Uruguay Players Enjoy Cricket Session at Eden Gardens Ahead of India Friendly Match

The hallowed turf of Eden Gardens, usually reserved for cricket's titans, witnessed an extraordinary sight on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as several stars from the Uruguayan national football team traded their cleats for cricket bats and pads. In a heartwarming cultural exchange ahead of their international friendly against India, players from 'La Celeste' indulged in a casual cricket session, generating a flurry of viral photos and videos across social media platforms. Indian-Origin Maximiliano Araujo Selected in Uruguay Squad For International Friendly Against India.

Uruguay Football Players Play Cricket at Eden Gardens

Namaste, Kolkata 👋🏼 https://t.co/jbnVcWg67m

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) October 4, 2026

The unexpected visit saw top Uruguayan talents, reportedly including 28-year-old Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde, 27-year-old defender Ronald Araujo, and 27-year-old striker Darwin Núñez, trying their hand at batting and bowling. Federico Valverde, born on July 22, 1998, is indeed 28 years old as of October 4, 2026, and serves as Real Madrid captain. Ronald Araujo, born on March 7, 1999, is 27, and Darwin Núñez, born on June 24, 1999, is also 27. The South American squad, coached by former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward Diego Forlán, appeared to thoroughly enjoy the novel experience, embracing India's most popular sport with infectious enthusiasm. This unique pre-match outing served as a perfect blend of team bonding and cultural immersion, further amplifying the buzz for the upcoming football clash.

India vs Uruguay Friendly: Match Details

The highly anticipated international friendly between the Indian national football team and two-time FIFA World Cup champions Uruguay is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The match will kick off at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM UTC) at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, popularly known as the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata.

This fixture is the final match in a demanding international window for India, which also saw them face Panama in Bengaluru on September 26 and five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.

Recent Form and Head-to-Head

India, currently ranked 138th in FIFA rankings, enters the match on a challenging run, having gone six games without a win. Most recently, the 'Blue Tigers' suffered a 4-0 defeat to Brazil on October 3, 2026, and drew 1-1 with Panama on September 26, 2026.

Uruguay, ranked 20th globally, comes into the friendly with renewed confidence after securing their first win of 2026 by defeating South Korea 4-1 on September 28, 2026. This followed an earlier 3-1 away defeat against Japan. India Football Squad Announced for International Friendlies Against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama.

Head-to-Head Record

India and Uruguay have previously met twice in international football, with Uruguay winning both encounters.

• 1982 Nehru Cup (Eden Gardens): Uruguay 3-1 India
• 2001 Sahara Cup (Friendly): Uruguay 3-0 India

The Uruguayan team's visit to Eden Gardens also carries historical significance, as they played at the venue during the inaugural Nehru Cup in 1982, ultimately winning the tournament. Beyond the cricketing fun, the squad also explored other iconic Kolkata landmarks, including the Victoria Memorial and St Paul's Cathedral.

As the footballing world eagerly awaits the clash at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the images of football superstars engaging with cricket serve as a testament to the unifying power of sport, creating memorable moments that transcend boundaries and build camaraderie between nations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2026 10:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).