‘Delighted’: PM Modi at MCG Backs 2036 Olympics Bid, Hails BBL Opener in Chennai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground stadium on the final day of his three-day visit to Australia, where he said that India is striving to host the 2036 Olympics and expressed delight over Chennai hosting the opening fixture of the Big Bash League 2026-27 edition.
Earlier in the day, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the BBL 2026-27 season will begin in India, with Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium set to host the opening fixture in December.
The announcement was made alongside PM Modi in a joint statement. Cricket Australia later confirmed that the Melbourne Renegades will face the Perth Scorchers in the historic season opener on December 12. The match will be the first BBL fixture to be played outside Australia.
During his speech at the MCG, PM Modi said that with India set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, the country is also pursuing its bid for the 2036 Olympics.
He also welcomed Chennai hosting the opening match of the 2026-27 Big Bash League season, saying staging sporting events in India ensures massive reach and viewership.
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PM Modi said the MCG evokes two emotions for Indians -- the excitement of an India vs Australia contest and the realisation that cricket is a shared passion connecting both nations.
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He added that the sport has strengthened his friendship with Australian PM Albanese, serving as a natural bridge between the two leaders.
"Yet, today, there is no pressure of a 'last-over finish.' Instead, there is only the joy of the game, the warmth of our friendship, and the energy of future champions," he said.
PM Modi said cricket has been a natural link between him and Albanese, recalling their visits to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2023.
"Whenever I have had the chance to meet my friend Prime Minister Albanese, cricket has served as a natural connecting point between us. We visited the stadium together in Ahmedabad, and being here today, I can truly feel the sporting spirit--especially with legends like Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar present among us," he said.
Albanese, on the other hand, welcomed PM Modi to the MCG, highlighting the historic India-Australia cricket rivalry and the record-breaking attendance during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
He also acknowledged cricket legends Lisa Sthalekar and Steve Waugh, praising their contributions to the sport.
(With inputs from ANI)