Mumbai: In a recent revelation, Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi shared an intriguing piece of cricketing history. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, now synonymous with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), initially had his sights set on owning the Mumbai Indians.
During an interview, Modi recounted his early discussions with Khan about joining the IPL. “Shah Rukh Khan was very keen on owning the Mumbai Indians,” Modi said. However, with Mukesh Ambani securing the Mumbai franchise, Khan had to look elsewhere. His subsequent choices included Delhi and Bangalore, but those too were snapped up by other bidders.
Ultimately, Khan, along with his close friends Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, acquired the Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite not getting his first choice, Khan’s involvement with KKR has been a resounding success. The team has won the IPL title twice and has become one of the most popular franchises in the league.
Modi also highlighted Khan’s significant impact on the IPL’s popularity. “Shah Rukh brought women and children into the game, which was crucial for the league’s viewership,” he noted. Khan’s star power helped fill stadiums and attract a broader audience, contributing to the IPL’s rapid growth.
As the IPL gears up for its 2025 season, this revelation adds an interesting chapter to the league’s storied history. It also underscores the pivotal role that celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan have played in making the IPL a global phenomenon.
