India to play a two-day, Day Night match against Prime Minister XI in Canberra

Pat Cummins. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The massive upcoming summer of international cricket in Australia has got even bigger with confirmation today of a showdown between the Prime Minister’s XI and the Indian men’s team at Manuka Oval, Canberra from Saturday, 30 November – Sunday, 1 December 2024.

The two-day, day-night match will provide India’s squad with a crucial opportunity to play under lights with the pink Kookaburra ball ahead of the Day Night Test at Adelaide Oval, which begins on Friday, 06 December 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.

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The 2024 Prime Minister’s XI match will be a celebration of Australia and India’s long-running cricket ties that underpin our broader bilateral economic, cultural and community links while adding to the enormous excitement surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series.

It is the fourth occasion India has played against the Prime Minister’s XI and the first time in 20 years.

The last time the Prime Minister’s XI faced India in 2004, Steve Waugh captained a team which included current men’s national coach Andrew McDonald against an Indian side led by Rahul Dravid.

Confirmation of the match means Australia will host the biggest Indian summer ever with the hugely supported Indian men’s and women’s teams playing in nine different venues Australia-wide throughout the summer.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP will meet with CA Chair of Selectors, George Bailey and selector, Tony Dodemaide shortly to discuss selection of the squad.

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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.”

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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.”

Match Details: