Ganguly, Rahane, Lara, Root Join Prince William for Tennis-Ball Cricket Match in London

Former Indian cricket captains Sourav Ganguly and Ajinkya Rahane, West Indies batting legend Brian Lara, and England stars Joe Root and Harry Brook joined Prince William for a friendly tennis-ball cricket match in London, combining the spirit of cricket with a campaign to protect the environment.

The match took place on The Mall, outside Buckingham Palace, a ceremonial roadway traditionally associated with grand royal processions. Organised as part of the countdown to the upcoming Earthshot Prize 2026, the event brought together cricketing legends and other personalities to highlight the importance of environmental sustainability.

Rahane, who recently brought his illustrious cricket career to a close, described the occasion as a memorable experience in a LinkedIn post on Wednesday. He said playing tennis-ball cricket on The Mall, with Buckingham Palace in the background, was an unforgettable moment.

The former India captain highlighted how cricket strengthens the bond between India and the United Kingdom. He recalled conversations with Prince William and fellow players about their experiences in England and India, shared memories of the game and the responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.

Rahane also emphasised that environmental conservation requires the same qualities that cricket teaches players, including discipline, teamwork, collective effort and genuine commitment. He expressed support for the upcoming Earthshot Prize ceremony and looked forward to welcoming the initiative to his home city, Mumbai, next month.

Launched by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize aims to discover, recognise and support innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Its focus areas include protecting and restoring nature, improving air quality, safeguarding oceans, reducing waste and addressing climate change.

The sixth edition of the Earthshot Prize will mark the initiative's debut in India. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Mumbai on November 17, 2026.

The London cricket match served as a platform to build anticipation for the event while highlighting how sport can bring people together around a shared commitment to environmental protection. The gathering also celebrated the longstanding connection between India and the UK through their common love of cricket.