Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese were greeted with loud cheering and applause as they took a lap of honour at a stadium in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad today before watching a cricket match together. The two Prime Ministers waved at the crowds as they took a round of the Narendra Modi stadium in a “chariot” fashioned out of a golf cart, before the fourth Test match between India and Australia.
Incredible moments 👏👏
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese take a lap of honour at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad@narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @GCAMotera pic.twitter.com/OqvNFzG9MD
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
“On the field, Australia and India are competing to be the best in the world. Off the field, we are co-operating to build a better world,” the Australian PM said in a tweet.
As two cricket-loving nations, Australia and India share a fierce but friendly rivalry.
At the heart of this contest is genuine respect, reflecting the affection and friendship between our peoples. pic.twitter.com/Bf1bFfpw6t
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 9, 2023
PM Modi and Mr Albanese handed over Test caps to their respective team captains, Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith, and shook hands with the teams. They also met players from both sides and stood along side them when the national anthems of India and Australia were sung.
A special welcome & special handshakes! 👏
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia & Australia respectively. @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/kFZsEO1H12
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
The two leaders have also presented framed artwork representing 75 years of friendship through cricket by the BCCI.
The Australian PM arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, as part of a state visit to India.
“An incredible welcome to Ahmedabad, India. The beginning of an important trip for Australia-India relations,” the Australian PM tweeted shortly after his arrival.
Mr Albanese said his trip demonstrates the commitment to deepen the links between the two countries, and to being a force for stability and growth in our region.
Mr Albanese was welcomed by the Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel, who also accompanied the Australian PM to Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram.
“One of the things that bind both countries is cricket and it will be great to see the leaders of India and Australia on day one of the matches in Ahmedabad,” Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farrell said, according to news agency ANI.
India is leading the Border-Gavaskar series by 2-1. A win in the final Test will ensure the team qualifies for the final of the ICC World Test Championship, where they will be facing Australia in London from June 7 onwards.
