New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined cricket legends Kapil Dev, Ross Taylor, and Ajaz Patel for a lively game of gully cricket with local children. The heartwarming moment, captured in photographs shared by Luxon and a reel posted by Patel, showcased the PM’s all-rounder skills as he batted and bowled with enthusiasm.
The images highlighted cricket’s power to unite India and New Zealand, with Luxon bonding over the sport alongside the former New Zealand players and India’s World Cup-winning captain.
Luxon’s love for cricket shone through during his official engagements as well. Meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss trade, education, and sports cooperation, the New Zealand leader couldn’t resist injecting humor into their talks. At a joint media address, Luxon jokingly referenced New Zealand’s recent defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai, leaving PM Modi in fits of laughter.
“I really appreciate the Prime Minister not raising another recent loss of New Zealand to India in that game in Dubai,” Luxon quipped. “But I haven’t mentioned any of the Test series wins we had on our recent trips to India either. So, let’s keep it that way and avoid a major diplomatic incident!” The room erupted in laughter, with Modi and Ross Taylor, part of the delegation, joining in the amusement.
India and New Zealand share a warm and evolving bilateral relationship rooted in historical ties, shared democratic values, and mutual interests. Their connection dates back to the 1800s when Indian immigrants began settling in New Zealand, particularly in Christchurch, laying the foundation for a significant Indian diaspora—now numbering over 250,000—strengthening people-to-people links.
Both nations established diplomatic relations in 1952, with India initially setting up a Trade Commission, later upgraded to a High Commission, reflecting a commitment to deepen ties. As Commonwealth members, they share a heritage of parliamentary democracy, English language, and a passion for cricket, which often serves as a cultural bridge.