Former UK PM Rishi Sunak hails IPL’s global influence and India’s growing sporting power as he attends his first IPL match — the final between RCB and PBKS — at Narendra Modi Stadium.
June-3, 2025: Ahmedabad, June 3, 2025: Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, lit up the stands at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday as they passionately cheered for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings. Marking his maiden visit to an IPL match, Sunak was visibly thrilled by the electric atmosphere.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS- Royals Score 190/9 in 20 Overs-Arshdeep Takes 3 Wickets
Last ball of 1st innings, and reaction of Rishi Sunak.#RCBvsPBKS #IPLFinals pic.twitter.com/LtFUIKKbG9
— Rupesh (@ChastooXD) June 3, 2025
“This is incredible, absolutely electric. It’s my first time here and I’ve never experienced cricket like this,” Sunak said in a mid-match interaction after RCB concluded their innings at 190/9 in 20 overs.
A selfie posted earlier in the day by Sunak on social media, captioned “Let’s go @RCBTweets”, confirmed his support for the Bengaluru franchise, which reached the IPL final for the first time in 15 years following a dominant Qualifier 1 win over Punjab Kings.
Let's go @RCBTweets 🏏 pic.twitter.com/iIIW7GFfKH
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 3, 2025
Sunak also made broader remarks on cricket’s global resurgence, connecting it to India’s rising international stature. “Why is cricket back in the Olympics for the first time in 100 years? Because of India. India’s passions and tastes are now shaping the global cultural and sporting landscape,” he noted, referring to the sport’s return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Praising the Indian Premier League and the BCCI for revolutionising cricket, Sunak said, “The IPL has transformed the game. Every cricketer now wants to be part of it. It has also boosted the women’s game, bringing more girls into the sport through the Women’s Premier League.”
The couple’s appearance at one of the most anticipated matches of the year was welcomed warmly by fans, with cameras frequently cutting to the duo amid roaring crowd energy. As the night unfolded, the IPL final became more than just a contest between RCB and PBKS — it was a testament to the league’s global appeal.
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Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty, IPL 2025 Final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, Narendra Modi Stadium, Cricket in Olympics, IPL Global Impact, BCCI, India Cricket Influence