he remained committed to contributing positively to the country.
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has announced that he has become a British citizen after living in the UK for 16 years, describing the development as a “very special and personal milestone”.
Modi, who has been wanted in India over multiple allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering, made the announcement on November 14 in a post on X.
He said he had chosen a “special day” to share the news, coinciding with the King Charles III’s birthday and ended his message with the words: “God Save The King!”
Modi said the UK had been his home for many years, expressing his admiration for its people, institutions, traditions and values.
He described British citizenship as both a privilege and a responsibility, adding that he remained committed to contributing positively to the country.
He also thanked his family, friends and the Oxford Union, saying the timing of the announcement made the occasion particularly meaningful.
Modi rose to prominence as the driving force behind the launch of the IPL in 2008, helping transform Indian T20 cricket into a major international sporting competition.
However, time at the helm of the competition came to an end in 2010, shortly after that year’s IPL final.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suspended Modi over allegations of misconduct, indiscipline and financial irregularities linked to the bidding process for two new franchises, Pune and Kochi.
Following an internal investigation, a BCCI committee found him guilty and imposed a life ban in 2013. Modi subsequently settled in London, where he has continued to maintain his innocence.
In 2022, he announced that he was in a relationship with Sushmita Sen.
Modi also attracted attention in December 2025 after sharing a video message on X alongside businessman Vijay Mallya, in which the pair described themselves as “We are the biggest fugitives”.
However, he rejected the description during an interview in July 2026, insisting that he was not evading authorities and should not be considered a fugitive.
Modi stated that despite the allegations, there has not been a conviction and he blamed the media for portraying him as a fugitive.
He said: “If I was running, you would be picking me up somewhere or the other.
“The Indian government has a long arm. You can’t take on the government of India.”
“And I don’t intend to. It’s not the government. It’s the media.”
?? 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
Meanwhile, Indian authorities have continued efforts to secure his return to the country.
In 2015, a special court in Mumbai issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Modi over his alleged involvement in a money-laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The following year, former Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj told the Rajya Sabha that Indian law enforcement agencies were pursuing his extradition from the UK under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the India-UK Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.
She also confirmed that an application had been filed before the Special Court for a Letter of Request as part of efforts to bring Modi back to India.
