Mumbai: In a wide-ranging and heartfelt reflection, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has hailed India’s towering influence on world cricket — from the explosive growth of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the cultural heartbeat of the game that pulses through every Indian street. Speaking with genuine admiration, Sunak described the IPL as a “transformative force” in modern cricket, saying, “Every cricketer, everywhere, wants to play in the IPL now. Just look at the English players – they’re getting better because of it.”
Sunak, a lifelong cricket fan himself, didn’t stop at the men’s game. He praised the IPL’s knock-on effect on women’s cricket, saying it has brought “more girls into the sport,” and drew attention to the symbolic return of cricket to the Olympic Games — “because of India.”
But beyond the numbers and broadcast rights, what struck Sunak most was India’s raw, unfiltered love for the game. “There’s a brilliant intensity to it, whether it’s gully cricket or a Test match,” he said. “The whole country comes together for the big moments.”
Reflecting on his own recent visit to Mumbai, Sunak recalled a joyful morning playing tennis ball cricket with youngsters at the iconic Maidan. “Some of the best bowling I’ve ever faced,” he joked.
Cricket, he believes, is more than just a sport — it’s diplomacy in motion. “Cricket reminds you who your friends are,” Sunak said, underlining the powerful role the game plays in strengthening ties between nations.
Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom speaks on India’s and the IPL’s influence in the world of cricket: “The IPL has transformed cricket. I think every cricketer, everywhere, wants to play in the IPL at some point in their career now. And just look at the English players who’ve been involved and they’re getting better. I was at Edgbaston last week watching the England vs West Indies ODI — Jacob Bethell played a brilliant innings. The IPL has improved him as a cricketer. It’s also been great for the women’s game, getting more girls into the sport. But beyond that, it’s a sign of the influence India now has in the 21st century. India’s passions, India’s tastes — they now have a global impact. Why is cricket back in the Olympics for the first time in 100 years? Because of India.”
Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom talks about the people’s passion and love for cricket he witnessed in India: I love cricket in India the passion, the skill, the enthusiasm. Watching a game, you can see just how much it means to everyone. There’s a brilliant intensity to it, whether it’s gully cricket or a Test match.
What’s also really special is that cricket is everywhere on every street, there are people playing and then the whole country comes together for the big moments. That’s really special.
Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom shares cherished moments at the Maidan in Mumbai with young cricketers: Earlier this year, I was in India to watch the England–India match at the Wankhede, but that morning I had time to go down to the Parsee Gymkhana and the Maidan in Mumbai to play some tennis ball cricket with youngsters. I couldn’t have done that when I was Prime Minister, and I had so much fun. It was truly life-affirming their enthusiasm was totally infectious. Some of the best bowling I’ve ever faced! I channelled my inner Joe Root, tried to hit a few good drives it was a fantastic morning.
Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on how cricket helps build and strengthen diplomatic relationships between countries: Cricket is such a helpful diplomatic tool. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and I have always had great cricket banter, especially during the Ashes series — at one point, it even got a tiny bit heated between us, but all in a very friendly way. Prime Minister Modi and I also always had great cricket chats before getting down to business. The thing about cricket is that it reminds you who your friends are and what you share — your passions — and that puts everyone in the right frame of mind before tackling the serious diplomatic stuff. India are coming to England this summer. It’s going to be a great tour, and I know it will strengthen the partnership and friendship between our two countries.
