Lalit Modi got relief (Photo: Getty/Videograb)
Lalit Modi and BCCI have got a big relief in the Foreign Exchange Management Act i.e. FEMA violation case during IPL 2009. This matter was related to shifting of the second season of IPL from India to South Africa in 2009. Due to the Lok Sabha elections in the country, IPL was held in South Africa. In this case, the tribunal under SAFEMA gave its verdict on July 16, in which it completely canceled the fine imposed on Lalit Modi. Apart from Lalit Modi, other then BCCI officials N. Srinivasan and MP Pandove have also got relief in this.
Lalit Modi got clean chit
The tribunal gave the biggest relief to Lalit Modi and said that he was the main architect of organizing the second season of IPL in South Africa. The tribunal said that the fine was imposed on Lalit Modi without regard to his position and suspension. According to the tribunal, Lalit Modi was implicated and hence the fine imposed on him is completely wrong.
Lalit Modi celebrated the decision, danced
After getting clean chit from the tribunal in IPL 2009 FEMA case, Lalit Modi not only expressed happiness but also celebrated the victory. After this decision, he was seen dancing with joy.
https://t.co/XKyChRdJhW It’s a win 🙏🏽🤗 pic.twitter.com/kLthKUDMpa
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) July 21, 2026
What did Lalit Modi say on the decision?
After the verdict, Lalit Modi said that the tribunal has rejected the very foundation of the ED case against him. The tribunal found that the transactions relating to the hosting of IPL 2009 in South Africa were not through capital accounts but through foreign remittance current accounts. Modi further said that the tribunal also found that he was not responsible for BCCI’s FEMA compliance nor did he have the financial authority as alleged by the ED. After this decision of the Tribunal, the important legal case related to IPL 2009 has come to an end. He said that for the last 16 years he has been saying the same thing that he has not committed any personal mistake. Whatever work he did was for the interest of IPL and Indian cricket.
As far as shifting of IPL to South Africa is concerned, Lalit Modi said that due to Lok Sabha elections, it had become impossible to hold it in India. In such a situation, he decided to get it done in South Africa. This not only saved IPL but also made it a valuable sports event in the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by Lalit Kumar Modi
London | 21 July 2026
After more than sixteen years of investigations, proceedings and litigation arising from the hosting of the 2009 Indian Premier League in South Africa, the Appellate Tribunal under SAFEMA has delivered pic.twitter.com/Dqx0xVYY0v
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) July 21, 2026
Lalit Modi’s fine cancelled, rest get relief
In its decision, the Tribunal has canceled the fine of Rs 10.65 crore imposed on Lalit Modi. N., who was the then secretary of BCCI. Srinivasan’s fine was reduced from Rs 1 crore to Rs 10 lakh. The fine of Rs 50 lakh imposed on MP Pandoev, the then treasurer of BCCI, was reduced to Rs 5 lakh. At the same time, the fine of Rs 4 crore imposed on BCCI was reduced to Rs 1 crore.
However, in another case, the tribunal has upheld the fine of Rs 50 lakh imposed on both Srinivasan and Pandove. The tribunal said that he was the head of BCCI’s business as secretary and treasurer, hence it was appropriate to impose a fine on him.
