Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, were seen enjoying the cricket match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025. They came to watch the final match of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
This was a special moment for Sunak because he said it was the first time he had experienced cricket in such an exciting way. “This is incredible, this is absolutely electric,” Sunak said after RCB’s batting innings ended. He added, “I have never experienced cricket like this before. The crowd is amazing and so full of energy.” The atmosphere in the stadium was full of enthusiasm, with thousands of fans cheering loudly for their favorite teams.
Sunak and his wife were sitting in the stands among other excited cricket fans. Sunak is known to be a big cricket fan. Earlier in the day, he took a selfie with his wife at the stadium and posted it on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Let’s go @RCBTweets,” showing his support for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The IPL final match saw RCB scoring 190 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Punjab Kings was the opponent, making the match a thrilling contest between two strong teams.
Sunak also spoke about how cricket has grown in popularity around the world, especially because of India’s influence. He praised the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for transforming the sport.
He highlighted a historic moment when cricket was added back to the Olympics for the first time in over 100 years. Cricket will be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Sunak explained that this return to the Olympics shows how much India’s passion for cricket now affects the world. He said, “It’s a sign of the influence India has in the 21st century. India’s tastes and passions now have a global impact.”
Sunak pointed out that many cricketers around the world now want to play in the IPL. The tournament has made cricket more popular and exciting. It has also helped women’s cricket grow, with the Women’s Premier League encouraging more girls and women to take up the sport.
This event in Ahmedabad was not just about cricket; it showed how sport can bring people together and celebrate cultural connections. For Sunak, a cricket lover from the UK, watching this IPL final was a memorable experience.
RCB finished second in the group stage but had a strong performance in the playoffs. They defeated Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 1 match with an eight-wicket win. Punjab Kings then won against Mumbai Indians to reach the IPL final for only the second time in their history.
The IPL is one of the biggest and most-watched cricket leagues worldwide. It attracts top players from India and other countries, creating a festive and competitive atmosphere.
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Cricket’s return to the Olympics after a century is a big milestone. The sport was last played at the 1900 Paris Olympics. Now, thanks to India’s role in global cricket, it is coming back on the world’s biggest sports stage.
Sunak emphasized how cricket’s global popularity is closely linked to India. The IPL has played a key role in modernizing cricket and making it attractive for young people and international players.
The Women’s Premier League is also changing the game by giving more opportunities to female players. This is helping cricket become more inclusive and diverse.
Rishi Sunak has been known for his passion for cricket for a long time. He often speaks about how cricket connects people and cultures. Watching the IPL final live at the Narendra Modi Stadium was a dream come true for him.
The energy and excitement of the crowd made a big impression on him. He said the stadium experience was unlike anything he had seen before, even compared to cricket matches in the UK.
For Sunak and his wife, cheering for RCB was more than just watching a game. It was a chance to be part of a major cultural event in India, a country where cricket is almost like a religion.
In short, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to the IPL final in Ahmedabad was a moment full of joy and excitement. He praised the atmosphere, the fans, and the way cricket is growing globally. His support for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and his comments about cricket’s return to the Olympics showed how much the sport means to him.
The IPL final not only entertained millions of cricket fans but also highlighted India’s growing influence in global sports and culture. Cricket’s return to the Olympics will further increase its global reach, thanks to India’s passion and leadership in the game.
Sunak’s experience at the Narendra Modi Stadium is a reminder of how sport can unite people from different parts of the world and create unforgettable memories.
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