(Photo by Daniel Burnskill via Pool)
Venkat Raman March 19, 2025
After several rounds of political meetings, bilateral discussions, banquets and formal talks in India’s Political Capital (New Delhi), New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took to the country’s National Religion of Cricket on March 18 at Moti Bagh, New Delhi.
It was not a Test or T20, but the most popular, everyday version: Street Cricket.
With Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell as the Wicketkeeper, former Indian Cricket Captain and World Cup Winner Kapil Dev in Backward Square Leg and New Zealand’s left-arm orthodox Bowler Ajaz Patel, Mr Luxon managed a few strokes before conceding his wicket to a teenage bowler who led a young team to rival the Grand Master of Black Caps.
The Prime Minister did not mind losing the game, philosophical as he was when New Zealand lost to India at the 2025 Champion Match in Dubai on March 9, 2025.
We lost: Congratulations!
He drew a quip at his Raisina Dialogue Keynote Address in New Delhi on Monday, “Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), during your tenure of nearly 11 years, the Men in Blue (Indian Team) have been the most dominant side in Cricket’s White Ball Competitions, most recently winning the Champion Trophy last week against my Men in Black and breaking many New Zealander’s hearts, including mine in the process! And I will be the bigger person, and just say Congratulations!”
Ross Taylor, former Black Cap, the first New Zealand Cricketer to play 100 Test Matches and 100 matches in all three formats of Cricket also played and lost to the bowling prowess of teenagers in the Street Cricket.
(Photo by Daniel Burnskill via Pool)
Street or Gully Cricket
Street cricket, often referred to as ‘Gully Cricket,’ is a popular informal version of the sport played in streets, alleys, and open spaces in India. It is a beloved pastime for many and has its unique charm and set of rules, which can vary widely depending on the location and participants.
Street Cricket is a casual and improvised form of Cricket that allows people to play the game without the need for a formal pitch or professional equipment. It is accessible to everyone and often serves as a fun way for friends and neighbours to bond.
Teams can be of any size, usually ranging from three to 11 players per side. The pitch is typically a narrow street or alley, the length and width can vary, and boundaries are often marked by walls, fences, or other landmarks. A tennis ball is commonly used instead of a hard cricket ball to avoid damage and injury. Bats can range from professional Cricket bats to makeshift ones made from wood or other materials. Wickets are often improvised using bricks, stones, or even chalk marks on a wall. Underarm or Overarm bowling is allowed, depending on the space and agreement among players. Batsmen take turns, and the number of overs or balls per inning is decided beforehand.
Runs are scored by hitting the ball and running between designated points. Boundaries are often marked by walls or other fixed objects. Common ways to get out include being bowled, caught, run out, or hitting the ball into a restricted area (like a neighbour’s yard).
(Photo by Daniel Burnskill via Pool)
Deeper Ties on the Big Screen
Mr Luxon opened a different kind of inning with the Indian Film Industry at a meeting with popular artists in Mumbai today (March 19).
Among those present at the meeting with prolific producer Ronnie Screwvala, Amir Khan, Vidya Balan, Siddharth Roy Kapur and Ashutosh Gowariker.
“The film scene brings money into our economy which creates jobs and grows income, and I want to see more of that. So, it was great to catch up with a few Bollywood stars to get their thoughts on what more we can do,” he wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, a Press Release said that the strategic engagement of the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) with India’s screen industry is delivering results, with key milestones highlighting the growing creative and economic ties between the two nations.
These connections are opening new opportunities for collaboration, not only with Bollywood but also with Tollywood (Telugu Cinema) and other regional industries.
“For the first time, a major Indian film and a New Zealand film will be released in India in close succession, creating a unique opportunity for cultural and cinematic exchange. ‘Ka Whawhai Tonu’ (Struggle Without End), a Māori-language historical drama and last year’s biggest local box office hit is preparing for an Indian release. This opportunity follows the 25 April release in India of ‘Kannappa,’ a high-profile Telugu-language epic that was filmed extensively in New Zealand,” the Press Release said.
While ‘Kannappa’ was independently funded, its production highlights the value of New Zealand’s skilled crews, close collaboration with Māori, breathtaking landscapes, and reputation as a trusted partner for Indian filmmakers.
The Press Note said that the momentum behind these collaborations has been strengthened by the ongoing visit of Mr Luxon visit to India.
“As well as highlighting the value of these trusted partnerships, the visit showcased strengthened cultural ties and new opportunities for Indian filmmakers to collaborate with New Zealand’s vibrant screen industry.”
(Christopher Luxon on Instagram)
Fostering Cultural Values
NZFC Chief Executive Annie Murray said that recent years have seen a growing exchange between the film industries of New Zealand and India, fostering creative collaboration and cultural understanding.
“Notable New Zealand films screened in India include Kāinga (Asian Premiere at International Film Festival of India IFFI 2022), Perianayaki (Dharamshala International Film Festival 2022, Best Short Film – IFFI Film Bazaar Recommends 2022), and Vai and Waru (Dharamshala International Film Festival 2020 and 2018),” she said.
Indian cinema continues to resonate with New Zealand audiences, with Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films regularly featured in local cinemas. 128 Indian films were released in New Zealand in 2023, earning a box office of over $9.8 million.
Further strengthening these ties, the Dharamshala International Film Festival and the New Zealand High Commission partnered with the NZFC, Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival, and Asia Society India Centre in 2021 to present the IN–>NZ Indigenous Connections Film Wek. This special event showcased six films, three from each country, including New Zealand’s Cousins, Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, and Loimata, the Sweetest Tears.
In 2024, New Zealand audiences welcomed Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light at the New Zealand International Film Festival, ahead of its local commercial release in 2024 and 2025.
“These collaborations demonstrate the growing relationship between New Zealand and India’s film industries – a connection we are excited to continue building,” Ms Murray said.
Reciprocity: The Key to Success
NZFC Head of Co-Production and Incentives Head Chris Payne said that the key to success in working with India lies in the principle of reciprocity. He attended the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) Film Bazaar in Goa last November.
“Our work to build meaningful connections with India’s screen sector creates opportunities that flow both ways, giving Indian filmmakers access to New Zealand’s stunning locations and skilled crews, while opening doors for Kiwi talent to collaborate with India’s vibrant and fast-growing industry. With a clear push for international partnerships, on both Indian and foreign IP, the doors are open. We just need to walk through them,” he said.
The Film Commission has extended its support to Indian-New Zealand filmmakers such as trailblazing filmmaker Shuchi Kothari and industry organisations such as the Pan-Asian Screen Collective further strengthening ties between the two countries’ creative communities.
“With these recent milestones marking a significant step forward, the NZFC remains committed to fostering creative opportunities that connect the two screen sectors and deliver long-term benefits for filmmakers in both nations,” Mr Payne said.
