Prince William took to The Mall in London on Tuesday, turning the famous royal procession route into an impromptu cricket pitch for a tennis-ball game. Among the players were former India captain Sourav Ganguly and Ajinkya Rahane, who recently retired from all cricket formats. The event also featured West Indies legend Brian Lara alongside England internationals Joe Root and Harry Brook.
Usually reserved for ceremonial parades and public celebrations, The Mall was alive with a different kind of excitement as the prince picked up a bat and faced deliveries bowled by Ganguly. Dressed casually in a shirt and sweater, William managed to play a few shots and posed for selfies with onlookers gathered nearby.
Ganguly gave a brief assessment of the prince’s batting. “He batted alright,” Ganguly told The Telegraph when asked about William’s skills at the crease.
Rahane took to LinkedIn on Wednesday to share his experience of playing on this iconic London street, with Buckingham Palace visible in the background. “Cricket has taken me to some remarkable venues across the world, but playing tennis-ball cricket right on The Mall in London with Buckingham Palace in the backdrop is an experience that will stay with me for a long time,” he wrote.
He added that the occasion was a privilege, allowing him to spend time with HRH Prince William and reconnect with fellow cricket icons including Ganguly, Lara, Root, and Brook. The group discussed the unifying spirit of cricket, recalling memories of playing in England and India, and touched on their shared responsibility toward the future of the sport.
The informal game was held in the lead-up to an award ceremony by the British Royal family, though specific details of the event were not provided. The presence of cricket stars from India, the West Indies, and England on such a symbolic London street highlighted the sport’s global reach and cultural significance.
Prince William’s involvement in the game illustrated his ongoing interest in cricket, a sport he has supported publicly on various occasions. His participation alongside seasoned professionals added an unusual but welcomed chapter to the day’s activities on The Mall.
Rahane’s post and Ganguly’s comments offered a glimpse into the relaxed atmosphere of the match, underscoring the camaraderie between players from different countries and eras. The event combined the formality of a royal setting with the informal joy of cricket, creating a unique moment on one of London’s most famous streets.
According to Yahoo Sports.
