In a moment that beautifully wove together history, heritage, and hope, the British Asian Trust had the honour of attending a special gathering where His Majesty The King met with the India national cricket team.
The meeting, held ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Sunday, 20 July 2025, held deep significance – not just for cricket fans, but for the Trust and its founding story.
It was in 2007, following a cricket match between India and Pakistan that His Majesty – then The Prince of Wales – founded the British Asian Trust. That historic event brought together sport and philanthropy, giving rise to a charity committed to tackling poverty and inequality across South Asia. Since then, His Majesty has remained deeply involved as the Royal Founding Patron, and his passion for both cricket and South Asian progress remains unwavering.
Joining His Majesty and the India team at this recent gathering were some of the British Asian Trust’s key leaders, including Chief Executive Richard Hawkes, Executive Director Hitan Mehta OBE, Chair Lord Jitesh Gadhia, and former Chair Manoj Badale. The reunion served as a powerful reminder of the Trust’s legacy and the role cricket has played in uniting people, purpose, and progress.
Cricket has long been a unifying force across continents, especially within the South Asian diaspora. As the India vs Pakistan clash draws global attention to Edgbaston this weekend, it symbolises more than just a rivalry – it stands for heritage, resilience, and shared culture.
For the British Asian Trust, this week’s meeting with His Majesty is not just a proud moment – it’s a reaffirmation of their mission and the community they serve. As the bat meets ball this Sunday, so too do legacies meet futures.
