Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who has been living in London since leaving India, has publicly announced that he has acquired British citizenship. The announcement was made through a detailed social media update where he reflected on his new status and his years spent in the United Kingdom.
Address at the Oxford Union
Sharing details of the event, Modi stated that he revealed this personal milestone while addressing the Oxford Union on 14 November 2026. During his speech, he remarked, "I am proud to be a British citizen." He expressed deep appreciation for the United Kingdom, describing it as a place whose institutions, traditions, and community values he holds in high regard after residing there for several years.
Private Celebration and Key Dates
According to his post, the official citizenship was celebrated earlier on 15 September 2026 alongside close family members and friends. He noted that the timing of sharing this news coincided with the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, making the occasion even more significant for him, and concluded his statement with the traditional salute, "God Save the King." You can view his updates via his official post on X.
Background of Financial Probes Since 2010
Modi's move to the UK dates back to 2010, when Indian investigative agencies initiated probes into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the Indian Premier League. Following the outbreak of these investigations, he departed India and established residence in London, where he has remained ever since despite ongoing legal scrutiny from Indian authorities.
Recent Legal Notices and Public Statements
In recent months, Modi has remained in the headlines over various legal and public disputes. Previously, claims surfaced regarding past friction involving politician Shashi Tharoor and enforcement actions related to the Sunanda Pushkar matter. Additionally, Modi recently issued legal notices against reports claiming he was joining the reality television show Bigg Boss 20, dismissing those reports as entirely false.
