Sheikh Hamdan meets Indian cricketers, presented with Team India jersey branded 'Dubai 11'

Mumbai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, met Indian cricketers and a top official from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The surprise meeting took place when Sheikh Hamdan arrived in Mumbai during his historic two-day official visit to India.

Dressed in a black suit, Sheikh Hamdan held a brief meeting with Jay Shah, the Chairman of the ICC, along with Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s Test and ODI teams, Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20 captain also known as SKY, and star player Hardik Pandya.

Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing global sport through meaningful international partnerships. He underscored the UAE’s growing role as an international hub for sporting events, driven by a long-term vision and advanced infrastructure, and highlighted the UAE’s pride in hosting the ICC headquarters in Dubai since 2005.

“The UAE’s infrastructure, innovation, and long-term vision make it a natural hub for international sporting excellence,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Sheikh Hamdan congratulated the players on India’s recent triumph in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in the final match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last month.

The players praised the UAE’s world-class facilities, organisational excellence, and vibrant sporting atmosphere.

Later, Sheikh Hamdan was seen signing a Team India jersey with "Dubai" and the number 11 on it. He posed for photographers while holding the jersey with Sharma.

Sheikh Hamdan shared photos from the meeting on his official Instagram handle in a post written in Hindi: “Team India Ke Saath Ek Yaadgaar Mulakath,” which means a memorable meeting with Team India. The post has since gone viral.