New agreement to create cricket link-ups between Yorkshire and Bengaluru
Posted on Tuesday 27 October 2026
The two institutions signed a Statement of Intent at GCU’s new cricket stadium in Karnataka, overseen by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith during his time in India as part of the Great North trade mission.
Yorkshire has a strong reputation for its cricketing heritage, and Bengaluru is recognised as one of India’s major cricketing hubs. The two institutions plan to use this shared enthusiasm for the sport to build closer links between communities, education institutions, and local cricket clubs.
Under the statement of intent, the universities will explore matches and trips for university, college, and community teams travelling between North Yorkshire and Bengaluru. Student exchanges and training programmes, as well as opportunities for coaching young people from York and North Yorkshire in India, will be considered under the new partnership.
Heritage
Programmes welcoming Indian cricket teams, students, and visitors to York and North Yorkshire also forms part of the plans.
Rohit Kumar, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the University of York, said: “Our student and staff cricket clubs are among our biggest and longest running sporting groups, and it brings not only our University community together, but connects us with the Yorkshire region’s cricketing heritage.
“Putting this together with Benagluru’s incredible passion for the sport, gives a bridge between our two regions in which young people can experience different cultures, open new conversations through the medium of sport, and provide opportunities for learning both on and off the cricket ground.”
The partnership will draw on expertise from the University of York alongside GCU’s education programmes and new stadium complex in the state.
It is hoped the initiative will offer young athletes and students practical experience in event operations and sports science while strengthening cultural ties between Yorkshire and Bengaluru.
Dr Christo Joseph, Director of Strategy and Planning, Garden City University, said: “We take immense pride in facilitating the vision of our Chancellor through this collaboration. Partnering with the University of York will elevate the GCU cricket academy on the global stage, creating exceptional opportunities for athletes and advancing excellence in sports science and management.”
Opportunities
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said: “We have many long-term cultural connections with India, particularly when it comes to cricket.
“Cricket is more than a game in India; it is deeply ingrained within its society. Yorkshire is known for its connections with cricket, from signing a 19-year-old Sachin Tendulkar in 1992 to the hundreds of clubs that provide opportunities for boys and girls to play every summer.
“Seeing the investment that Garden City University has made in supporting young people into cricket was inspiring and I hope that this agreement provides positive experiences for those studying in York and Bengaluru.”
