Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, July 10, 2026, underscoring the deep sporting ties between the two nations. During the visit, Modi expressed delight at witnessing young athletes playing cricket, kabaddi, and Australian rules football, emphasizing sport's unique ability to connect people.
PM Modi Highlights Shared Passion for Sports
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Delighted to witness young sporting talent in action at the MCG. Watching children play cricket, Kabaddi and Australian rules football was a wonderful reminder that sport has a unique ability to connect people. India and Australia share a deep sporting bond. As both our nations prepare to host major global sporting events in the years ahead, there is immense potential to deepen cooperation in sports, youth engagement, infrastructure and talent development."
The visit marked the final day of Modi's three-day trip to Australia. He also announced India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and welcomed Chennai hosting the opening fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2026-27 season.
BBL 2026-27 Opener in Chennai
Earlier that day, Prime Minister Albanese announced that the BBL 2026-27 season would begin in India, with Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium hosting the opening fixture in December. Cricket Australia later confirmed that the Melbourne Renegades will face the Perth Scorchers on December 12, marking the first BBL match played outside Australia.
During his speech at the MCG, PM Modi said, "India is set to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030. We are also striving to host the Olympics in India in 2036. Brisbane will host the Olympics in 2032. Sports infrastructure will be developed on a mega scale to host these global events... I am delighted that a Big Bash League match will be held in Chennai, India. For any sporting league, hosting an event in India guarantees extensive reach and viewership."
Historic Cricket Rivalry and Friendship
PM Modi noted that the MCG evokes two emotions for Indians: the thrill of an India vs Australia contest and the realization that cricket is a shared passion. He added that the sport has strengthened his friendship with Albanese, recalling their visit to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2023. "Whenever I have had the chance to meet my friend Prime Minister Albanese, cricket has served as a natural connecting point between us. We visited the stadium together in Ahmedabad, and being here today, I can truly feel the sporting spirit--especially with legends like Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar present among us," he said.
Albanese welcomed Modi, highlighting the record-breaking attendance during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where 370,000 people attended the fourth Test at the MCG over five days. He acknowledged cricket legends Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh, praising their contributions.
Launch of India-Australia Sports Cooperation Roadmap
Albanese and Modi unveiled the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation, a strategic initiative to strengthen sporting ties. According to a media release, the roadmap combines Australia's expertise in hosting major events with India's growing ambitions, opening avenues for trade, tourism, and investment. Key areas include capacity building, sports science and technology research, and industry collaboration.
PM Modi said, "It gives me great pleasure to launch the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap today alongside Prime Minister Albanese. Through this initiative, we will strengthen cooperation not only in cricket but across other sports as well. We will move forward together in areas such as sports training, sports science, and technology, strengthening our partnership both on and off the field."
Future of Sporting Cooperation
Albanese noted that with India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Australia hosting the 2032 Olympics, and India bidding for the 2036 Olympics, there is a decade of opportunity for friendly rivalry and cooperation. "With India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Australia hosting the 2032 Olympics and India bidding for the 2036 Olympics, which I'm certain Australia will support, there is a decade of opportunity ahead of us for more friendly rivalry, serious contests and increased cooperation right across the board," he said.
Both leaders also visited the Shane Warne Stand at the MCG. The roadmap is expected to deepen cooperation in staging major international sporting events, leveraging Australia's preparation for the 2032 Olympics and India's centenary edition of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
