Team India Presents Exclusive ‘Dubai 11’ Jersey to Sheik Hamdan
Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, met Indian cricketers during his important two-day official visit to India that created a memorable moment in sports diplomacy. Indian cricket team’s captain Rohit Sharma gifted Sheik Hamdan a special Team India jersey with ‘Dubai 11’ printed on it during their meeting in Mumbai on April 8, 2025.
The meeting brought together notable cricketers Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and ICC Chairman Jay Shah at the Dubai-India Business Forum. This gathering showcased the growing bonds between UAE and India that focused on increased cooperation in trade, energy, and digital innovation. Sheik Hamdan later expressed his gratitude for this memorable interaction through an Instagram post in Hindi that highlighted the cultural connection between both nations.
Sheik Hamdan Strengthens UAE-India Ties Through Cricket Diplomacy
Image Source: The Brew News
Cricket served as a powerful diplomatic bridge when Sheik Hamdan met India’s cricket stars. Their jersey exchange symbolized the deepening sports-based relationship between UAE and India.
Sheik Hamdan reinforced UAE’s dedication to global sports through mutually beneficial alliances. UAE has become a world-class destination for sporting events, supported by reliable infrastructure and clear long-term goals.
“Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE–India ties which is built on trust, shaped by history and driven by a shared vision to create a future full of opportunity, innovation and lasting prosperity,” Sheik Hamdan said about his diplomatic mission.
The Crown Prince praised India’s victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium last month. This celebration highlighted cricket’s growing role in strengthening ties between both nations.
Dubai’s position as the International Cricket Council’s headquarters since 2005 shows UAE’s significant role in cricket administration. This connection strengthens the foundation of cricket diplomacy between both countries.
Cricket has exceeded its role as entertainment to become a vital soft power tool across the subcontinent. The sport ranks second globally in viewership after football and has become central to India’s sports diplomacy.
Both nations acknowledged sports’ unique ability to connect cultures. Cricket proves that “sports transcends language, nationality and cultural boundaries,” creating new channels of communication between different communities.
The Mumbai cricket meeting shows how sports strengthen the economic partnership between UAE and India. This relationship continues to grow through trade, energy, investment, and technology sectors.
Rohit Sharma Presents Historic ‘Dubai 11’ Jersey to UAE Royal
Image Source: Travels Dubai
A special moment marked the diplomatic sports meeting when India’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma gave His Highness Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum a custom Team India jersey. The unique jersey proudly displayed “Dubai” and number 11 on its back, creating an exclusive “Dubai 11” keepsake.
Sheik Hamdan looked elegant in a black suit as he accepted the special jersey with genuine appreciation. He signed the memento and smiled for photos with Sharma while holding the jersey. This personalized gift symbolized the growing bonds between UAE and India through cricket.
Team India stars Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav joined the memorable exchange in Mumbai. ICC Chairman Jay Shah made the introductions between the Indian cricket icons and Dubai’s Crown Prince.
Sheik Hamdan shared his excitement on Instagram after the meeting. He posted in Hindi: “Team India ke saath ek yaadgaar mulaqat” which means “a memorable meeting with Team India”. Fans from both nations showed their enthusiasm with thousands of likes and comments, proving cricket’s power to unite people.
The Dubai royal congratulated India’s team on their victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. His words highlighted Dubai’s rising importance as a global cricket destination.
Suryakumar Yadav, with 199 runs in five matches this season, shared his thoughts about the meeting on social media. He loved talking cricket with the Crown Prince, calling it their “common favorite topic”.
The jersey ceremony showed how sports can build international friendships. The “Dubai 11” jersey will remain a treasured symbol of UAE and India’s growing sports partnership, marking this important diplomatic moment.
ICC Chairman Facilitates High-Profile Cricket Meeting
Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), orchestrated a high-profile meeting between Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and India’s cricket stars in Mumbai. The gathering coincided with the Dubai-India Business Forum, creating a platform for cricket diplomacy among business discussions.
Shah expressed his thoughts on social media after the meeting: “Delighted to help connect cricket with visionary leadership in Mumbai, where it was a true honor to meet His Highness Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum with cricket icons Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav”. The ICC’s “steadfast dedication to raise cricket globally and build partnerships that strike a chord with a variety of audiences” remained paramount.
This meeting marked a defining moment for cricket governance. Shah, who became the ICC’s youngest Chair at 35 in December, continues to build international cricket relationships. His leadership has driven the ICC’s efforts to revive cricket’s Olympic dreams through visits to several international locations.
The discussions highlighted the UAE’s evolution as a vital venue for international cricket. The Emirates Cricket Board has hosted major tournaments, including the Indian Premier League during 2020 and 2021’s pandemic years. Dubai secured India’s matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy as part of a hybrid model that addressed political sensitivities.
Indian cricket and the UAE share a prosperous partnership. Jay Shah noted earlier: “We share a great working relationship with the Emirates Cricket Board”. The cricket industry adds over AED 1.1 billion to the UAE economy, which explains why both sides keep deepening their commitment to cricket.
Dubai’s role as the ICC headquarters since 2005 proves the emirate’s lasting commitment to cricket’s global growth alongside India, the sport’s financial powerhouse.
Sheik Hamdan’s landmark meeting with Team India shows cricket’s power to strengthen international relations. The special ‘Dubai 11’ jersey presentation became a milestone in UAE-India sports diplomacy. ICC Chairman Jay Shah’s presence added institutional weight to this occasion.
The Crown Prince showed UAE’s steadfast dedication to sports excellence through his interaction with Indian cricket stars. His Hindi social media post created deeper connections between both nations and showed genuine appreciation for Indian cricket culture.
Dubai has served as ICC headquarters since 2005. This strategic decision made the emirate a vital hub for global cricket. The city’s ability to host major tournaments, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, emphasizes the UAE‘s reliable sporting infrastructure and organizational skills.
The meeting coincided with the Dubai-India Business Forum and showed how sports and commerce blend in modern diplomatic relations. This union of cricket diplomacy and economic partnership points to promising future collaborations between these nations. Both countries ended up deepening their commitment to shared prosperity and breakthroughs.
