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Indian Premier League (IPL) founder and former cricket administrator Lalit Modi has officially acquired British citizenship after living in the United Kingdom for 16 years. He formally received citizenship on September 15, 2026, and made the public announcement on Saturday while addressing the Oxford Union. Modi described becoming a British citizen as a proud and personally significant milestone in his life, stating that the UK has long been his home and that he holds deep respect for its people, institutions, traditions, and values.
Modi also shared news of his new citizenship on the social media platform X. He noted that he celebrated the occasion on September 15 during a special ceremony attended by family members and close friends, calling it a deeply memorable event. According to him, acquiring British citizenship represents not merely a legal status, but also a privilege and a responsibility.
Describes Britain as His Permanent Home
In his social media statement, Modi wrote that becoming a British citizen brought him a genuine sense of pride, gratitude, and belonging. Having experienced diverse cultures and varied phases of life, he expressed his desire to make a positive contribution to the country he proudly calls home.
He extended his gratitude to his family and friends for standing by him during this important milestone. Modi also thanked the Oxford Union for providing him with the platform to share this personal update publicly.
Furthermore, Modi linked his announcement to the birthday of Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, noting it as a special occasion. He concluded his post with the words “God Save the King.” His announcement has sparked widespread discussion across both the cricket and business communities regarding his new nationality.
Left India for London in 2010
Lalit Modi left India in 2010 amid ongoing investigations into alleged financial irregularities linked to the Indian Premier League. While he played a central role in running and expanding the tournament during its initial years, mounting controversies and probes eventually forced him out of Indian cricket administration.
Since departing India, Modi has resided continuously in the United Kingdom. After spending roughly 16 years in Britain, he has now formally confirmed his acquisition of British citizenship. His announcement comes against the backdrop of periodic public scrutiny surrounding the early administration, financial dealings, and controversies associated with his tenure at the helm of the league.
Key Role in Founding the IPL
Modi is widely recognized as the principal architect behind the launch and early management of the IPL, which began in 2008. Under his leadership, the T20 tournament rapidly grew into one of international cricket’s most prominent and commercially successful sporting properties, fundamentally reshaping the business of the sport.
However, the rapid commercial expansion of the league was accompanied by disputes over governance, financial transactions, and operational oversight. Facing probes into alleged financial irregularities, Modi left India in 2010 and has remained in the UK ever since.
Observers view his acquisition of British citizenship as a new chapter in his prolonged stay abroad. Nevertheless, obtaining foreign citizenship does not automatically alter the status of ongoing or previously registered investigations and legal proceedings against him in India, which will continue to be addressed under the relevant legal frameworks. For now, Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to Britain as his home and expressed his intent to contribute positively to the nation.
