Lalit Modi, Fans Criticise Karnataka Leaders Over IPL 2026 Ticket Row

March 28, 2026: Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi and industrialist Harsh Goenka have strongly criticised Karnataka MLAs for seeking free IPL tickets under a VIP quota. Both said that fans are the real reason behind the success of the Indian Premier League, not elected representatives.

“This is absolutely complete nonsense. Why should they be privileged? It is the fans who made the IPL, not the elected representatives. Yet they want it as their birth right,” Lalit Modi wrote on social media.

The controversy has continued even after tickets were given to MLAs, with the quick arrangement drawing sharp criticism from the public and several prominent voices. The situation became more heated after Karnataka Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader suggested that MLAs should receive four free tickets each to watch matches from VIP galleries.

Both Lalit Modi and Harsh Goenka criticised this demand and also questioned the role of the Karnataka State Cricket Association in allowing such privileges.

This is absolutely complete nonsense. Why should they be privileged. It’s the fan who made the @IPL not the elected representatives. Yet they want it as their birth right. In as Asian country recently a minister was sacked for taking two free tickets from the promoter for an… https://t.co/U6kdkCvlmP

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) March 27, 2026

How did the controversy start?

The issue began when Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar raised concerns about the treatment of legislators during matches. He said MLAs were made to stand in general queues and were later directed to a common gallery. He also alleged that the KSCA did not provide complimentary tickets to MLAs, ministers, or their families.

The remarks triggered strong reactions online. Harsh Goenka pointed out that the public, who vote for these leaders and support the system, are now being ignored. He suggested that equality should not end where privilege begins.

Lalit Modi also reinforced his stance, stating that fans—not politicians—built the IPL. He further cited an international example, noting that a minister in another Asian country was removed for accepting just two free tickets without declaring them.

In response to the growing controversy, the Karnataka government decided to provide two complimentary tickets to each MLA for the opening match. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar explained the decision, saying, “Four tickets can’t be given. So, every MLA, MP and Minister used to get one seat each. Now, we have requested them to give two tickets if the family members go. For tomorrow’s first match, they will get two tickets. For the next match, we will discuss later.”

The decision followed a meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his deputy, and former India cricketer and KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad.

The move has also sparked a political debate. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the decision, calling it an example of “VIP culture.” Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra said, “We legislators are not bigger or different from the common man. We should not be asking for special privileges. I am opposed to this idea of legislators asking for IPL tickets.”

Fans react as row grows

Fans have also strongly reacted to the issue. Many took to social media to express their anger, saying it is unfair that MLAs receive free tickets while common fans struggle to buy them.

Several users criticised what they described as “VIP culture,” while others said that cricket belongs to the fans, not politicians. Many also called for equal access and greater transparency in ticket distribution.