Kingston — India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said cricket continues to bind India and Jamaica as he unveiled a digital scoreboard donated by New Delhi at Sabina Park. The new electronic display was dedicated on Sunday at the historic ground, where Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness joined the ceremony.
Jaishankar described sport, and cricket in particular, as a unifying force for more than a billion followers in India and said the scoreboard will both improve the fan experience and serve as a lasting symbol of the two countries’ relationship. He noted Sabina Park’s special place in Indian cricket history, recalling Rahul Dravid’s century there and the venue where Virat Kohli began his Test career in 2011 as moments that reflect the India-Jamaica connection.
Paying tribute to Jamaica’s cricketing legacy, Jaishankar highlighted the island’s global impact through players such as George Headley, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh, Chris Gayle and Andrew Richardson. He also acknowledged the strong support Jamaican players receive from Indian fans, including in the Indian Premier League, and said the scoreboard represents solidarity and the hope that it will mark many great innings for the sport and for India-Jamaica friendship.
After the unveiling, Jaishankar noted on social media that Chris Gayle was missed at the event. He reflected on shared history and close ties despite geographic distance, emphasizing common aspirations as proud developing nations of the Global South. He recalled India’s assistance to Jamaica during hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic through supplies of medicines and vaccines.
Jaishankar arrived in Kingston on Saturday evening, the first stop on a nine-day tour of Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago aimed at strengthening strategic and cultural ties across the Caribbean.
