By IBNS Mar 09, 2023
New Delhi/UNI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese took a lap of honour around the Narendra Modi Stadium in a chariot ahead of the fourth and final India-Australia Test Match in Ahmedabad on Thursday, as the crowd cheered and roared.
The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and The Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese have arrived at the stadium! @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | @AlboMP | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/5bijT2ENJ5
BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first.
The two Prime Ministers took a lap of honour and waved to the cheering and roaring crowd, and later watched the Test match together, celebrating 75 years of friendship through cricket.
Mr. Roger Binny, President, BCCI presents framed artwork representing 75 years of friendship through cricket to Honourable Prime Minister of Australia Mr. Anthony Albanese#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/Qm1dokNRPY
BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi was at the Stadium, named after him, to welcome his Australian counterpart when he arrived.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, BCCI president Roger Binny and BCCI secretary Jay Shah were there to receive him.
Incredible moments ?? The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese take a lap of honour at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad@narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS | @GCAMotera pic.twitter.com/OqvNFzG9MD
BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
As Australian PM Albanese alighted from the vehicle, the two leaders shook hands and exchanged a warm hug. They then went around the Friendship Hall of Fame at the stadium, with former cricketer Ravi Shastri explaining the details to them.
The two Prime Ministers shook hands with the respective team captains of India and Australia, Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith, ahead of the Fourth Test in Ahmedabad.
A special welcome special handshakes! ? The Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji and the Honourable Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Anthony Albanese meet #TeamIndia Australia respectively. @narendramodi | @PMOIndia | #TeamIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/kFZsEO1H12
BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Modi also shook hands with the cricketers of both teams.
The Australian PM, who arrived yesterday in Ahmedabad, leaves for Mumbai on Thursday.