Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has strongly criticised Sanjiv Goenka following the latter’s intense on-field discussion with Rishabh Pant and head coach Justin Langer after Lucknow Super Giants’s 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. Reacting to a post by Michael Vaughan, Modi lashed out at Goenka, criticising his approach and involvement in team matters in such a public manner.
LSG suffered a six-wicket loss in the match, 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 disapproval of the owner’s visible frustration and the manner in which the conversation unfolded.
“I told you this guy @DrSanjivGoenka owner of @LucknowIPL is a complete looser and joker of the highest order – i am seriously embarrassed with his behaviour. I created the @IPL for fans and players alike. Not for this to happen every time every year. If I was still Chairman and commissioner I would have BANNED him immediately and made him forfeit his ownership of the team for ever. He is a complete pompous clown. There is a clause in the franchise agreement for this exact issue. #bcci implement it – keep integrity above all – sucking up to powers that be is not the way to allow him to get away. Fans and players alike will remember,” wrote Lalit on X.
I told you this guy @DrSanjivGoenka owner of @LucknowIPL is a complete looser and joker of the highest order – i am seriously embarrassed with his behaviour. I created the @IPL for fans and players alike. Not for this to happen every time every year. If I was still Chairman and… https://t.co/5mHzg8RAY1
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) April 2, 2026
IPL 2026: Pietersen questions Pant’s batting position
The controversy surrounding Goenka is not new, as a similar incident occurred during the IPL 2024 season. Following a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Goenka was seen publicly confronting then captain KL Rahul, which drew widespread criticism. Following that season, Rahul parted ways with the franchise ahead of the next edition and was later picked up by the Delhi Capitals in the mega auction.
Minutes after Lalit’s tweet, the official social media handle of LSG released a clarification video with the caption, ‘Not everything you see is the true story, here’s the unfiltered post-match vibes, when cameras don’t cut’.
Not everything you see is the true story, here’s the unfiltered post match vibes, when cameras don’t cut. pic.twitter.com/EiPMWrmlkQ
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 2, 2026
