Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the best for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 co-hosts Namibia. Also, he has extended the country's hand to the growth of cricket in Namibia. 

PM Modi is visiting the Southern African country Namibia at the invitation of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The Indian PM has been conferred with the highest civilian honour in Namibia, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.

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Wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup: PM Narendra Modi

In this special visit, the Indian PM had a speech where he included the best wishes for their co-hosting the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be their first ever ICC tournament hosting in senior cricket. Namibia will host this tournament with the Test-playing nations South Africa and Zimbabwe, where 14 teams will participate in the tournament.  

Namibia: PM Narendra Modi says, "I conclude by wishing Namibia great success in co-hosting the 2027 Cricket World Cup. And if your Eagles need any cricket tips — you know whom to call!" pic.twitter.com/R6knyHKlZ1

— IANS (@ians_india) July 9, 2025

However, unlike the Test-playing members or ICC Full Members South Africa and Zimbabwe, who have earned the direct qualification for the 14-team tournament ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, the Associate Member Namibia will have to participate in the Qualifiers to qualify for the 14th edition of the ODI World Cup. Three Namibian venues are expected to host the next ODI World Cup, including FNB Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. 

Namibia in international cricket

Namibia have played one Men's ODI World Cup in 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya co-hosted the tournament, and the last three Men's T20 World Cups (2021, 2022, and 2024). 

While Namibia men's U19 team is known as one of the best associates, the country will co-host the upcoming ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with Zimbabwe.

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has applauded Anant Ambani and his team for their extraordinary efforts in wildlife conservation through Vantara, a unique rescue and rehabilitation initiative.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kohli praised the initiative’s commitment to protecting and rehabilitating animals in a safe and sustainable environment.

"Anant Ambani and his entire team at Vantara are making a remarkable difference in wildlife welfare. Their dedication to rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation is shaping a more sustainable and compassionate ecosystem. #Vantara @narendramodi," Kohli wrote.

A Mission for Wildlife

Vantara, led by Anant Ambani, is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals that have suffered from cruelty, injuries, or abandonment. The initiative provides them with a second chance at life, ensuring they receive the best possible care in a secure and nurturing environment.

Anant Ambani and his entire team at Vantara are making a remarkable difference in wildlife welfare. Their dedication to rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation is shaping a more sustainable and compassionate ecosystem.#Vantara @narendramodi

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 5, 2025

Kohli is not the only sporting legend to recognize this initiative. Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar also visited Vantara and expressed his admiration for the work being done.

"I felt the same as Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji when I was in Vantara earlier. The passion and commitment of Anant and his team towards wildlife conservation is commendable. The rescued and rehabilitated animals at Vantara uniquely touch you, and I look forward to visiting this beautiful place again," Tendulkar shared on X.

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PM Modi's Appreciation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself visited Vantara and lauded the initiative, calling it a crucial step in ensuring ecological sustainability and animal welfare.

"Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort," PM Modi posted.

During his visit, the Prime Minister witnessed firsthand the care being given to injured and abused animals. He shared the heartbreaking stories of elephants that had suffered horrific cruelty—one that was a victim of an acid attack, another that had been blinded by its own Mahout, and one struck by a speeding truck.

"How can people be so careless and cruel?" he questioned, urging society to focus on kindness toward all creatures.

PM Modi also highlighted other cases, such as a lioness that had suffered a severe spinal injury after being hit by a vehicle and a leopard cub that had been abandoned by its family. Thanks to the efforts at Vantara, these animals are now receiving the care they need to heal and thrive.

A Call for Compassion

Vantara’s work is a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and responsibility toward animals. With the support of figures like Kohli, Tendulkar, and PM Modi, the initiative continues to inspire efforts toward wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

For those who believe in protecting our planet’s wildlife, Vantara stands as a beacon of hope, proving that a little kindness can truly change lives.

Indian vice-captain Hardik Pandya shared that he’s been through a tough few months during a recent chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his home in New Delhi last Thursday.

During the IPL 2024 season, Pandya faced criticism from Mumbai Indians (MI) fans. He took over as captain from Rohit Sharma, but the team struggled, finishing last with only four wins in 14 matches.

However, Pandya bounced back during the T20 World Cup, scoring 144 runs at a strike rate of 150 and taking 11 wickets. His standout performance included key dismissals in the final against South Africa.

Hardik Pandya opens up about his personal and professional struggles

“Last 6 months have been very entertaining for me, there have been a lot of ups and downs and the public booed me. A lot of things happened and I always felt that if I give any answer, it would be through sports… So I believed that I would stay strong, will work hard” Pandya shared with Modi and the team during their discussion.

Following the World Cup, Pandya achieved the top spot in the ICC all-rounder rankings, a first for an Indian player. With Rohit Sharma stepping down from T20Is, Pandya is now a leading contender for the role of India’s new T20 captain.

During the T20 World Cup 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Virat Kohli how his family felt when he was struggling to score runs in the USA and the West Indies. PM Modi mentioned that the support from those around him was crucial for his match winning performance in the final against South Africa.

PM Modi was candid and engaging as he spoke with the T20 World Cup winning Indian team during a breakfast he hosted in New Delhi on Thursday. He made jokes and detailed observations about India’s campaign in the USA and the West Indies, showing his knowledge of the game and praising Rohit Sharma’s team for their victory.

PM Modi spoke with each player during the breakfast. When he talked to Virat Kohli, he asked about his inconsistent form during the T20 World Cup and pointed out that Kohli scored more runs in the final than in the previous seven matches combined.

“Virat, tell me, the battle this time was full of ups and downs,” PM Modi said.

Virat Kohli reflected on his challenging journey during the T20 World Cup, admitting he felt he wasn’t performing to his potential. He credited the support from the team, especially coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma, for helping him deliver the match-winning performance in the final.

“Thank you for inviting us here. I will always remember this day. I couldn’t contribute as much as I wanted. I told Rahul Dravid that I felt I wasn’t doing justice to myself or the team. He reassured me that he believed I would deliver when it mattered,” Kohli said.

Kohli’s initial doubts transformed into confidence

“I also told Rohit Sharma, when we walked out to bat in the final, that I wasn’t confident. But after the first delivery, I told him, ‘What is this game? One day, you feel like you can’t score a run, and the next, everything clicks.’

“When wickets started falling, I wanted to give my all to the team. I was focused and in the zone. I realized that whatever is meant to happen will happen. This victory was destined for us.

“Even towards the end, when the game became tense, we lived every ball. At one point, hope was fading. But when Hardik Pandya took a wicket, everything changed, and we fought back with every delivery,” he added.

“Everyone feels it. You had scored 75 runs in total before the final, and 76 in the final. There’s a reward in having everyone’s support. It becomes a driving force,” PM Modi said, keeping the conversation light. He also asked Virat Kohli how his family reacted when he was struggling to score runs before the big final.