Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, recently opened up about cricket’s extraordinary ability to unite people, drive international influence, and deepen diplomatic ties — with India and the Indian Premier League (IPL) right at the center of it all.
“The IPL has transformed cricket,” he remarked. “Every cricketer, everywhere, wants to play in the IPL at some point in their career now.” He reflected on how Indian cricket’s vibrancy is reshaping the global sporting landscape, even enhancing the performance of English players like Jacob Bethell.
“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.”
Sunak didn’t stop at the men’s league. He acknowledged how the IPL has been equally influential in inspiring more women to take up the sport. “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.”
Pointing to cricket’s return to the Olympics after a 100-year hiatus, he added, “Why is cricket back in the Olympics for the first time in 100 years? Because of India.”
A Personal Connection with Cricket in India
Sunak fondly recalled his time in India, where he witnessed firsthand the country’s unwavering love for cricket. “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 truly struck him was how cricket is woven into the everyday fabric of life in India. “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.”
During a visit to Mumbai, he shared a memorable morning that highlighted this bond. “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.”
He cherished the moment, admitting, “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.”
Cricket as a Diplomatic Bridge
From street cricket to stadium lights, Sunak highlighted how the game goes beyond sport — becoming a tool for diplomacy and camaraderie among world leaders.
“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.”
Even with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricket became a conversation starter. “Prime Minister Modi and I also always had great cricket chats before getting down to business.”
For Sunak, cricket paves the way for connection. “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.”
With India’s tour to England on the horizon, he wrapped up on a hopeful note. “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.”
