New Delhi: Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has made a big announcement regarding his citizenship. He told that now he has become a British citizen. Modi described it as an important responsibility with honor and said that he is accepting this new status with pride and gratitude. According to reports, Lalit Modi gave this information during a speech at Oxford University on Saturday. He told that he had got British citizenship on 15 September. On this occasion, he also mentioned his long association with Britain.
In a message shared on social media, Modi described becoming a British citizen as an honor and responsibility. He also thanked his family, friends and the Oxford Union.
Took citizenship of Vanuatu after leaving India
Amidst the controversies related to IPL, Lalit Modi left India and went abroad about 16 years ago. Later, he surrendered his Indian passport and acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu, an island country in the Pacific Ocean. This country with a population of about three lakhs is known for its tax related facilities. Now after getting British citizenship, the discussion regarding his return to India may intensify again. Modi, who played an important role in starting the IPL, was later accused of financial irregularities, money laundering and violation of foreign exchange rules. After these controversies he went out of India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) banned him for life in 2013.
Got relief in legal matter
Earlier this year, Lalit Modi got relief in a legal case. The appellate tribunal constituted under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act had set aside most of the findings and penalties of the Enforcement Directorate. According to reports, the tribunal held that there was not enough evidence to decide Modi's responsibility in the case. However, even after the decision he did not announce his return to India. For some time now he has been seen in podcasts and public talks. After the news of British citizenship, questions have started being raised again about his return to India. Now everyone's eyes are on this development.