Mohammed Shami has come out in support of Sanjiv Goenka, offering a fresh perspective on the Lucknow Super Giants owner’s passionate involvement with the team. Goenka has often found himself at the center of controversy, especially following his on-field interaction with former captain KL Rahul in IPL 2024.
With LSG finishing seventh in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, criticism around the franchise’s management has only intensified. However, Shami believes that such reactions from an owner are natural given the scale of investment and expectations involved.
“Expectations are natural” – Shami explains
Speaking on a podcast, Shami emphasized that high expectations are justified when significant money is invested in a team.
“When someone invests such a huge amount, expectations are bound to be high,” Shami said.
He added that there is nothing wrong with an owner being emotionally involved, as it reflects a desire to see the team succeed. According to Shami, Goenka’s intensity should be viewed as passion rather than negativity.
Investment brings pressure and responsibility
Shami further illustrated his point with a relatable comparison, explaining how even small investments can create anxiety.
“Even if someone invests ₹5,000, they feel the pressure. Imagine investing thousands of crores,” he explained.
Goenka had purchased the Lucknow franchise for a staggering ₹7,090 crore, making it one of the most expensive teams in the IPL. Shami noted that such a massive financial commitment naturally leads to emotional involvement and heightened expectations.
He also addressed the wave of memes and criticism directed at Goenka, calling them largely unfair and lacking context.
A different perspective on ownership
While fans and experts have often questioned Goenka’s public reactions, Shami’s comments offer a more balanced view—highlighting the emotional and financial stakes involved in modern franchise cricket.
