Cricket is already recognised as one of the biggest sports in India and New Zealand, so it’s hard to believe it’s still growing. However, that is exactly what’s happening right now, and both countries have a lot to gain.
Just two years ago, the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup set new benchmarks, amassing 422 billion viewing minutes on the Disney Star Network in India alone, representing a 54% increase from the 2011 World Cup and a 9% rise from 2019. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the recent 2024/25 series between the Black Caps and England attracted a huge viewership, with full houses reported across venues like Christchurch’s Hagley Oval and Wellington’s Basin Reserve.
In the sports betting world, betting on cricket has increased dramatically, with recent reports claiming that cricket is now one of the most bet-on sports in the country. Whether they’re in the stands or the online casino NZ, cricket lovers are engaging more with the sport every day, and India is right there with them.
As cricket continues to grow, so does the connection between these two nations. Over the last decade, the Black Caps have played the Indian cricket team many times, and although this is a fierce rivalry that generates intense competition and passion on the field, it has also offered a chance to improve bilateral relations.
The Relationship Between New Zealand and India
In 2025, New Zealand and India are expected to have a strong economic relationship, with trade between the two nations growing steadily. India is New Zealand’s fifth-largest trading partner and an important market for agricultural exports, dairy products, and wine. In turn, New Zealand exports a broad range of goods to India, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and machinery.
Over the last few years, both countries have been in discussions to establish a comprehensive free trade agreement, which is expected to boost investment and economic cooperation even further and allow for better market access, especially in sectors such as AI technology and education.
Outside of trade, India and New Zealand have also been strengthening their strategic partnership, with both countries working to improve their defence cooperation with discussions on joint training programs and expertise exchanges. In short, both countries are interlinked, and any diplomatic tool to nurture and improve the relationship will be incredibly important for securing a healthy, successful future.
Cricket: More Than Just a Sport
Cricket appears to be one of those tools. This sport has become one of the strongest cultural and diplomatic ties between India and New Zealand, with both countries regularly playing in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
India has a larger cricket market, but New Zealand has earned respect for its skill, sportsmanship, and competitiveness on the field. The regular exchange of players, tours, and events has helped build a strong bond over the last few decades.
It has also helped boost tourism. Whether it’s the Cricket World Cup or the regular series match-ups between the two teams, more and more New Zealand and Indian tourists have been visiting each other’s countries, working to drive both economies. In fact, Indian tourists visiting New Zealand will often extendtheir stay beyond the season to explore and spend time throughout more of the country, and vice versa – and, once again, improve the respect and appreciation they have for one another.
Cricket has proven to be more than just a game between bat and ball for India and New Zealand. Instead, it has become a powerful catalyst for cultural, economic, and diplomatic collaboration. As the sport continues to captivate millions of fans in both nations, it’s likely to continue serving as a vital tool for shaping their shared future.
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