National

DNA Exclusive: Analysis Of PM Modi’s Cricket Diplomacy To Strengthen India-Australian Ties

March 9, 2023
Bharat Times English News

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on Thursday enjoyed the first day of the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The two leaders received thunderous applause from thousands of spectators at the world’s largest cricket stadium. Modi and Albanese also presented their Test caps to their team leaders Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith. He met players from both the teams and stood with them as the Indian and Australian national anthems were sung.

In today’s DNA, Zee News’ Rohit Ranjan analyzes PM Modi’s cricket diplomacy and how it has improved India’s relations with several countries.

Cricket is considered as a religion in Australia and India. To showcase the depth of their friendship, PM Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese appeared together on stage during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the guise of cricket. Modi has used cricket diplomacy on several occasions to strengthen ties with countries around the world.

Australia is helping to set up a world-class sports university in India. An MoU was also signed in the year 2017.

In 2016, PM Modi used cricket diplomacy to strengthen ties between India and New Zealand.

In 2019, he adopted cricket diplomacy to strengthen his relations with Maldives. PM gifted a bat signed by Team India cricketers to the President of Maldives. Apart from this, he promised to promote cricket in Maldives.

In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited the example of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman’s historic innings against Australia to motivate school students. He also cited the example of Anil Kumble’s match in which he bowled brilliantly for the team despite breaking his jaw.

For detailed analysis watch Zee News Tonight: