Lalit Modi, the Indian Premier League (IPL) founder and former chairman, has slammed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka after the latter was involved in an animated discussion with captain Rishabh Pant on Wednesday.
The seemingly tense exchange between Sanjiv Goenka and Rishabh Pant came in the aftermath of Lucknow Super Giants' six-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their opening match of the IPL 2026 season.
"1 game into the Tournament .. No need for this ..," former England captain Michael Vaughan commented on "X".
Lalit Modi's strong criticism of Sanjov Goenka
Lalit Modi reposted Vaughan's post and put out a strong message, slamming Sanjiv Goenka.
"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," Lalit Modi wrote.
"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," added the former commissioner of the IPL.
However, Lucknow Super Giants later cleared the air by posting a video of Rishabh Pant having a light-hearted chat with Sanjiv Goenka and a few other members of LSG. "Not everything you see is the true story, here’s the unfiltered post match vibes, when cameras don’t cut," LSG captioned their post.
Sanjiv Goenka is well-known for his tense exchanges with his players. Following a 10-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2024, Goenka was seen having a heated exchange with the then captain KL Rahul.
Lucknow Super Giants had failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs that season after they finished in seventh place with 14 points. LSG later released KL Rahul after the season, and the wicketkeeper-batter was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) at the IPL 2025 mega auction.
In December 2024, Goenka, however reiterated his stance with Rahul, saying that he is like a member of his family. "KL Rahul has always been family for me and he will remain that way. He captained Lucknow for three years and have shown great results during his tenure. I genuinely wish for his good, no matter what happens," Goenka had said on the TRS Podcast.
"Shareef insan hai (He is a good person)," said Goenka while talking about Rahul. "He is a very honest person and I wish that everything good happens to a honest person like him. He is also very talented and I wish he displays his talent to the world. I am very sure he will do well. My best wishes are with him," he had added.
Lucknow Super Giants will next be in action on Sunday, when they will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Hyderabad.