Lalit Modi was the man who founded the lucrative Indian Premier League, then fled India. Now, he's trying to ditch his Indian passport for Vanuatu's.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat on Monday directed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the passport issued to former Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi, saying that the fugitive was attempting to avoid his extradition.

Lalit Modi is wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies in connection with allegations that he was involved in embezzlement of crores of rupees during his stint as the top boss of the IPL.

NEW DELHI- Vanuatu has canceled the passport of former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, citing concerns that he was using it to evade extradition to India. Prime Minister Jotham Napat emphasized that citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and ordered its revocation.

Shortly after Vanuatu News outlet Vanuatu Post reported that the Prime Minister of the country, Jotham Napat, had asked the Citizenship Commission to cancel Lalit Modi's citizenship, the former IPL boss cited another news report which said that the commission would await the outcome of the court before making any decision.

Lalit Modi has dismissed reports of an extradition notice against him as fake news, mentioning his extensive international travels without issue. He also shared an Interpol report denying a Red Corner Notice against him,

In 2020, revenue from its ‘golden passport’ scheme was Vanuatu’s single-largest source of income. Revocation of Lalit Modi’s citizenship has brought country of islands into spotlight.

Vanuatu, which canceled Lalit Modi's passport, is home to active volcanoes, pristine reefs, and rich traditions. Learn about this island nation's history, investment program, and unique cultural highlights.

Lalit Modi challenges Vanuatu government's decision to revoke his passport in court. Modi, currently in Vanuatu, has appealed the cancellation of his citizenship. India's high commission in London had refused his request to surrender his Indian passport.

In a significant blow to former IPL chief Lalit Modi, the government of Vanuatu has decided to revoke his passport, citing concerns that he obtained citizenship to evade extradition. The move comes after international media reports raised questions about his reasons for securing citizenship in the Pacific island nation.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has instructed the Citizenship Commission to revoke Lalit Modi's passport following Indian authorities' requests for an Interpol alert, which were rejected due to insufficient evidence.