Over time, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has turn out to be one of many greatest pillars behind the success of the Indian Premier League. His backing has helped Kolkata Knight Riders notch up three IPL titles, turning into the third-most profitable franchise within the league. Most of the time, SRK can be noticed within the stands, cheering for his staff, when the gamers get into motion in the course of the course of the season. Shah Rukh’s backing of gamers like Rinku Singh has additionally been hailed by many. However, it has been claimed by former IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi that KKR wasn’t his first selection franchise to purchase.
Shah Rukh Khan has been a loyal servant of the league, utilizing his personal presence throughout the globe to assist the T20 cricketing spectacle develop. Sharing an attention-grabbing story, Lalit Modi revealed how he first reached out to SRK to spend money on IPL.
“Bollywood and cricket promote on this nation. I’ve at all times been part of the glamor. Shah Rukh Khan went to high school with me; we’re college pals. Once I approached him for cricket, I did not know a lot about it myself, however I advised him, ‘I simply need you to be part of it.’ He was the primary pillar for the IPL,” Lalit Modi was quoted as saying by Filmfare.
Lalit Modi revealed that SRK had no concept about cricket, but he bid for a staff. Nonetheless, his first-choice wasn’t KKR however Mumbai Indians, the franchise that finally went to the Ambanis.
“Shah Rukh Khan bid for a staff, although he did not know something about cricket,” added Lalit Modi.
“His first selection was Mumbai, however Mukesh Ambani took that. Kolkata was his eventual decide. However Shah Rukh’s actual contribution was in making cricket entertaining. He introduced ladies and kids into the stadiums, which was vital for IPL’s success. That is why we had music, cheerleaders, and a festival-like environment that turned it into an occasion for everybody,” mentioned Lalit Modi.
Lalit Modi additionally revealed that many different Bollywood celebrities wished to be part of IPL after seeing Shah Rukh make investments right into a franchise.
“In 12 months one, we needed to beg or pay celebrities to come back. By 12 months two, they got here on their very own. After seeing Shah Rukh, everybody wished in – Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, you identify it. Shah Rukh’s presence turned the IPL into extra than simply cricket; it grew to become a cultural motion,” he added.
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