Common Ground: A Century of Cricket Connections Between India and New Zealand
15 October 2026
Last week, we explored the shared history of hockey between New Zealand and India. This week, the spotlight turns to cricket, a sport that has become one of the strongest connections between the two countries.
As New Zealand and India celebrate 100 years of sporting ties in 2026, cricket has become much more than a game. From historic matches and memorable performances to players and coaches who have made their mark in both countries, the sport has helped build friendships and strengthen ties across generations.
In this special five-part Asia Insight: Common Ground podcast series, sports journalist Stephen Hewson speaks with five familiar voices from the cricketing world, exploring the people, experiences and moments that have shaped this shared sporting relationship.
Episode 1: John Wright
What does it take to bridge two cricket-loving nations? Former New Zealand captain John Wright knows a thing or two about that. As the first foreign coach of the Indian men's cricket team, Wright played a significant role in shaping Indian cricket. He speaks with Stephen Hewson about his experiences on both sides of the cricketing relationship and the connections forged through the game.
Episode 2: Ajaz Patel
Born in Mumbai and raised in New Zealand, Black Caps spinner Ajaz Patel has a unique connection to both countries. In 2021, he made cricketing history by taking all ten wickets in a Test innings against India in Mumbai, becoming only the third player to achieve the remarkable feat. Speaking from Leicester in the UK, Patel reflects on his cricketing journey and the special place India holds in his story.
Episode 3: Bryan Waddle
Few people have followed New Zealand cricket as closely as Bryan Waddle. Widely known as the "voice of New Zealand cricket", the veteran commentator has covered more than 250 Test matches and 400 One-Day Internationals. Recognised with a New Zealand Order of Merit honour for his services to sports broadcasting, Waddle speaks with Stephen Hewson about his decades behind the microphone and the evolution of cricketing ties between New Zealand and India.
Episode 4: Melie Kerr
From representing New Zealand on the international stage to playing for Mumbai Indians in India's Women's Premier League, White Ferns captain Melie Kerr has experienced the growing connections between the two countries through women's cricket. One of New Zealand's most celebrated cricketers, Kerr speaks with Stephen Hewson about her journey, experiences in India and the opportunities opening up for women in the sport.
Episode 5: Dipak Patel
From representing New Zealand on the international stage to becoming a familiar name in Kiwi cricket, Dipak Patel has had a remarkable sporting journey. Just the second player of Indian heritage to play for the Black Caps, Patel speaks with Stephen Hewson about his cricketing career and the connections between New Zealand and India through the sport.
This special podcast series accompanies the Century of Sporting Ties research report.
The Foundation's sports programme provides New Zealand sportspeople and administrators opportunities to grow more knowledgeable, connected and confident with Asia.
The Foundation's research programme publishes surveys, reports, and insights briefs relating to all aspects of New Zealand’s relationships with and interests in Asia. We also provide grants to emerging scholars with Asia-related research interests.