PM Modi gifts Steve Waugh rare framed photograph during MCG visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh with a nearly 20-year-old photograph (IANS Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the last day of his trip to Australia, highlighting the strong sporting ties between the two countries.During the visit, Modi gifted former Australian captain Steve Waugh with a framed photograph from almost 20 years ago, taken when Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat, and met the cricket legend.He also expressed his joy to see the young talents in action at the stadium.Modi said India and Australia have a great opportunity to collaborate in sports as both countries prepare to host major international events.In a post on X, he said: “As both our nations prepare to host major global sporting events in the coming years, there is huge potential to deepen cooperation in sports, youth engagement, infrastructure and talent development.”The two leaders also unveiled the Sports Cooperation Plan, which aims to expand cooperation in sports science, technology, talent development, infrastructure, trade and tourism. Modi reiterated India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics after hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the opening match of the 2026-27 Big Bash League season will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the first BBL match to be held outside Australia. Welcoming the move, Modi said, “For any sports league, hosting the event in India guarantees wide reach and viewership.”Albanese also praised the strong cricket rivalry between India and Australia and recalled the record attendance during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Appreciating cricketing legends Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar, he said, “It is a great honor to be joined here by two legends of Australian cricket who are admired and revered in India as well. Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh.” The executives also visited the Shane Warne stand at the MCG.

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