investors were unsure about its future success. According to Lalit, convincing celebrities and business leaders to spend millions on an untested league was a major challenge.
However, after several discussions and presentations about the league’s long-term vision, Shah Rukh eventually decided to move forward with the purchase. The actor, along with his partners, acquired the Kolkata franchise, which was later named Kolkata Knight Riders. Over the years, KKR has become one of the most valuable and popular teams in the tournament, with a massive fan following across India and around the world.
Lalit Modi credited Shah Rukh Khan for bringing star power and entertainment value to the IPL during its formative years. The Bollywood icon’s involvement helped attract sponsors, broadcasters, and audiences, contributing significantly to the league’s rapid growth. Today, the IPL is regarded as one of the richest and most-watched cricket leagues globally.
The revelation has sparked fresh interest among cricket fans, many of whom were surprised to learn that Shah Rukh Khan had reservations before joining the IPL project. Looking back, the decision proved to be a landmark moment not only for KKR but also for the league itself.
Nearly two decades later, Kolkata Knight Riders remains one of the IPL’s most recognizable franchises, while Shah Rukh Khan continues to be one of its most passionate supporters and public faces.
