Today, the IPL has become one of the greatest sporting phenomena of the world. With electrifying cricket, filled-with-energy stadiums, glamorous auctions, and billion-dollar sponsorships, IPL is not just a festival; it is a brand, an entertainment empire. Behind its glimmering success is one name often mentioned as the "Godfather of IPL"-Lalit Modi.

Who then is the Godfather of IPL, and what makes Lalit Modi worthy of the appellation? Let us consider his vision, role, controversies, and lasting impact upon Indian cricket.

The Man Behind the Idea

The first years of the millennium brought out a very traditional attitude toward cricket in India. While One Day International (ODIs) and Test matches ruled the roost, there was also a growing global interest in the shorter format-Twenty20. Modi, then Vice President, BCCI, saw an opportunity that no one else did. 

Taking some inspiration partly from American sports leagues like the NBA and NFL, Modi's vision revolved around the idea of a domestic league, wherein city-based teams would bid for players from all over the world, including international stars and budding Indian talent. This would be a new creation, combining sports, business, and entertainment.

IPL: The Revolutionary Concept

The very first season of the IPL, with eight franchises, a player auction, and a splendid opening ceremony, was launched in 2008, and the revolution was set into motion thereafter.

• More than 200 million viewers were glued to their TVs for the first season.

• The total brand value of the IPL was pegged at $2 billion during its very first debut.

• Sponsorships came flocking in, and the players started earning multi-crore contracts the very next day.

Lalit Modi deserved the tag Godfather of IPL, because of his marketing genius and dogged execution. He built a league merging cricket, Bollywood, big business, and international broadcasting.

The Visionary's Impact

Here's how Lalit Modi changed Indian and global cricket:

• Commercialization of Cricket: IPL became an all-mighty business source. Franchises, players, and even regional businesses started thriving.

• Globalization of the Sport: International stars gave more attention to IPL than their domestic leagues.

• Platform for Young Talent: It's IPL that gave national projection to players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja.

• Sports Plus Entertainment: Modi made cricket fashionable, luring a whole new audience, including non-traditional fans.

Controversies and Departure

Nonetheless, Lalit Modi's journey was not without controversy. In 2010, after the completion of IPL season 3, the BCCI suspended him on a number of charges, including:

• Financial irregularities

• Conflict of interest

• Rigging of bids

• Misuse of power

Modi left India soon after and has since been living in exile in countries like England. Despite trials and legal confrontations in the media, he has always said that the success of the IPL is the only evidence that matters.

The Lasting Legacy

Though he no longer holds any position with the BCCI or IPL, the imprint of Lalit Modi can still be detected on the tournament. His original blueprint has since undergone several changes in terms of strategic timeouts, auctions, team branding, and digital engagement platforms.

While giving an interview, Modi said, "I wanted to build something India could be proud of. The IPL is that legacy." Whether one agrees with his methods or not, the promise has, indeed, been fulfilled.

Conclusion  

So, who is the Godfather of IPL? The answer is clear: Lalit Modi, the person who imagined a cricket league like no other and turned it into a global phenomenon. Despite the controversies, his contribution to creating and launching the IPL has made a lasting impact on the world of sports. The IPL, as we know it today, wouldn't exist without his ambition, willingness to take risks, and vision.