MUMBAI:  In a recent interview on the eve of the IPL mega auction, Lalit Modi, the former commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL), lauded Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his pivotal role in the league's success.

Modi, who played a crucial role in the inception of the IPL, credited Shah Rukh Khan with expanding the tournament's appeal to a broader audience, including women and children, and claimed that Khan was the "Pillar of IPL". Before the IPL began in 2008, Shah Rukh Khan along with his close friend Juhi Chawla, bought KKR for reportedly Rs 570 crore.

During the interview, Modi revealed that Shah Rukh Khan was not initially interested in owning the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His first choice was to buy the Mumbai Indians, but due to financial constraints and Mukesh Ambani's successful bid, Khan eventually acquired KKR. Despite this, Shah Rukh Khan's involvement turned out to be a game-changer for the IPL.

Modi emphasized that Shah Rukh Khan's star power and charisma brought a new dimension to the league, making it more than just a cricket tournament. "Shah Rukh was a pillar of IPL because it has to do with viewership," Modi stated. He highlighted how Khan's presence attracted celebrities and fans alike, transforming the IPL into a cultural phenomenon.

The former IPL commissioner also shared anecdotes from the early days of the league, recalling how Shah Rukh Khan's involvement helped bring in other celebrities and boosted the tournament's popularity. "In year one, we had to pay celebrities to come and attend. In year two, they came on their own. In year three, they wanted us to invite them to the game because everybody wanted to become a part of the game," Modi recounted.

Shah Rukh Khan's contribution to the IPL has been significant, with KKR emerging as one of the most successful and profitable franchises in the league. The team's success, coupled with Khan's relentless promotion and engagement, has cemented his status as a key figure in the IPL's journey. As the IPL mega auction approaches, Modi's interview serves as a reminder of the crucial role that Shah Rukh Khan and other celebrities have played in making the IPL a global sporting spectacle.