Strengthening Ties: PM Modi Celebrates India-Australia Sports Collaboration at MCG

During his visit to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the strong sporting ties between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He expressed excitement over young athletes and announced India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics. The unveiling of the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation aims to enhance collaboration in various sports, including the upcoming Big Bash League match in Chennai. Both leaders emphasized the importance of cricket in strengthening their friendship and the potential for future sporting events to deepen ties between the two nations. This visit marks a significant step towards fostering greater cooperation in sports and youth engagement.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:46 IST

A Historic Visit to the MCG

During his recent trip to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strong sporting relationship between India and Australia. He expressed his joy at witnessing young athletes showcase their skills at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In a post shared on X, PM Modi remarked, "It was a pleasure to see young talent in action at the MCG. Observing children play cricket, Kabaddi, and Australian rules football reminded me of how sports can unite people. Our nations share a profound sporting connection, and as we prepare for significant global sporting events, there is great potential for enhanced collaboration in sports, youth engagement, and infrastructure development."

Exciting Announcements for Future Events

On the final day of his three-day visit, PM Modi announced India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and expressed excitement about Chennai being selected to host the opening match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2026-27 season.

Earlier that day, PM Albanese revealed that the BBL season would kick off in India, with the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai set to host the inaugural match in December. Cricket Australia confirmed that the Melbourne Renegades would face the Perth Scorchers in this historic opener on December 12, marking the first BBL game held outside of Australia.

A Shared Passion for Cricket

While addressing the audience at the MCG, PM Modi highlighted India's upcoming role in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and its bid for the 2036 Olympics. He welcomed the BBL match in Chennai, noting that hosting sporting events in India guarantees extensive reach and viewership.

"India is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is also striving to secure the Olympics in 2036. With Brisbane set to host the 2032 Olympics, we are developing sports infrastructure on a grand scale for these global events. I am thrilled that a Big Bash League match will take place in Chennai, as hosting events in India ensures significant visibility and engagement," he stated.

Strengthening Bonds Through Sports

PM Modi expressed that the MCG evokes two feelings for Indians: the thrill of an India vs. Australia match and the understanding that cricket is a shared passion between the two nations. He noted that this sport has fostered his friendship with PM Albanese, serving as a natural bridge between them.

"Entering the MCG brings forth two emotions for any Indian: the excitement of an India-Australia match and the realization that cricket is a shared passion in both our countries. Today, however, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish,' just the joy of the game and the warmth of our friendship," he remarked.

A Decade of Opportunities Ahead

PM Albanese welcomed PM Modi to the MCG, emphasizing the historic cricket rivalry between India and Australia, and the record attendance during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. He acknowledged cricket legends Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh for their contributions to the sport.

"Prime Minister Modi, welcome back to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the birthplace of Test Cricket. Just two years ago, we witnessed a record attendance of 370,000 fans during the Border-Gavaskar series. This reflects the passion and respect inherent in our rivalry. It is an honor to be joined by cricket legends who are revered in both our nations," he stated.

Launching the Sports Collaboration Roadmap

PM Albanese noted that the upcoming decade presents a significant opportunity for India and Australia to enhance their sporting ties, with India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and Australia the 2032 Olympics. He expressed confidence in Australia's support for India's 2036 Olympic bid.

"With India hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and Australia the Olympics in 2032, there is a decade of opportunity for friendly rivalry and increased cooperation across sports," he added.

Additionally, PM Modi and PM Albanese unveiled the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation, aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. This initiative combines Australia's expertise in hosting major sporting events with India's growing ambitions, focusing on areas such as capacity building, sports science, and technology research.

Expanding Beyond Cricket

PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap, which aims to broaden cooperation beyond cricket to include sports training, science, and technology. He emphasized the importance of this partnership both on and off the field.

"I am pleased to launch the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap today with Prime Minister Albanese. This initiative will enhance cooperation not only in cricket but across various sports, allowing us to advance together in sports training and technology," he concluded.