Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has strongly criticized Sanjiv Goenka after an intense on-field discussion with him. Rishabh Pant And head coach Justin Langer after Lucknow Super Giants' defeat to Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
The incident, which took place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread debate. Responding to a post by Michael Vaughan, Modi attacked Goenka and publicly criticized his approach and involvement in team matters.
LSG lost the match by six wickets, but Vaughan suggested that such discussions were not unusual, especially early in the tournament when teams are still finding their rhythm. However, Modi took a different stance, expressing the owner's obvious disappointment and disapproval over the manner of negotiations.
“I told you this guy @DrSanjivGoenka the owner of @LucknowIPL is a complete loser and a joker of the highest order – I am seriously embarrassed by his behavior. I made @IPL for the fans and the players. Not for this to happen every year. If I was still chairman and commissioner I would have banned him immediately and confiscated the ownership of the team forever. He is a complete pompous joker. This There is a clause in the franchise agreement for the exact issue. #BCCI enforce it – keep integrity paramount – sucking up to the powers that be is not the way to allow it to get away, fans and players alike will remember that,” Lalit wrote on Twitter.
i told you this guy @DrSanjivGoenka owner of @LucknowIPL He is a complete loser and a clown of the highest order – I am seriously embarrassed by his behavior. i made @IPL For fans and players alike. This should not happen every year, every time. If I were still president and… https://t.co/5mHzg8RAY1
– Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) 2 April 2026
The controversy surrounding Goenka is not new, a similar incident had also happened during the IPL 2024 season. After the heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Goenka was seen publicly clashing with then captain KL Rahul, which was widely criticized. After that season, Rahul parted ways with the franchise ahead of the next edition and was later bought by Delhi Capitals in the mega auction.
Minutes after Lalit's tweet, LSG's official social media handle released a clarification video with the caption, 'Whatever you are seeing is not the true story, here are the unfiltered vibes from the post-match, when the cameras don't cut.'
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