Published: September 24, 2026 at 8:46 am
MV Narasimha Rao, former India player and Hyderabad’s Ranji Trophy winning skipper, caught up with former Australian captain Steve Waugh and former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid during the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) final between Edinburgh Castle Rockers and Belfast Wolves at the Mahalide in Dublin recently.
Narasimha Rao, who is fondly called Bobjee in Hyderabad, had settled down in Ireland after his playing career came to an end in India. He continued to play for Ireland and also has been involved in coaching teams of various age-groups in his adopted country.
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Bobjee’s passion for the game has not whittled down even a wee bit. The 72-year-old Bobjee continues to be involved with cricket in every possible way.
Hence meeting with Steve and Rahul turned out to be a very exciting event for Bobjee. “It was a wonderful surprise to meet Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh at the ETPL Finals in Dublin, more than two-and-a-half decades after our paths first crossed,” Bobjee told Khelkhiladis.com from Ireland.
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I was batting coach when Steve played for Ireland: Bobjee
“Steve played as a professional for Ireland, including against Australia A and in several Benson & Hedges matches against county sides. At the time, I had the privilege of being the batting coach for Ireland alongside Mike Hendrick,” Bobjee added.
‘Bobjee’ Narasimha Rao honoured with MRANI Lifetime Achievement award in Belfast
“It was great to reminisce, and Steve was keen to ask about the Irish players he had played alongside all those years ago. I was also delighted to have the opportunity to present him with a copy of my book,” the Hyderabad allrounder said.
MV Narasimha Rao (Bobjee) presents his book to Steve Waugh in Dublin
“To make the occasion even more special, Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid was also at the match. A memorable day in Dublin, catching up with some true legends of the game,” he said with great delight.
ETPL breaking new ground in Europe
History was made as Edinburgh Castle Rockers were crowned the first-ever champions of the ETPL, defeating Belfast Wolves by seven wickets in a final worthy of the occasion. Andries Gous stood at the heart of the triumph, guiding Edinburgh home with an unbeaten 90 as the Castle Rockers chased down 151 with eight balls to spare.
Edinburgh Castle rock Malahide, crowned inaugural ETPL champs by beating Wolves
ETPL has been co-founded by Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan and aims at promoting cricket in Europe. Cricketers Steve Waugh, Rahul Dravid, Glenn Maxwell, Jonty Rhodes, Christ Gayle and Bollywood star John Abraham are among some of the top celebrities who are involved in the ETPL as owners of different teams.
Launched in partnership with Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, ETPL introduces a first-of-its-kind cross-border franchise model featuring teams from Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Designed to position Europe as cricket’s next major growth frontier, the league also has long-term ambitions to expand across new markets as the sport’s popularity and participation continue to rise throughout the continent.
Rahul Dravid is the co-owner of Dublin Guardians while Steve Waugh and Jamie Dwyer are co-owners of Amsterdam Flames.
