The Indian Premier League (IPL) is today one of the world’s biggest sporting leagues, attracting billions in broadcast deals, sponsorships and fan engagement. But when the tournament was being conceived in the mid-2000s, its architect, Lalit Modi, knew he needed more than just cricket to make it a success. In a recent conversation with Humans of Bombay, the former IPL chairman and vice-president of the BCCI recalled how he convinced Shah Rukh Khan to become a team owner, eventually leading to the formation of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), one of the league’s most popular franchises. According to Modi, the idea was born after he witnessed the kind of frenzy Shah Rukh generated among cricket fans during an international match in Jaipur. “I took Shah Rukh to a game in Rajasthan when I was BCCI vice-president. It was the first international match ever played in Jaipur. This was before the IPL; I think about a year earlier. I saw the crowds go absolutely hysterical when he arrived. He became the highlight of the match.” Lalit …