GUWAHATI: In a crossover between music and sports, global music sensation Ed Sheeran traded his guitar for a cricket bat in Bengaluru, sharing the field with Rajasthan Royals' stars Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande. The unexpected friendly match, held at the Brijesh Patel Cricket Academy, saw Sheeran engage with young cricketers ahead of his second performance in the city as part of the BookMyShow Live-produced +–=÷× India Tour 2025.
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However, this was more than just a casual game. Sheeran was presented with a custom Rajasthan Royals jersey featuring the number ‘23’ and the name ‘Warne’—a heartfelt tribute to the late Shane Warne, a cricket legend and Sheeran’s dear friend. Rajasthan Royals' young talent, Riyan Parag, gifted Sheeran the franchise’s first training jersey of the season, making the moment even more special. Overjoyed, Sheeran responded, “Oh wow! With Shane on the back!”
The highlight of the event came when Sheeran, Parag, and Deshpande surprised 20 young cricketers by joining them for a friendly match. Dressed in his new Royals jersey, Sheeran showcased his enthusiasm for the sport, taking part in batting and fielding. The young players, initially stunned, quickly warmed up to the idea of playing alongside the international music icon.
This unique moment showed the growing connection between entertainment and sports, a synergy that the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to foster by blending high-intensity cricket with global entertainment.
