 "World Cup 2023: 'Very special', says David Beckham on meeting Sachin Tendulkar at India-New Zealand semi-final in Mumbai")
Former England football captain David Beckham was present at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and to witness the first semi-final of the Cricket World Cup between India and New Zealand on Wednesday. World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table Beckham was overwhelmed to meet cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as “special.” Beckham, among the notable celebrities at the World Cup semi-final, interacted with players from both teams, including a conversation with Virat Kohli and former cricketer Ravi Shastri.
Speaking about his time spent with Tendulkar and the players on the field, Beckham said, “I met Sachin for the first time at Wimbledon and it was special to meet him then, firstly he is the best but as a person he is even better. “But to spend time with him is even better, for me to spend some time with him in his house was very special, but for me spending time with all the players they were going into an important game so it was nice that they were able to come and say hello it was a pleasure to meet them all,” Beckham said in a video posted by BCCI.
Before gaining recognition in the football world, Beckham revealed his early interest in cricket, having played as a batter during his school days. “I used to play cricket when I was a young kid at school, and I always liked being a batsman.” added Beckham. He described the atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium as electric, passionate, and incredible. Beckham also said that it was the first time he came to India and was blown away by the passion and the people and could not wait to come back. He spoke about his work with UNICEF and working with young children, especially young girls and understanding their perspective about life and the changes they want to bring into the world. On Wednesday, India rode on centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer to post a total of 397 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai. In reply, Mohammed Shami stole the show with figures of 7/57 to see the Kiwis off for 327. India will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and Australia in Sunday’s final.