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This will be the fourth time India has faced the Prime Minister’s XI, marking the first encounter between the two teams in 20 years.
The already anticipated summer of international cricket in Australia has been further heightened with the announcement of a clash between the Prime Minister’s XI and the Indian men’s team at Manuka Oval, Canberra, from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 1, 2024.
This two-day, day-night match will give India’s squad an important chance to experience playing under lights with the pink Kookaburra ball before their Day-Night Test at Adelaide Oval, which starts on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, “As friends and partners, the relationship between Australia and India has never been closer. It was an absolute honour to stand alongside Prime Minister Modi at the Fourth Test in Ahmedabad last year and celebrate both our nations’ love for cricket.”
“Over the years I’ve loved watching players like Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar, so it’ll be great to see the PM’s XI face the Indian team in Canberra. I look forward to meeting with the National Selectors to discuss selection for the squad,” Prime Minister Albanese added.
The 2024 Prime Minister’s XI match will celebrate the enduring cricketing relationship between Australia and India, highlighting the broader economic, cultural, and community ties between the two nations. This event adds to the excitement surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series.
This will be the fourth time India has played against the Prime Minister’s XI and the first encounter in 20 years.
The last match between the Prime Minister’s XI and India took place in 2004, where Steve Waugh led the Australian team, which included current national coach Andrew McDonald, against an Indian side captained by Rahul Dravid.
With the confirmation of the match, Australia will host its most extensive Indian summer yet, featuring both the Indian men’s and women’s teams competing at nine venues across the country throughout the season.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will soon meet with Cricket Australia’s Chair of Selectors, George Bailey, and selector Tony Dodemaide to discuss the squad selection.
The Border Gavaskar Trophy will captivate the cricketing world: CA CEO Nick Hockley
CA Chair of Selectors, George Bailey said, “Representing the PMs XI is a tremendous honour for any player, given its rich history spanning across eight decades. This year’s match also presents an opportunity for players to impress against arguably the strongest side in world cricket. We look forward to sitting down with the Prime Minister to choose a side which will not only befit the match but include some of our brightest prospects and rising stars.”
Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Nick Hockley said, “We’re delighted to confirm India’s involvement in this year’s Prime Minister’s XI match that emphasises the significance of the fixture on the cricketing calendar. The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy Series will captivate the cricketing world. Today’s confirmation of the Prime Minister’s XI match is a terrific result for cricket fans, particularly in the ACT and surrounding regions, and adds to an incredible summer of cricket.”
