British pop star Ed Sheeran’s new music video for Sapphire, the third single from his album Play, brings a colorful mix of music and cricket — with a strong Indian twist.
The official music video, released on Thursday, features Sheeran sporting a Rajasthan Royals jersey during a visit to India earlier this year. The video includes scenes from his stop at the Brijesh Patel Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where he was joined by Rajasthan Royals players Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande.
As a nod to his friendship with Shane Warne, a Royals legend and captain of the IPL 2008 winning team, Sheeran was presented with a custom jersey bearing Warne’s iconic number 23. In a heartwarming tribute, Sheeran wore the jersey and participated in a fun game of cricket with the Royals players and young trainees at the academy.
Won the toss and asked @edsheeran to bat first! 💗 pic.twitter.com/k9TFcU6dev
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 11, 2025
Sheeran brings cricket and music together in Bengaluru
Ed Sheeran is one of the world’s most popular artists, known for chart-topping hits like Shape of You and Perfect. His stop in Bengaluru was part of his India tour in February, where he connected with local culture through cricket — India’s biggest passion.
The music video for “Sapphire” includes visuals from this visit, featuring Sheeran not only in the Royals’ iconic pink and blue but also engaging in playful cricket drills. Riyan Parag and Tushar Deshpande, both key players in the Rajasthan Royals setup, make a cameo appearance in the video, highlighting the cross-cultural collaboration.
Tributes, cricket skills, and sporting camaraderie
Wearing the No. 23 Royals jersey in tribute to his late friend Shane Warne, Sheeran traded his signature guitar for a cricket bat and impressed both Parag and Deshpande with his batting skills.
Before leaving the academy, Sheeran presented Ipswich Town Football Club jerseys — his hometown team — to both players, strengthening bonds across sports. Sheeran is a shareholder and lifelong fan of the English football club.
Sapphire features vocals by Indian playback superstar Arijit Singh, who appears alongside Sheeran in the video. The song blends Western pop with Indian musical influences, showcasing a deepening cultural exchange between artists from both nations.
Rajasthan Royals make their mark on global pop culture
As Indian Premier League franchises continue to expand their global visibility, this high-profile collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Rajasthan Royals marks a unique moment. It blends the worlds of cricket and global music — and brings India’s cricketing culture to an entirely new audience.
Fans of both Ed Sheeran and Rajasthan Royals can now witness a rare crossover in “Sapphire,” now streaming on all major platforms.
