RIYADH: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the crown prince of Dubai, deputy prime minister and defense minister, met with Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council, during his first official visit to India.
He also met with Indian cricket stars Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav during the Dubai-India Business Forum, the Government of Dubai Media office said on X.
The meeting with Shah was an opportunity to reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to advancing global sport through meaningful international partnerships. He underlined the UAE’s growing role as an international hub for sporting events, driven by a long-term vision and advanced infrastructure.
Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the UAE’s pride in hosting the ICC headquarters in Dubai since 2005, a reflection of the country’s strong support for international sporting organizations.
“The UAE’s infrastructure, innovation, and long-term vision make it a natural hub for international sporting excellence,” Sheikh Hamdan said, according to Emirates News Agency WAM.
While meeting the Indian players, Sheikh Hamdan congratulated them on India’s recent triumph in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which the team secured with a memorable victory at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last month.
Commenting on the meeting and sharing a video on X, the ICC chairman wrote: “Delighted to help connect cricket with visionary leadership in Mumbai where it was a true honor to meet His Highness @HamdanMohammed with @ImRo45, @hardikpandya7, and @surya_14kumar. These moments typify the uniting influence of cricket worldwide.”
The Indian players shared their experiences of playing in the tournament and of competing in tournaments in the UAE over the years. They praised the world-class facilities, excellent organization and vibrant sporting atmosphere.
Sheikh Hamdan noted the growing popularity of cricket in the UAE, supported by the Emirates Cricket Board under the leadership of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan.
He reiterated the UAE’s commitment to nurturing cricket and providing an environment in which the sport could flourish.
