Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi announced he acquired British citizenship on September 15, 2026. He shared the news at the Oxford Union on November 14. Modi said, “The United Kingdom has been my home for many years.” This milestone follows a recent legal relief in a 2009 IPL case.
Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi has announced that he has acquired British citizenship, sharing the news during an address at the Oxford Union on November 14.
In a post on X, Modi said he received British citizenship on September 15, 2026, at a ceremony attended by his family and friends. He described the development as a personal milestone and the start of a new phase in his life.
“The United Kingdom has been my home for many years. It is a country I have come to admire and appreciate deeply — its people, institutions, traditions and values," Modi wrote.
He added that becoming a British citizen was both a privilege and a responsibility that he accepted with pride, gratitude and a sense of belonging.
Modi also said his experiences across different cultures had shaped his journey and that he looked forward to making a positive contribution to the country he now calls home. He thanked his family, friends and the Oxford Union for being part of the occasion.
He further noted that the announcement coincided with the birthday of King Charles III, making the moment particularly special. He concluded his post with the words, “God Save the King!"
Relief in 2009 IPL FEMA case
The citizenship announcement comes months after the Appellate Tribunal under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA) set aside most of the Enforcement Directorate's findings and penalties against Modi and other appellants in a case linked to the 2009 IPL tournament in South Africa.
The tribunal reportedly observed that there was insufficient material to establish Modi's responsibility in the matter. The decision marked a significant development in the legal proceedings involving the former IPL chairman.
Who is Lalit Modi?
Lalit Modi founded the Indian Premier League and served as its first chairman. He was instrumental in establishing the T20 tournament, which has since grown into one of the world's biggest cricket leagues.
However, his tenure also faced controversy. In 2013, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposed a life ban on him following disciplinary proceedings related to misconduct.