After Lucknow’s defeat at home, absence of franchise officials at the post-match ceremony leads to backlash; team clarifies Sanjiv Goenka’s presence on field
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are in the spotlight—but not for the right reasons. After suffering a crushing eight-wicket defeat at home to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their first IPL 2025 fixture at the Ekana Stadium, a new controversy emerged: no LSG representative attended the post-match presentation ceremony.
According to a report by MyKhel, franchise officials were expected to attend the customary ceremony, especially as hosts. However, LSG’s absence, despite team owner Sanjiv Goenka being seen on the field moments earlier, sparked speculation that it was a deliberate snub stemming from displeasure over the team’s performance.
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🔥 Franchise Responds
LSG, however, has dismissed the allegations. A top official clarified to MyKhel:
“Mr. Sanjiv Goenka was on the field, and there was no such arrangement at all [for the presentation]. He typically doesn’t attend post-match ceremonies.”
The official further emphasized that there was no intention to skip the event and denied reports that Goenka’s name was removed from an original guest list. However, sources cited in the report argue that even if Goenka opted out, the franchise should have sent another official as a representative, noting a perceived breach of IPL protocol.
🏏 The Match Recap
On the field, LSG faltered early. Captain Rishabh Pant managed just 2 runs as the team slipped to 35/3. Though Nicholas Pooran (44) and Ayush Badoni (41) attempted a recovery, LSG’s 171-run total proved insufficient. PBKS chased it down with 22 balls to spare, thanks to a blistering 69 from Prabhsimran Singh and an unbeaten 52 from Shreyas Iyer.
Pant admitted at the presentation (attended only by players) that the team was “20–25 runs short”, while mentor Zaheer Khan raised concerns about the nature of the home pitch, suggesting it didn’t suit LSG as intended.
📉 Mounting Pressure
The controversy off the field and two losses in three matches have added pressure on the Lucknow franchise. While PBKS soared to second spot on the IPL 2025 table, LSG is now grappling with early-season concerns—performance, pitch, and protocol.
As questions loom about franchise culture and dressing room morale, all eyes will be on LSG’s response in their next fixture and whether they can turn the tide on and off the field.
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