London: Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who is wanted in India on multiple charges of financial irregularities, announced that he has become a British citizen.
Sharing the news on Saturday, Lalit said he became a British citizen on September 15, 2026, nearly 16 years after leaving India. In a post on X, Lalit described the development as a ‘proud moment’ and a ‘new chapter’.
The former Indian cricket administrator and founder of IPL felt a sense of ‘gratitude’ and ‘a genuine sense of belonging’ towards the UK, where he has lived since 2010.
Lalit left India in May 2010 after being banned for life by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) amid allegations of financial irregularities in the IPL. A special court issued a non-bailable warrant against him in 2015 after he failed to respond to summonses issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case.
Lalit is also being probed on charges of bid-rigging, unauthorised fund transfers, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
In his post accompanied by images from the September citizenship ceremony at a Town Hall in London, Lalit said he “had the honour of addressing the Oxford Union”, where he publicly shared the “very special and personal milestone”.
🇬🇧 A PROUD MOMENT. A NEW CHAPTER.
Today, 14 November 2026, I had the honour of addressing the Oxford Union, where I publicly shared a very special and personal milestone.
I AM PROUD TO BE A BRITISH CITIZEN. 🇬🇧
On 15 September 2026, surrounded by family and friends, I celebrated my British citizenship at a ceremony that will always hold a special place in my heart.
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.
Becoming British is a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with pride, gratitude and a genuine sense of belonging.
My life’s journey has been shaped by different cultures and experiences, and I look forward to continuing to contribute positively to the country I proudly call home.
Thank you to my family, friends and everyone who has been part of this journey, and to the Oxford Union for providing such a memorable occasion to share this news.
A new chapter, with much to look forward to.
And on His Majesty King Charles III’s birthday, a particularly special day to share this moment.
God Save the King! 🇬🇧👑
Lalit Modi
Founder IPL#BritishCitizen #OxfordUnion #UnitedKingdom #GodSaveTheKing
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) November 14, 2026
India has been seeking Lalit’s extradition from the UK, but there are legal and procedural complexities, including the lack of an Interpol Red Notice.
Modi has objected to being called a “fugitive”, arguing that he has not been convicted of any criminal offence.
Four months ago, an appellate tribunal set aside the penalty imposed on Lalit in a FEMA case arising from the 2009 IPL edition held in South Africa.
