IPL 2026:'Black magic' allegations during CSK vs SRH tie, Lalit Modi makes sensational claim

New Delhi: A few days ago, a bizarre incident unfolded during the IPL 2026 season. During a match between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad, a fan was captured on camera performing a 'lemon ritual'—a superstitious act—which subsequently sparked significant controversy. A photograph also went viral, claiming that CSK had lodged a formal complaint regarding this matter with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Now, former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has weighed in on the issue. On one hand, he has dismissed the image of the alleged CSK complaint letter as fake. On the other hand, making a bold assertion, he claimed that a team owner had previously engaged in acts akin to 'black magic.' It is worth noting that Lalit Modi has since been declared a fugitive and has been residing outside the country for a considerable period.

How Did ​​the Controversy Begin?

The controversy originated from a video clip of the match held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which showed a fan performing a 'lemon ritual.' This occurred just as Chennai Super Kings batsman Shivam Dube was preparing to face Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Saqib Hussain. Subsequently, an alleged complaint letter purportedly sent by the Chennai Super Kings began circulating on social media, though its authenticity remains unverified. On Monday, Lalit Modi wrote on his 'X' (formerly Twitter) account: "This time, the matter appears to be fake; however, a team owner has indeed been involved in such practices in the past."

Why Did Lalit Modi Refuse to Reveal Names?

He stated, "I recall once posting a video of a team owner engaging in such acts against an opposing team. He had gone into the opposing team's dressing room and was performing this exact ritual. I had warned the owners of the rival team about this back during the 2011 season—when the incident actually took place—after receiving information backed by concrete evidence. My team has decided that I will reveal the identity of the person who committed these acts through a film or a TV series."