IPL Founder Lalit Modi Announces He Has Acquired British Citizenship

Indian Premier League founder Lalit Modi announced that he has received British citizenship after living in the United Kingdom for several years. He shared the news during an address at the Oxford Union on November 14, 2026, alongside pictures from his citizenship ceremony held at a London Town Hall on September 15.

Background

Mr. Modi left India in May 2010 after being suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India amid allegations of financial irregularities in the IPL. A special court issued a non-bailable warrant against him in 2015 after he did not respond to summonses from the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. In July of this year, an appellate tribunal set aside a penalty imposed on him in a separate FEMA case linked to the 2009 IPL edition in South Africa. He has strongly objected to being called a fugitive, noting that he has not been convicted of any criminal offence.

Reactions

In his social media post, Mr. Modi stated that the United Kingdom has been his home for many years and that he deeply admires its people, institutions, traditions, and values. He called the citizenship a privilege and a responsibility that he embraces with pride and gratitude. His announcement also coincided with the birthday of Britain's King Charles III on November 14, prompting him to conclude his post with birthday wishes and 'God Save the King!'

Context

The Oxford Union is a famous debating society based in Oxford, England, known for hosting prominent figures from around the world to speak. Major citizenship ceremonies in the U.K. typically take place at local town halls, where applicants make an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the monarch. High-profile individuals frequently use public speaking engagements or social media platforms to make major personal announcements.