Barclays, a leading global financial services provider, has reinforced its long-term commitment to community development in India by gathering its global sports partners for a leadership conversation and a Grand Showcase tour at the Cricket Club of India (CCI).
The panel included Anil Kumble, a former international cricketer, Praveen Kumar, CEO of Barclays Global Services, Hrishikesh Shende, Managing Director of Premier League India, and Robert Lawson, CEO of Marylebone Cricket Club. The discussion focused on the capacity of sport to promote inclusivity, socioeconomic mobility, and long-term societal impact, while balancing legacy with the obligation to expand access globally.
The event showcased how Barclays’ long-standing collaborations with global sports institutions are helping to open opportunities, inspire aspiration, and broaden access to sport for young people and communities in crucial countries such as India.
Praveen Kumar, CEO, Barclays Global Services, said, “Sport is a powerful enabler of aspiration and opportunity. Our partnership with MCC reflects Barclays’ belief that access to sport can help build confidence, resilience, and pathways for young people, while strengthening the communities around us. Through our global sports partnerships, we are proud to invest not just in iconic institutions, but in the next generation of talent and in experiences that bring our colleagues closer to our purpose, of working together to create a better financial future.”
Robert Lawson, CEO, Marylebone Cricket Club, commented, “Through our partnership with Barclays, MCC and the MCC Foundation can both protect and promote cricket’s heritage and expand access and participation. By investing in grassroots programmes, particularly for young people, we can continue to work for the good of the game for generations to come. It has been a great pleasure to be in Mumbai and see up close the impact of Barclays’ support for our cricket projects and the positive effect it has on young girls.”
The Grand Showcase Tour was a meticulously organised presentation of Barclays’ global sports relationship assets. These consist of the Premier League and Barclays Women’s Super League (BWSL) trophies, the Wimbledon umpire’s chair, Sourav Ganguly’s iconic 2002 Lord’s Pavilion jersey from the storied NatWest Series win, and Formula 1 Williams Racing headgear, providing guests and employees with a unique, immersive view of Barclays’ global sports portfolio.
The Oscar Foundation, with the help of Barclays, hosted a Girls’ Cricket Festival in India to improve community cricket and increase participation and confidence among young players.
Through long-term collaborations and purpose-driven engagement, Barclays continues to harness the power of sport to link global platforms with local communities, providing opportunity and influence well beyond the playing field.
