IPL founder Lalit Modi acquires British citizenship, calls it ‘home for many years’ - The Hindu

Lalit Modi, who launched the Indian Premier League in 2008 and transformed it into a global sporting brand, was recently granted citizenship by the United Kingdom. In a statement released to the press, Modi said that he has lived in the UK for many years and now considers it his permanent home. The citizenship process, which requires residency and background checks, was completed after he had spent a significant period in London following his departure from India.

Modi’s acquisition of British citizenship comes after a prolonged legal saga in India that involved investigations into financial irregularities and allegations of misconduct related to the IPL. He has been residing abroad since 2010, and his legal battles have included extradition requests and court proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. The new status does not automatically resolve those cases, but it does provide him with the rights and protections afforded to a British national.

The development has drawn reactions from cricket administrators, former players, and political commentators. Some view the citizenship as a personal milestone for Modi, while others see it as a symbolic step that may influence the ongoing legal and diplomatic discussions between India and the UK. The IPL continues to thrive under new leadership, but Modi’s legacy remains a subject of debate within the cricketing community.