New Delhi: Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese took a lap of honour around the Ahmedabad stadium on Thursday morning, before watching a bit of the fourth Test match played between India and Australia.
The Australian PM Albanese and Modi rode a chariot fashioned out of a golf cart, and waved at a packed house in the Narendra Modi Stadium to loud cheers.
Former cricketer Ravi Shastri presided over the event and said: “Cricket today is a religion that binds the people of all nations. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been one of the highest impact and dominant duels in the world of cricket. Today, we are here to celebrate something even more special as the two honourable prime ministers do the lap of honour. And what is special… it’s 75 years of friendship through cricket.”
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
The two leaders also handed Test caps to their respective team captains, Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith. Smith is the stand-in captain for the fourth Test between India and Australia as captain Pat Cummins flew home on 20 February due to family issues. Cummins also missed the third Test which the touring country won handsomely. India has won the previous two of the four-Test series.
The two prime ministers also shook hands with team members and stood by their captains as the national anthems were played.
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
Albanese later tweeted: “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.”
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
The Australian prime minister is on a four-day visit to India and was welcomed in Ahmedabad Wednesday with Holi colours by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
“Holi’s message of renewal through the triumph of good over evil is an enduring reminder for all of us. No matter what your faith is or where you’ve come from, we celebrate and value what unites us,” Albanese said.
The Australian leader’s visit comes months after the interim trade pact – Economic cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) – was sealed.
Albanese told an Australian channel ahead of his departure that he travelled in India as a backpacker in 1991 and that he was no stranger to spicy food.
Also read: Australian PM visits Sabarmati Ashram, plays Holi in Gujarat on 1st day of India tour