Lalit Modi Claims Shah Rukh Khan Initially Hesitated to Buy KKR

Lalit Modi, the former IPL chairman, has claimed that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan initially hesitated to purchase the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise during the early days of the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to Modi, the hesitation stemmed from financial concerns, with Shah Rukh reportedly expressing that Rs 20 crore was a significant portion of his savings at the time.

The revelation was made during a discussion where Modi reflected on the challenges of establishing the IPL and attracting high-profile investors. He stated that convincing celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan to invest in the league was not straightforward, as the financial stakes were considerable. Despite the initial hesitation, Shah Rukh eventually became a co-owner of KKR, a franchise that has since become one of the most recognized teams in the IPL.

Modi's comments shed light on the early hurdles faced by the IPL in securing investments from prominent figures. The league, which has grown into a massive sporting and commercial success, had to overcome skepticism from potential stakeholders during its inception.

This statement adds to the narrative of how the IPL evolved into a global phenomenon, with franchises like KKR playing a pivotal role in its success.