Lalit Modi, credited as the creator of the IPL, has been ostracised by the BCCI.

Lalit Modi recently presented a proposal to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) with the potential to significantly boost the board's revenue, drawing parallels to the IPL's business model. The proposal suggests a restructuring of The Hundred, ECB's tournament launched in 2021, to align with the T20 format.

Key features of Modi's proposal include an allocation of a USD 100 million purse for the players over 10 years and a guaranteed USD 1 billion revenue into the coffers of the ECB. He envisions a 10-team league with minimal IPL team involvement, emphasising the importance of establishing an English-dominated league. "I have suggested only two IPL teams; it has to be an English league and not India dominated," Modi told Cricbuzz without divulging details of his model.

Modi's proposal coincides with ECB's contemplation of inviting private investors into its structure. Given that Modi has been banned for life by the BCCI, the ECB is expected to consider his proposal only after consulting the Indian board due to bilateral relations.

"Being an sovereign and autonomous body, ECB is not obliged to consult the BCCI but it may for the sake of bilateral relations with the BCCI," said a source in the know. "The BCCI is treating Modi as a pariah. While it continues to flourish on [his] invention but avoids the mention of his name. No commentator ever takes his name during the IPL," the source remarked.

There has been no immediate response from the ECB regarding Modi's proposal.

SRH, CSK open to investing in England

In a parallel development, IPL teams are showing interest in investing in the English league, with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) being the latest party to have come forward. Sources confirm that SRH's owners, the Sun TV Network, have engaged in discussions with the ECB officials. The final decision on their expression of interest is anticipated in April when the ECB is expected to take a call on privatisation of the game in the UK.

SRH's confidence in investing abroad is bolstered by the success of their first overseas venture, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, which has triumphed in both seasons of the South African league SA20. SRH's interest follows reports of the GMR Group, part owners of the Delhi Capitals, negotiating with Hampshire county.

Chennai Super Kings have also expressed openness to investing in English cricket, contingent upon receiving a concrete offer, although no decision has been made yet.

It remains uncertain whether IPL teams' interest will have anything to do with Modi's proposed league or The Hundred, with indications pointing towards the two being separate entities.