Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning side gave birth to T20 cricket, says PM Modi

IANS April 6, 2025 323 views

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup cricket team during a remarkable meeting with the legendary players. He praised their unique batting approach as the potential birthplace of T20 cricket, highlighting the transformative impact of their tournament performance. Modi also reminisced about India's unwavering support to Sri Lanka during challenging times, including their courageous decision to tour after bomb blasts. The interaction underscored the deep sporting and diplomatic bonds between India and Sri Lanka.

"When India won the World Cup in 1983 and when you guys did it in 1996, both victories changed the world of cricket" - PM Narendra Modi
Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning side gave birth to T20 cricket, says PM Modi
Colombo, April 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he believes Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning side with their aggressive and unique style of batting gave birth to T20 cricket.

Key Points

1

Modi meets 1996 Sri Lankan World Cup winning squad

2

Credits team with birthing T20 cricket revolutionary style

3

Recalls India's solidarity during challenging times

4

Emphasizes strong bilateral cricket relationship

In an interaction with the members of the World Cup winning squad including Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Aravinda de Silva, Marvan Atapattu, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Upul Chandana, Kumar Dharmasena and Romesh Kaluwitharana, PM Modi discussed cricket and the strong relationship between India and Sri Lanka during his visit to the island nation.

"Welcome, I feel very happy that I got the opportunity to meet all of you. Your team is such that is still remembered in India, the beating that you guys gave, the people have still not forgotten," the PM joked.

He highlighted how India's 1983 World Cup win and Sri Lanka's 1996 victory played transformative roles in the global cricketing landscape.

"When India won the World Cup in 1983 and when you guys did it in 1996, both victories changed the world of cricket. I believe that the birth of T20's was from the way you guys played in that tournament," he said.

The PM recalled India's visit to Sri Lanka in 1996 despite a bomb blast, calling it a strong symbol of sportsmanship and enduring friendship. The PM gave an example of how he visited Sri Lanka immediately after the 2019 terror attacks and said that the spirit of India remains the same.

"I remember when India decided that 'we will go and play' when all teams were running away after the bomb blasts, I had seen that all the players appreciated us. The difficulties that Sri Lanka were facing, we did not leave them alone. Sportsman spirit won against the bomb blasts and we still carry the same spirit," said PM Modi.

The Sri Lankan players requested PM Modi to support the development of a high-quality cricket ground in the northern part of Sri Lanka, especially Jaffna.

The cricketers appreciated and thanked PM Modi for India's generous assistance during Sri Lanka's economic crisis. PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to the "Neighbourhood First" policy, citing India's support to Myanmar during a recent earthquake as another example.

Reader Comments

R
Rajiv K.
That 1996 Sri Lankan team was revolutionary! Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana changed how openers batted forever. PM Modi is absolutely right about their influence on T20 cricket. Those first 15 overs were like watching early T20 matches! 🔥
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the sentiment, I think we should give credit to all teams that contributed to T20's evolution. The 1996 SL team was amazing, but cricket's transformation was a gradual process involving many players and nations.
S
Sanjay D.
As a 90s kid, I'll never forget that World Cup! The way SL batted was terrifying for bowlers. They made 250+ look easy when most teams struggled to reach 220. PM Modi's comments show great respect for cricket history.
A
Ananya R.
The part about India playing in SL despite security concerns is so heartwarming ❤️ Cricket truly brings nations together. Hope they get that stadium in Jaffna - would be great for developing talent in northern regions!
D
Dinesh T.
That SL team had the perfect mix - explosive openers, solid middle order with Aravinda, and Murali+Vass to clean up. They basically invented modern ODI strategy. Still can't believe they chased 250+ in the final like it was nothing!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Tags:
Cricket Narendra Modi Sri Lanka 1996 World Cup T20 Cricket Sanath Jayasuriya India-Lanka Relations
You May Like!