Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-day visit to Australia on Friday (July 10) and arrived in New Zealand. On the third day, Modi attended an event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he met Australian cricketing legends Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar. Lisa is an Indian-origin player. Modi recreated nostalgia during the MCG event as he gifted Waugh a photo from 20 years ago. Modi was serving as Gujarat’s Chief Minister when he met the former Australian captain. Modi is the former president of the Gujarat Cricket Association.
Waugh, one of Australia’s greatest players, has made many trips to India even after his retirement. He played his last game for Australia against India in January 2004. His ODI career came to an end in February 2002.
A complete package on the field, Waugh scored 10927 runs and scalped 92 wickets in 168 Tests. He finished his ODI career with 7569 runs and 195 wickets. He piled up 24052 runs in 356 first-class matches.
Lisa played eight Tests, 125 ODIs and 54 T20Is during her 12-year-long international career. She scored 416 runs in Tests, 2728 runs in ODIs and 769 runs in the shortest format. She finished her career with 229 wickets.
Big Bash League opener to be played in India
During PM Modi’s visit to Australia, it was also confirmed that the opening game of the Big Bash League 2026-27 between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades will be played in India. The fixture will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on December 12.
“We know there are incredibly passionate cricket fans all over India, but particularly in Chennai. Everyone we’ve spoken to has been really optimistic that we should expect a good crowd,” Alistair Dobson, CA’s executive general manager of Big Bash Leagues, told reporters.
“What has become clear to us as we’ve built this event out is just how popular the BBL already is in India. It’s got nothing on the IPL, obviously, but the BBL is well-liked and respected. We can’t wait to see all the fans turn out, albeit I suspect there’ll be a fair chunk of yellow in the crowd,” he added.
