In the context of Indian cricket administration, who is widely regarded as the founder and chief architect of the Indian Premier League (IPL)?

Introduction / Context:
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular and commercially successful T20 cricket leagues in the world. It transformed the way cricket is marketed, watched, and played, combining sport with entertainment and franchise-based teams. Understanding who conceived and drove the initial creation of the IPL is an important part of modern cricket general knowledge and sports administration history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks specifically about the founder and chief architect of the IPL.
• It focuses on the administrative and conceptual role, not on captains, players, or broadcasters.
• The options include four prominent cricket or business administrators: N. Srinivasan, Samir Modi, Rajeev Shukla, and Lalit Modi.
• We assume basic awareness of IPL history and key administrators.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, Lalit Modi, as a senior functionary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is credited with conceptualizing, designing, and launching the IPL. He played the central role in creating the league's franchise model, auction system, and its aggressive marketing strategy. While other administrators such as N. Srinivasan and Rajeev Shukla later held influential positions in BCCI and IPL governance, the person widely described as the “founder” or “architect” of the IPL is Lalit Modi.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the IPL began in 2008 under the aegis of the BCCI. Step 2: Remember that Lalit Modi, as BCCI vice-president and IPL chairman, was publicly credited with creating the league's format and business model. Step 3: Note that he oversaw player auctions, franchise sales, and the overall launch strategy. Step 4: Compare this role with the other options: N. Srinivasan and Rajeev Shukla were important administrators but not the original founders; Samir Modi is not associated with IPL's creation. Step 5: Conclude that Lalit Modi is the person most commonly recognized as the founder and key architect of the IPL.

Verification / Alternative check:
Multiple reputable sources, including interviews, cricket administration histories, and biographies, consistently refer to Lalit Modi as the “founder” or “brainchild” behind the IPL. Contemporary news articles from the 2007–2008 launch period highlight his central role in proposing a city-based franchise league to the BCCI and executing the idea. Later controversies and administrative changes do not alter the historical fact that he spearheaded the league's creation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
N. Srinivasan served as BCCI president and had significant influence, but he did not originate the IPL concept. Rajeev Shukla later became IPL chairman and played roles in organizing subsequent seasons, yet he did not found the league. Samir Modi is a businessman but not associated with the birth of the IPL. Therefore, none of these individuals appropriately match the description of founder and chief architect, leaving Lalit Modi as the only accurate choice.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse later IPL chairmen or BCCI presidents with the original founder of the league. Media coverage of administrative disputes and scandals may also lead to mixing up names of cricket officials. Another pitfall is focusing only on current office holders rather than those who played key roles at the time of the IPL's creation. Keeping the timeline in mind—launch in 2008 under Lalit Modi's leadership—helps avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Lalit Modi, who is widely recognized as the founder and chief architect of the Indian Premier League (IPL).