David Beckham, the former England football captain and global icon, was present at the India vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, 2023.
He was seen chatting with Bollywood actress Kiara Advani, who was also cheering for the Indian team. Beckham also walked onto the field with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar before the start of the match and described it as a “goosebumps” moment.
“I have come to India for the first time at the right time,” Beckham said. “I have been here for Diwali, I have been here for New Year, and now I am here for my first game at the World Cup. It’s very special.
“I love coming to great stadiums and great atmospheres,” he added. “Obviously, this is one of the best. Before the match even started, you walk out here and you feel there’s something special at this stadium. I felt that before the match started.
I feel very humbled and very lucky to be here.”He said he was amazed by the atmosphere and the passion of the fans
Beckham is a fan of cricket and has attended several matches in the past, including the 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord’s.
He is also a friend of Tendulkar and has praised his achievements and legacy. Beckham was in India as part of his role as a global ambassador for UNICEF and to promote his co-owned Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF.
India won the semi-final match by four wickets with 12 balls to spare, thanks to a brilliant 95 by captain Virat Kohli and a five-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami.
They will face either South Africa or Australia in the final on November 19, 2023.
