MUMBAI: On his first official visit to India, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, met with top cricket leaders and stars in MUMBAI, strengthening the UAE’s global sports ties. His key meeting was with Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), followed by conversations with Indian captain Rohit Sharma and players Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav.
The meeting focused on building global sports partnerships. Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to international sport and highlighted how the country’s modern infrastructure and long-term planning have positioned it as a major sporting hub.
He proudly noted that Dubai has hosted the ICC headquarters since 2005, a symbol of the UAE’s ongoing support for international sports bodies. “The UAE’s infrastructure, innovation, and long-term vision make it a natural hub for international sporting excellence,” he said.
The Indian players, still basking in the glory of their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, shared their excitement. Sheikh Hamdan congratulated them for the hard-fought victory and praised their performance in the tournament.
The players spoke about their positive experiences playing in the UAE, commending its world-class facilities and top-notch event organisation. They also noted the country’s unique energy during international matches.
Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged the rising popularity of cricket in the UAE, backed by the Emirates Cricket Board and led by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. He assured continued support to grow the sport and create a thriving environment for future talent.
