The massive upcoming summer of international cricket in Australia has got even bigger with confirmation today of a showdown between the Prime Minister’s XI and the Indian men’s team at Manuka Oval, Canberra from Saturday, 30 November – Sunday, 1 December 2024.

The match represents the final piece in Canberra’s elite summer of cricket, with Big Bash League matches on December 17 and 28 book-ended by the PM’s XI match and the Women’s Ashes T20I on Thursday, 23 January 2025.

The two-day, day-night PM’s XI match will provide India’s squad with a crucial opportunity to play under lights with the pink Kookaburra ball ahead of the Second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series under lights at Adelaide Oval from Friday, 6 December.     

The 2024 PM’s XI match will be a celebration of Australia and India’s long-running cricket ties that underpin broader bilateral economic, cultural and community links while adding to the enormous excitement surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

It is the fourth occasion India has played against the Prime Minister’s XI and the first time in 20 years.

The last time the Prime Minister’s XI faced India in 2004, Steve Waugh captained a team including current Australian coach Andrew McDonald against an Indian side led by Rahul Dravid, with the Indians prevailing by one run.

Then ACT Comets captain Cade Brown starred for the PM’s side, top-scoring with 80.

Confirmation of the match means Australia will host the biggest Indian summer ever with the hugely supported Indian men’s and women’s teams playing in nine different venues Australia-wide throughout the summer.

Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP will meet with CA Chair of Selectors, George Bailey and selector, Tony Dodemaide shortly to discuss selection of the squad.

Tickets to the Prime Minister’s XI match are on sale now and available here.

What they said

 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“As friends and partners, the relationship between Australia and India has never been closer.

“It was an absolute honour to stand alongside Prime Minister Modi at the Fourth Test in Ahmedabad last year and celebrate both our nations’ love for cricket.  
 
“Over the years I’ve loved watching players like Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar so it’ll be great to see the PM’s XI face the Indian team in Canberra.

“I look forward to meeting with the National Selectors to discuss selection for the squad.”

CA Chair of Selectors, George Bailey:
 
“Representing the PM’s XI is a tremendous honour for any player given its rich history spanning across eight decades. This year’s match also presents an opportunity for players to impress against arguably the strongest side in world cricket.

“We look forward to sitting down with Prime Minister Albanese to choose a side which will not only befit the match but include some of our brightest prospects and rising stars.”

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said:

“We’re delighted to confirm India’s involvement in this year’s Prime Minister’s XI match that emphasises the significance of the fixture on the cricketing calendar.

“The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy Series will captivate the cricketing world. Today’s confirmation of the Prime Minister’s XI match is a terrific result for cricket fans, particularly in the ACT and surrounding regions, and adds to an incredible summer of cricket.”
 
Prime Minister’s XI vs India
November 30 – December 1, 2:40pm AEDT
Manuka Oval, Canberra
Broadcast: FOXTEL, Kayo Sports & ABC Radio

PM’s XI Gala Dinner confirmed

Ahead of the match, Cricket ACT will hold a PM’s XI Gala Dinner in the Great Hall at Parliament House on Friday, 29 November.

Delivered in partnership with the Australia India Business Council, the Gala Dinner aims to celebrate this significant cricket match, foster Australia-India relations, and offer exceptional networking opportunities with proceeds going to the Cricket ACT Foundation.

Ticket details will be released soon, and corporate table enquiries can be directed to Sarah Browne at Cricket ACT.