Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met players of Sri Lanka's 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning squad during his Colombo visit. He stated their huge victory long ago still gives inspiration to cricket lovers across the globe.

PM Modi is on a two-day official tour of Sri Lanka. He reached Colombo on Friday evening to have vital talks with Sri Lankan leaders and to ink some key pacts between the two nations.

On Saturday, amidst his hectic schedule, PM Modi spared time to greet some of the renowned cricket players of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup team.
Sri Lanka created history when they won the Cricket World Cup in 1996. They defeated Australia in the final match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, in Pakistan. Australia had posted 241 runs, but Sri Lanka chased the runs with ease, losing just three wickets. Aravinda de Silva was the hero of the match, without being bowled out, scoring 107 runs.

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PM Modi congratulated the team and stated that their win brought happiness and pride to millions of cricket fans. On social media, he posted, "Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!"

Several popular Sri Lankan players attended

Cricket connect!

Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers! pic.twitter.com/2ZprMmOtz6

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2025

• Aravinda de Silva
• Sanath Jayasuriya
• Chaminda Vaas
• Kumar Dharmasena
• Upul Chandana
• Marvan Atapattu
• Romesh Kaluwitharana

They presented PM Modi with a special gift to commemorate the moment.

Cricket Builds Friendship

Cricket has always united India and Sri Lanka. This gathering served as an example of how sports can foster close international friendships. Following the meeting, Romesh Kaluwitharana said, "India has always assisted Sri Lanka, particularly during difficult times."

The players praised PM Modi and expressed their happiness at meeting him. Aravinda de Silva stated, "PM Modi is respected worldwide." Sanath Jayasuriya added that it was a wonderful experience and the Prime Minister had talked about his work after becoming the PM in 2014. Chaminda Vaas was amazed at how much Modi was aware of cricket. "He discussed our World Cup campaign in depth. He obviously keeps the game in mind," Vaas added.

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Photos and videos of the meeting were shared online by PM Modi’s team. Many people from both countries reacted with joy, calling it a special and emotional moment. Fans said it showed how cricket can bring people together. Apart from the cricket match, PM Modi’s visit is focused on building stronger relations between the two countries. He will discuss trade, energy, tourism, and cultural projects with Sri Lankan leaders.

PM Modi’s meeting with the 1996 World Cup-winning team was a warm and respectful gesture. It reminded everyone how sports, especially cricket, can unite people across borders. The visit was not only political it was also about the celebration of heroes, remembering the past, and fostering closer friendship between India and Sri Lanka.