Lalit Modi applies to surrender Indian passport, acquires citizenship of Vanuatu: MEA

Lalit Modi was suspended from the BCCI shortly after IPL 2010 and left India in the same year.

Updated on: Mar 7, 2025, 22:44:30 IST

By HT News Desk

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Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has applied to surrender his passport at the High Commission of India in London and has acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu, a South Pacific Island nation, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Friday, reported ANI.

Former IPL chief Lalit Modi. (Vipin Kumar / HT file)

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while responding to a question on reports of Lalit Modi's acquisition of citizenship of Vanuatu, confirmed that the ministry is aware of his application for surrendering his passport in the High Commission of India in London and they are continuing to pursue all cases against him as per the law.

"The same will be examined in light of extant rules and procedures. We are also informed that he has acquired citizenship in Vanuatu. We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted as saying by ANI.

Lalit Modi, who previously served as the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is accused of bid-rigging, money laundering, and violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA).

Also Read | Lalit Modi confirms breakup with Sushmita Sen, shares video with new partner

He was suspended from the BCCI shortly after IPL 2010. He left India in the same year and is learnt to have been living in London, according to PTI.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has alleged that Modi, while acting as the Chairman of IPL Governing Council defrauded it of 753 crore rupees in collusion with officials of the World Sports Group (WSG).

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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