Introduction

Cricket isn’t just a sport in India and Australia, it's a shared passion, a bond that transcends the playing field and carries deeper meanings in diplomacy, culture, and economics. Over the years, this powerful connection has come to symbolize a unique form of "cricket diplomacy" that has done much more than entertain millions of fans. It has brought India and Australia closer together, not only on the cricket pitch but in matters of trade, investment, defense, and strategic partnerships. As we look toward 2025, the future of this diplomatic relationship is shining bright, with cricket continuing to play an integral role in shaping the trajectory of their ties.

The Role of Cricket in Strengthening Ties

The connection between Australia and India has always been special. Both nations are democracies with shared values, and cricket has played a major role in fostering this bond. For decades, matches between these two cricketing giants have sparked fierce rivalries on the field, but more importantly, they've provided a platform for dialogue and mutual respect off the field.

The relationship between Australia and India is deeply rooted in the cricketing world, with countless historic moments fueling their diplomatic ties. Think about it: when Indian and Australian players shake hands or share a laugh after a competitive match, it’s not just the spirit of the game at play. It’s an unspoken acknowledgment that despite the fierce rivalry, both nations share a connection that goes beyond sport. This connection has evolved into a broader diplomatic tool, promoting not only goodwill but also fostering economic, cultural, and even strategic collaborations.

One of the earliest examples of this diplomatic potential came in the early 2000s, when Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee acknowledged cricket’s power to bring the nations together. Since then, leaders have used cricket matches to further discussions on trade, defense, and scientific collaboration. The matches become more than just games they’re opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and strengthening bilateral relations.

Beyond the Boundaries: Cricket as a Tool for Diplomacy

Cricket diplomacy has evolved between the two countries, especially with the introduction of Border-Gavaskar trophy. Named after Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar and Australian great Allan Border, the Border-Gavaskar Test match series has significantly improved the people to people exchange between both the countries. In a recent dialogue with the Indic Researchers Forum (IRF), former Australian Ambassador Kevin Magee noted that, India made its first test tour to Australia during the 1947-1948 southern summer. This was only months after Indian independence. The Indian team was warmly received by the great Australian captain Don Bradman and his team. This series was Bradman’s last as a test player and captain. Ambassador Kevin further added, “As you would know Bradman was already very well known in India as the master batsman. Bradman was delighted to be able to play the Indian team before he retired having often said his one regret was having never played in India. Bradman greatly respected the Indian players during his career and later in life. During the Indian tour in August 1998 Don Bradman invited Sachin Tendulkar to visit him in Adelaide at his home. The famous meeting, which Shane Warne also attended was greatly appreciated in Australia and India. Bradman said that he admired Tendulkar and saw in him many of the batting skills he had as a young man. This was another example of the link between cricket in India and Australia built by Bradman”. The Australia-India cricket rivalry is world-renowned, and the high-profile matches draw attention not just from fans but also from policymakers. These matches often provide an informal setting where diplomats, business leaders, and heads of state can meet and discuss shared interests. State receptions during major series, like the ones during Australian tours of India or the IPL (Indian Premier League), are more than ceremonial; they often serve as a backdrop to important talks about economic or defense cooperation.

The 2020-2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one prime example. While cricket fans were glued to their screens for what would become one of the most thrilling cricket series in history, behind the scenes, both Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the occasion to highlight the significance of the series as a symbol of the strengthening relationship between the nations. The series itself became a metaphor for resilience, cooperation, and mutual respect qualities that have defined the Australia-India relationship for years.

Former Ambassador Kevin Magee shares his memorable experiences which adds more nostalgia to the India- Australia cricket diplomacy, “One other anecdote from a visit to India in 1980 as a teenager was related to Bradman. I was travelling around India with my late father Professor Robert J Magee who was a guest of the Indian Institute of Sciences and the Indian Institute of Technology. We travelled to Madras (Chennai), Bangalore and New Delhi. Wherever we went when local people found out we were Australians they wanted to talk about cricket. Many people asked us whether we knew Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh etc. Most of them asked my father if he knew Don Bradman - he didn’t. Others said he looked like Don Bradman and asked him to bat! He didn’t. The praises of Bradman as a batsman, captain and friend of India were constant. It was a very pleasant experience”.

A Natural Alliance in the Quad Framework

While cricket diplomacy plays a vital role in soft power, Australia and India are also building a robust strategic partnership through the Quad—an alliance with Japan and the United States that’s focused on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both India and Australia share core democratic values and an interest in regional stability, making them natural partners in the Quad. Together, they seek to counterbalance growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, especially from China.

Cricket is, once again, a bridge. It’s a common passion that allows people-to-people connections to flourish, providing a backdrop for deeper cooperation in security, defense, and regional affairs. Through shared experiences in cricket, there’s a deeper sense of camaraderie that makes broader strategic engagements more effective. The sporting rivalry becomes a starting point for conversations on how both nations can cooperate in areas like defense technology, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re likely to see this Quad partnership between India and Australia continue to strengthen. Both countries are set to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific, and cricket diplomacy will serve as a reminder of the importance of strong, personal ties in fostering global cooperation.

Building Bridges Through Investment and Economic Collaboration

Apart from their shared love for cricket, Australia and India also share a growing economic relationship. Australia has significant expertise in sectors like mining, agriculture, and higher education, while India offers a dynamic and expanding market, particularly in tech, energy, and manufacturing. This creates countless opportunities for collaboration, with cricket diplomacy helping to open doors for investment and economic exchange.

As both countries look to 2025, cricket could continue to serve as a tool to encourage economic cooperation. From sponsoring cricket events to organizing joint business ventures tied to major cricket series, both countries will likely leverage their love for the game to build stronger business relationships. Companies from both sides are already finding common ground through these shared events, which provide a unique opportunity for networking and fostering partnerships in sectors of mutual interest.

The trade agreements that are likely to be signed by 2025, such as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), could also see significant progress. Cricket events often provide informal settings where business leaders and diplomats can discuss these agreements, making them more personable and accessible.

Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Australia and India?

Looking ahead, the Australia-India relationship is set to grow even stronger. With upcoming cricket series, including the 2025 ICC Women’s cricket World Cup and the return tours, the stage is set for even more diplomatic conversations and potential partnerships. The excitement on the field will continue to fuel the connection off the field, with both nations working towards a future of stronger trade ties, deeper defense collaboration, and joint efforts to tackle global challenges like climate change and regional security.

In 2025 and beyond, cricket will continue to serve as a reminder of the enduring partnership between India and Australia. It’s a relationship built not only on mutual respect but also on shared passions and a willingness to use every tool whether it’s the cricket pitch or the negotiating table to further collaboration. Cricket diplomacy, in all its forms, will remain a cornerstone of the Australia-India bond, helping to shape not just the future of their bilateral relations but also the future of the Indo-Pacific.