World Cup 2023: New Zealand team meets and greets Dalai Lama

Amid security measures, the New Zealand players were transported from their hotel to McLeodganj in Dharamshala, where they engaged in an extended conversation with the Dalai Lama.

Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh): The members of the New Zealand, including pacer Trent Boult, met Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in McLeodganj here on Tuesday morning. The New Zealand team is in Dharamshala for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup and next take on five-time champions Australia at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on October 28.

• HHDL meeting with players and their families of the New Zealand cricket team at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on October 24, 2023. Photo by Tenzin pic.twitter.com/laKILNpAqo

  — Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) October 24, 2023 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  HHDL meeting with players and their families of the New Zealand cricket team at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on October 24, 2023. Photo by Tenzin pic.twitter.com/laKILNpAqo

  — Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) October 24, 2023

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  HHDL meeting with players and their families of the New Zealand cricket team at his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on October 24, 2023. Photo by Tenzin pic.twitter.com/laKILNpAqo

  — Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) October 24, 2023

Notably, the picturesque Himachal region, with its rich culture and breathtaking scenery, has already left an indelible mark on the foreign cricketers. Recently, the Netherlands team reached Dharamshala and enthusiastically embraced the local culture by dancing the Himachali Gaddi Nati. They also ventured to the famous trekking site, Triund. Similarly, the South African players also immersed themselves in Himachal's unique culture.

New Zealand, who faced a setback in their match against hosts India on October 22, are eyeing to get their campaign back on track. However, in the midst of practice sessions, the Kiwis went to explore the Dharamshala valleys. The New Zealand team also made their way to McLeodganj and had the privilege of meeting the Dalai Lama. The spiritual leader extended his blessings to the team and conveyed his good wishes for their success in the upcoming matches.