Cricket Australia Prepares Grand Send-Off for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Potential Final Tour
As the Indian cricket team prepares to tour Australia for a packed summer of cricket, all eyes are on two of India’s greatest modern-day stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With speculation rife that this could be their final appearance Down Under in limited-overs formats, Cricket Australia (CA) is pulling out all stops to ensure a memorable farewell for these titans of the game.
India’s tour, commencing in October 2024, will feature a three-match ODI series and five T20Is, alongside the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series. While Kohli and Sharma have already retired from T20 Internationals following India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, and Rohit has stepped away from Test cricket ahead of the England series, their ODI appearances are anticipated to draw massive crowds. This could mark their last dance in Australian conditions, a sentiment echoed by CA CEO Todd Greenberg.
“This is a massive summer of cricket for us, with both the Indian men’s and women’s teams visiting, alongside the iconic Ashes series,” Greenberg said in a press conference in New Delhi. “We’re expecting record-breaking crowds, and if this turns out to be the last time we see Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on Australian soil, we want to give them a send-off that matches their incredible contributions to the game. Their legacy in international cricket is unparalleled, with Kohli amassing over 13,000 ODI runs and Rohit rewriting record books with his explosive batting, including three ODI double centuries.”
Greenberg highlighted the extensive preparations underway, emphasizing tailored marketing plans for each city hosting matches. “For the first time in nearly two decades, international cricket will be played in every capital city and territory across Australia, from Far North Queensland to the major hubs. It’s a logistical marvel, and we’re anticipating sellout crowds from August 2024 to March 2025,” he added. The excitement isn’t just about India’s tour but extends to a packed calendar that Greenberg believes could redefine Australian cricket summers.
Beyond the on-field action, CA is also addressing off-field concerns, particularly racism, following past incidents during India’s tours. Notably, during the Sydney Test in 2021, Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah faced racial abuse from sections of the crowd, leading to official complaints and ejections. Greenberg was unequivocal in his stance: “Everyone—players and fans—must feel safe and welcome at our venues. We have a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. Anyone engaging in abuse will be removed immediately. Attending a match is a privilege, not a right.”
CA’s commitment extends to fan education and creating a respectful environment, ensuring that Indian supporters and players experience a warm welcome. “Whether it’s Indian fans here for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy or English fans for the Ashes, we want everyone to cheer for their teams without fear of harassment,” Greenberg reiterated.
As the cricketing world braces for what could be an emotional farewell to two of India’s finest, the stage is set for a summer of unforgettable moments. Will this be the final time we witness Kohli’s steely determination or Rohit’s effortless sixes in Australia? Only time will tell, but Cricket Australia is determined to make it a celebration of their storied careers.