New Delhi, July 21, 2025 – The Indian cricket team had a fun meet-up with Manchester United players on Sunday in Manchester. It happened at the football club’s training ground in Carrington. They swapped jerseys, played some light games mixing cricket and football, and chatted like old friends. This crossover got shared on social media by the BCCI and others, calling it epic. It comes right before India’s fourth Test against England starting July 23 at Old Trafford. The whole thing was set up by Adidas, who makes kits for both teams.
Players from both sides got into it. Indian skipper Shubman Gill posed with United captain Bruno Fernandes, both wearing each other’s jerseys. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj bowled to defender Harry Maguire, who tried batting. Rishabh Pant took shots at goal with United keeper Tom Heaton. Jasprit Bumrah talked with Mason Mount, and Siraj hung out with Amad Diallo. Even coaches Gautam Gambhir and Ruben Amorim shared a photo and swapped ideas on team stuff like leadership and handling players.
The event started with welcomes from United bosses and legends. Then came the jersey swap—United guys in India’s blue or white kits, Indians in red home shirts. They did drills where footballers tried cricket moves, and cricketers showed off footwork. It was all laughs and easy vibes, with group photos at the end.
Why It Happened and What It Means
This isn’t just random fun. Adidas wanted to bring the teams together to show sports crossing over. They said it builds on giving athletes good gear and linking different games. For India, it’s a break from the tough series where they trail 2-1 against England. Wins at Edgbaston for India, losses at Headingley and Lord’s.
Fans online loved it. Pics went viral, with folks joking about Siraj’s pace scaring Maguire or Pant’s penalty skills. It’s a cool way to mix cricket’s huge following in India with United’s global fans. More such events might happen, but for now, it pumped up the team before the big match.
India’s squad is dealing with injuries, but this boosted spirits. Eyes are on Manchester for a comeback. Updates could follow as the Test nears.
