New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday shared some cricketing moments together at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the two leaders opened the 4th India-Australia Test match, in celebration of 75 years of friendship through cricket.
PM Modi in a tweet said that cricket is a common passion for both countries and both sides share a fierce but friendly rivalry.
“Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM @AlboMP to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game!
“As two cricket-loving nations, Australia and India share a fierce but friendly rivalry.”
Australian PM Anthony Albanese, who took a selfie with PM Modi in the stadium, in a tweet said:
“Celebrating 75 years of friendship though cricket with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi.”
“At the heart of this contest is genuine respect, reflecting the affection and friendship between our peoples.
“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. Prime Minister @narendramodi and I had the honour of opening the fourth test in Gujarat today. Good luck to all the players (but go Australia!)”
The two prime ministers took a lap of honour around the in a special chariot ahead of the fourth and final India-Australia Test Match, as the crowd cheered and roared. The two PMs waved to the cheering crowd, and later watched the Test match together. Australia won the toss and elected to bat.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi was at the Stadium, named after him, to welcome his Australian counterpart. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, BCCI president Roger Binny and BCCI secretary Jay Shah were there to receive PM Modi.
As Australian PM Albanese alighted from his vehicle, the two leaders shook hands and exchanged a warm hug. They then went around the Friendship Hall of Fame at the stadium, with former cricketer Ravi Shastri explaining the details to them.
The two PMs shook hands with the respective team captains Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith ahead of the match.
PM Modi also shook hands with the cricketers of both teams.
BCCI in a tweet said: “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.”
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur in a tweet said: “What an incredible moment for cricket fans in India and Australia & around the world !
PM @narendramodi with PM @AlboMP at Narendra Modi stadium, celebrating 75 years of friendship through cricket in #Ahmedabad
#BorderGavaskarTrophy2023 !”
The two PMs watched some part of the Test Match.
The Australian PM, who arrived yesterday in Ahmedabad, left for Mumbai later.
