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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke about the iconic India-Pakistan cricket rivalry in a podcast conversation with Lex Fridman. India-Pakistan is always a much-awaited fixture, since the two countries only play against each other in ICC tournaments.

India and Pakistan were locked in the recent Champions Trophy, in which India dominated the match. Star batsman Virat Kohli played a superb century as India won the match. PM Modi was asked about the rivalry and which side is superior. PM Modi made a diplomatic remark.

He emphasized how sports can unite people and nations. "I believe that sports have the potential to energize the whole world. They unite people and should always be celebrated," he added.

WATCH || Responding to Lex Fridman's (@lexfridman) question about whether India or Pakistan has the better cricket team, PM Modi highlighted the power of sports to energize the world and unite nations. He emphasized that sports play a vital role in human evolution. Referring to… pic.twitter.com/I4auuR7RI8

— DD India (@DDIndialive) March 16, 2025

"Only experts in the game can determine who is the best. But sometimes, results are self-explanatory," he said. Citing India's recent win, he noted that the result of the match indicates which team is superior at the time.

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Modi ji also clean bowled the Pakistani cricket team😂 #PMModiPodcast pic.twitter.com/ZjIelORUu7

— Pradeep Maikhuri (@PradeepMaikhur3) March 16, 2025

PM Modi was also queried on football and who his favorite player is. He stated that Diego Maradona was the greatest in the 1980s, while at present, most would accept Lionel Messi as being the greatest.

They reflect his perception of the unity strength of sports along with acceptance of India's recent supremacy over Pakistan on the cricket pitch

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has applauded Anant Ambani and his team for their extraordinary efforts in wildlife conservation through Vantara, a unique rescue and rehabilitation initiative.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kohli praised the initiative’s commitment to protecting and rehabilitating animals in a safe and sustainable environment.

"Anant Ambani and his entire team at Vantara are making a remarkable difference in wildlife welfare. Their dedication to rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation is shaping a more sustainable and compassionate ecosystem. #Vantara @narendramodi," Kohli wrote.

A Mission for Wildlife

Vantara, led by Anant Ambani, is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have suffered from cruelty, injuries, or abandonment. The initiative provides them with a second chance at life, ensuring they receive the best possible care in a secure and nurturing environment.

Anant Ambani and his entire team at Vantara are making a remarkable difference in wildlife welfare. Their dedication to rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation is shaping a more sustainable and compassionate ecosystem.#Vantara @narendramodi

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 5, 2025

Kohli is not the only sporting legend to recognize this initiative. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar also visited Vantara and expressed his admiration for the work being done.

"I felt the same as Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji when I was in Vantara earlier. The passion and commitment of Anant and his team towards wildlife conservation is commendable. The rescued and rehabilitated animals at Vantara uniquely touch you, and I look forward to visiting this beautiful place again," Tendulkar shared on X.

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PM Modi's Appreciation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself visited Vantara and lauded the initiative, calling it a crucial step in ensuring ecological sustainability and animal welfare.

"Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort," PM Modi posted.

During his visit, the Prime Minister witnessed firsthand the care being given to injured and abused animals. He shared the heartbreaking stories of elephants that had suffered horrific cruelty—one that was a victim of an acid attack, another that had been blinded by its own Mahout, and one struck by a speeding truck.

"How can people be so careless and cruel?" he questioned, urging society to focus on kindness toward all creatures.

PM Modi also highlighted other cases, such as a lioness that had suffered a severe spinal injury after being hit by a vehicle and a leopard cub that had been abandoned by its family. Thanks to the efforts at Vantara, these animals are now receiving the care they need to heal and thrive.

A Call for Compassion

Vantara’s work is a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and responsibility toward animals. With the support of figures like Kohli, Tendulkar, and PM Modi, the initiative continues to inspire efforts toward wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

For those who believe in protecting our planet’s wildlife, Vantara stands as a beacon of hope, proving that a little kindness can truly change lives.

 Chris Gayle expressed his joy at meeting India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, claiming that he has pinned that moment on Instagram about meeting the 'legend'. The Jamaican reflected that he has been coming to India for plenty of years now and it was a pleasure to meet Modi alongside his own Prime Minister.

Chris Gayle meets Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 🇮🇳 🤝#Cricket #India #Gayle #NarendraModi pic.twitter.com/d2xRbby3BY

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) October 2, 2024

Chris Gayle joy towads about his meeting with Modi:

Chris Gayle talking about meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. 🇮🇳 (IANS).pic.twitter.com/jnm2bbYskn

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 11, 2025

"What a legend, great to meet him. I've been coming to India all these time and it was fantastic to get a chance to meet him with my Prime Minister as well... You can see on my Instagram, I've actually pinned that moment."

Chris Gayle had very own expersion when reporter asked to him. He got a unforgettable movement.

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, for breakfast on Thursday. PM Modi congratulated the T20 World Cup-winning team during the hour-long meeting, encouraging them to continue their winning streak in future tournaments. The team arrived at No. 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, at 11 am IST and departed from ITC Maurya after receiving a warm reception. Captain Rohit Sharma, along with Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli, was seen cutting a special cake prepared by the hotel’s chef.

PM Modi congratulates and encourages team India

According to India Today, PM Modi urged the team to maintain their momentum and strive for more title victories, expressing confidence that the T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados will motivate them for future successes. In a video, the Prime Minister and the Indian cricket team players were seen sharing laughs and reminiscing about their World Cup campaign. Head coach Rahul Dravid, along with players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya, also spoke during the meeting. BCCI secretary Jay Shah and president Roger Binny attended the breakfast meeting as well.

Grand reception and celebration plans

The Indian team left the Prime Minister’s residence and headed back to the New Delhi airport, from where they will travel to Mumbai for an open-top bus parade. The Men in Blue wore customized India jerseys with ‘Champions’ written on them. PM Modi hosted a special breakfast during which he listened to the players’ experiences from the World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean. The Indian cricket team received a rousing reception upon their return home, with thousands of fans gathering outside Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport despite early morning rain. Rohit Sharma led the celebrations, holding the T20 World Cup trophy aloft, while Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid interacted with fans and hotel staff.

See Also: Watch: A huge crowd welcomes Team India at Delhi airport; Rohit and Hardik do Bhangra at team hotel

The celebrations will continue throughout the day with an open-top bus parade and a felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Rohit Sharma and his teammates will parade along Marine Drive, with BCCI secretary Jay Shah handing over the trophy and the prize money of Rs 125 crore to the players. The victory marks the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC trophy for India, who won the men’s T20 World Cup after an unbeaten campaign, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. Following the victory, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20Is, while head coach Rahul Dravid concluded his tenure on a high note.