Cricket

Prince William Hosts Cricket Stars for Exhibition Match Outside Buckingham Palace

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 14, 2026, 16:50 IST

Prince William transformed The Mall into a cricket pitch, hosting legends including Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara, and Ajinkya Rahane for an informal tennis-ball match ahead of a royal awards ceremony.

Prince William Hosts Cricket Stars for Exhibition Match Outside Buckingham Palace

The Mall, London’s iconic thoroughfare leading to Buckingham Palace, served as an unconventional cricket pitch on Tuesday as Prince William hosted an informal tennis-ball match. The event brought together a star-studded lineup of current and former international cricketers to celebrate the sport ahead of an upcoming royal awards ceremony.

The royal procession route, typically reserved for state occasions, saw the Prince of Wales trade his formal attire for a more relaxed look as he faced bowling from former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Dressed in a sweater and shirt, Prince William took to the crease to test his skills against the legendary cricketer, later taking time to interact with onlookers and pose for photographs.

Cricket Icons Gather for Royal Exhibition

The exhibition match featured a notable assembly of cricketing talent. Alongside Ganguly, the group included recently retired Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane, West Indies icon Brian Lara, and current England stars Joe Root and Harry Brook. The casual atmosphere allowed the players to engage in a lighthearted session, with Ganguly offering a positive assessment of the Prince’s performance, noting that he “batted alright” during their brief encounter.

For the participants, the setting provided a unique contrast to the traditional stadiums where they have spent their careers. Reflecting on the event via social media, Rahane described the experience as a career highlight. He noted that while the sport has taken him to many remarkable venues globally, the opportunity to play on The Mall with the backdrop of Buckingham Palace was particularly memorable.

Rahane further highlighted the camaraderie of the day, expressing his gratitude for the chance to reconnect with peers and legends of the game. He shared that the conversation among the group centered on the unifying nature of cricket, their shared memories of playing in England and India, and the collective responsibility they feel toward the future of the sport. The event served as a prelude to the formal recognition of various figures by the British Royal Family.