Fugitive Indian businessmen Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya were seen together on Day 2 of the ongoing India vs England 5th Test at The Oval on Friday, sparking surprise and chatter among cricket fans and social media users alike.
Photos and videos circulating widely online show the former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi enjoying the match alongside Mallya, along with cricket personalities such as West Indies batting legend Chris Gayle, former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer, and others. Modi shared several moments from the day on his Instagram, captioning one post:
“Enjoying the day at The Oval with my friends @thevijaymallya, Rima, Farokh Engineer, and Rod Bransgrove.”
Another post read:
“At the Oval with @TheVijayMallya #universeboss #chrisgayle.”
One detail that caught the eye of netizens was Modi’s tie, featuring the IPL logo at the tip, a subtle nod to his controversial past with the league.
A Close Bond Beyond Cricket
The duo’s public appearance isn’t entirely new. Just last month, Lalit Modi hosted a lavish summer party in London attended by around 310 guests, including Vijay Mallya. The event made headlines when Modi and Mallya took the stage for a karaoke rendition of Frank Sinatra’s classic “I Did It My ”Way”—an anthem seemingly reflective of their personal and professional journeys.
At the oval with @TheVijayMallya #universeboss #chrisgayle pic.twitter.com/zmOkzJogY0
— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) August 1, 2025
The Backstories: On the Run and Under Scrutiny
Lalit Modi, who served as IPL’s founding commissioner and as vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been living abroad since 2010. He is accused of bid-rigging, money laundering, and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Investigations against him include alleged unauthorized fund transfers that have kept him outside India’s jurisdiction for over a decade.
Vijay Mallya, once dubbed the “King of Good Times” for his flamboyant lifestyle and ownership of Kingfisher Airlines, faces allegations of a massive bank loan default exceeding Rs 9,000 crore. Declared a fugitive by Indian courts in 2019, Mallya has resided in the UK since 2016, battling extradition proceedings while maintaining a high public profile.
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Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The sighting of these two controversial figures at a high-profile cricket event has reignited discussions online. Supporters view it as two businessmen enjoying their passions despite legal battles, while critics argue it underscores a lack of accountability and justice.
As the India-England series heads into its decisive stages, the appearance of Modi and Mallya at The Oval adds another off-field subplot to an already intense cricketing contest, reminding fans that the game is often intertwined with the drama surrounding its personalities.
