Former Australian Cricket Captain Steve Waugh has officially joined the board of the Centre for Australia India Relations (CAIR), a body backed by the Australian government to strengthen ties with India. The centre, which was established in 2023, has brought on board diplomats, academics, business leaders and cultural figures. Officials said it was a natural choice to invite Waugh, given his long-standing link with India both on and off the cricket field.

Waugh confirmed that he became part of CAIR a few months ago and described it as an opportunity to continue building the relationship between two nations he considers close to his heart. In an interaction with Indian Express in Sydney, he added that India has been like a “second home” for him, with cricket laying the foundation of his association over nearly four decades. The former captain is now planning a visit to India next month in his new role, where he will combine CAIR responsibilities with his philanthropic and business commitments.

Four Decades of Connection with India

Waugh’s ties with India began when he made his Test debut against the Indian team in Melbourne in 1985. His final Test match in Sydney in 2004 was once again against India, neatly book-ending a career that featured several classic encounters between the two sides. From competing against Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Harbhajan Singh, Waugh’s career saw some of cricket’s fiercest moments, including the 2001 Test series in India.

Beyond cricket, Waugh has visited India around 50 times, calling it one of his favourite places in the world. He has witnessed major changes during these years, from roads full of chaotic traffic to the modern highways and international airports of today. He has also spoken often about his admiration for India’s entrepreneurial energy, describing its young population as dynamic and aspirational. For Waugh, these qualities make India an important partner for Australia in the years to come.

Even off the field, Waugh enjoys India’s culture. He calls okra, dal and fish curry his favourites and jokes about the late Indian dinners that often keep him at the table well past 10.30 pm. Memorable experiences like playing cricket in Dharamsala with monks are all part of the bond that keeps him returning.

Philanthropy and Partnership Beyond Cricket

Waugh’s long association with India is also marked by his philanthropic work. A transformative moment came when he briefly met Mother Teresa in Kolkata in the 1990s. That meeting, he has said, deeply influenced him and encouraged him to give back to society. Since then, his foundation has supported initiatives in India, including Udayan, a home for the children of leprosy-affected families in Kolkata. The Steve Waugh Foundation has worked to provide them education, healthcare, and vocational training.

As part of his business and post-cricket life, Waugh has authored 14 books, including two on photography, and has been a mentor to Olympic and football teams in Australia. He says he focuses only on work that matters to him, avoids unnecessary positions, and chooses projects where he feels he can make an impact. Now at 60, he describes himself as more selective in taking up roles, preferring those that carry passion and meaning.

In his CAIR role, Waugh wants to strengthen opportunities for exchange not only in sport but also in education and culture. He has said that Australia, known globally for strong academic institutions, can collaborate with India in sharing knowledge, while India can in turn inspire through its growing leadership in entrepreneurship and technology.

Looking Forward to Another Visit

Waugh believes the relationship between India and Australia has never been stronger. While cricket remains the emotional link, he feels new areas of cooperation can help broaden the base. He has praised the Indian Premier League for building bridges between players and fans and sees student movement, tourism, and business engagement as natural extensions of the partnership.

On his upcoming visit, Waugh is expected to continue his charity work, promote his photography projects, and participate in business discussions apart from his CAIR engagements. He also remains vocal about broader issues in global cricket, including his hope that India and Pakistan could resume playing regularly. While acknowledging challenges beyond sport, he insists such contests are what the cricketing world wants to see.

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