Not everything that unfolds during the Indian Premier League makes it to the public domain. While fans witness on-field performances and occasional sideline drama through live broadcasts, several behind-the-scenes incidents remain largely unknown—until players reveal them. One such revelation has come from England fast bowler Mark Wood, who shared a striking episode from his IPL stint that has sparked widespread curiosity.
A surprising behind-the-scenes revelation
Speaking on the Strategic Timeout by BBC, Wood recounted a moment when he was battling illness during a season. He revealed that he had been suffering from fever for nearly five matches, with medical staff monitoring him closely, checking on his condition every half hour. Despite his deteriorating health, the situation took an unexpected turn when a franchise owner personally approached him.
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According to Wood, the owner inquired about his condition and, upon learning that he was unwell, proposed an extraordinary arrangement. The owner offered to send a private jet to transport him to the stadium for matches and then fly him back to the hotel afterwards. The suggestion, though unusual, highlights the high-stakes nature of the league and the extent to which franchises may go to ensure player availability.
Speculation and career context
While Wood did not disclose the identity of the franchise owner, speculation has pointed toward Sanjiv Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, as Wood had a notable association with the team. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding this claim.
🔴 Mark Wood’s crazy private jet IPL story: 🤯
— AK 45 (@ImRo45_Club) May 3, 2026
He said 🗣️ :
"I was running a fever and wasn’t in any condition to play. The owner called me and said, ‘I’ll send a private plane. You fly in, play the game, then I’ll fly you straight back to your bedside.’
This is probably the… pic.twitter.com/v0AItPHm0M
Wood’s IPL journey has been intermittent due to injuries. He featured in just one match for Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and missed the 2022 season after being signed by Lucknow due to an elbow issue. His most impactful stint came in 2023, when he delivered a standout performance, picking up 11 wickets in just four matches and showcasing his pace and aggression.
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Despite flashes of brilliance, injuries have limited his IPL appearances. Still, his recent revelation offers a rare glimpse into the intense and sometimes extraordinary dynamics operating behind the scenes in one of the world’s biggest cricket leagues.
