Lalit Modi, the founder and first commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has announced that he has acquired British citizenship, sharing the news while addressing the Oxford Union on Saturday, November 14, 2026.

Source: Dainik Jagran English

In a post on X, Modi wrote: "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." He said the United Kingdom had been his home for many years, and noted that he was sharing the milestone on King Charles III's birthday.

Source: TradingView (Mint)

The 62-year-old has lived in London since leaving India in May 2010, after the conclusion of the IPL's third season. He founded the IPL in 2008 and ran the tournament for its first three seasons.

The 2010 exit and the investigations

Modi left India in 2010 amid allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering linked to his tenure as IPL chairman, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) removed him from the post. The Enforcement Directorate has investigated alleged financial irregularities and unauthorised fund transfers linked to the IPL. The allegations remain allegations; Modi's announcement does not by itself resolve the investigations or proceedings concerning him in India, Dainik Jagran reported.

Vanuatu first — and what Indian law says

In 2025, Modi announced that he was surrendering his Indian passport after acquiring citizenship of Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation, and India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the Vanuatu citizenship in March 2025. India does not permit dual citizenship: Article 9 of the Constitution and Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955 provide that an Indian citizen who voluntarily acquires another country's citizenship ceases to be an Indian citizen. Modi had indicated in July 2026 that he intended to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

Source: Dainik Jagran English

No Indian government response to Saturday's announcement had been reported by Sunday morning. Modi described the citizenship as "a proud moment" and "a new chapter" in his post.