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- Published: April 10, 2023 14:53
New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka created a buzz around the globe and while his step towards wildlife earned him praise at home, former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen also did not shy away from appreciating him. The former cricketer used the words like ‘iconic’ and ‘hero’ to describe his visit to the tiger reserve.
Sharing a picture of PM Modi, Pietersen referred to him as a world leader who adores wild animals and wrote that he is excited to spend time with wildlife in their natural habitat. he also reminded his followers that on his last birthday, PM Modi released cheetahs in India.
ICONIC!
A world leader who adores wild animals and is so excited when spending time with them in their natural habitat. Remember, for his last birthday, he released cheetahs into the wild in India.
HERO, @narendramodi ?? pic.twitter.com/D8EPDJh6Jc— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) April 9, 2023
Last month, Pietersen shared a tweet upon his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister where he shared that they had a conversation about the cheetahs in India.
An honor to speak so passionately and warmly about the release of cheetahs on your birthday, Sir @narendramodi. Thank you for your infectious smile and firm handshake.
I really look forward to seeing you again, Sir! ?? pic.twitter.com/9gEe3e1wwV— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) March 3, 2023
PM Modi reached the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka on April 9 and took a 20-km safari to mark 50 years of ‘Project Tiger’ in India. He also released the latest tiger census data and as per the data, the tiger population in India was 3,167 in 2022, which has gone up as compared to 2,967 in 2018. According to the data, the tiger population was 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, and 2,226 in 2014.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of forest officials, guards and tiger reserve frontline staff for tiger conservation. He also launched the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA), an endeavour for the protection and conservation of big cats.
Some more glimpses from the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. pic.twitter.com/uL7Aujsx9t
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 9, 2023
Kevin Pietersen, who has played 104 Tests, 136 ODIs and 37 T20Is for England, is also an animal conservationist, who is known for his work on the conservation of rhinos in Africa and India.