PM offers fashion tips to McCullum

Cricket superstar Brendon McCullum didn’t know it was possible to completely shut down India’s roads until he visited New Delhi with New Zealand’s prime minister.

The former Black Caps skipper has been travelling with John Key as part of his trade delegation as he works to progress a free trade agreement with India.

Cricket is a religion for Indians so McCullum, who also has business interests in India and currently plays in the Indian Premier League, was an obvious choice for Key to bring along to help him butter up that nation’s government.

McCullum is used to being mobbed when he visits India but said travelling with Key had been quite a different experience – one he ‘‘really enjoyed’’.

‘‘I guess you come to India so many times but to see it in a different light is quite amazing. The motorcade is the first thing – that’s pretty impressive. I didn’t think that could happen in India.

‘‘It’s just a well-oiled machine for New Zealand and the Government and the delegation and everyone working together and trying to achieve common goals,’’ he said.

‘‘[The trip has] been well received I believe, from India, and they’ve been accommodating to us.’’

Key ended up having to lend McCullum a hand this week after he failed to knot his tie to a suitable standard for a trade ambassador.

‘‘The prime minister ended up having to help me tie my tie ... I ‘m obviously not that good at it or haven’t had to do it a lot’’.

McCullum is an investor in CricHQ – an innovative cricket social network app – that took part in the business meetings and summit in New Delhi. ‘‘I don’t actually know why I’m here ... just to try and lend some support. I haven’t passed on any business advice as I’m still learning myself.’’

McCullum said it was a new experience coming to India and not being mobbed by fans, thanks to Key’s diplomatic protection service providing ‘‘the greatest security’’ he’s ever had.

While in New Delhi, McCullum visited the Rebels Rugby Club, where he stepped out of his comfort zone to deliver some rugby equipment and throw a few balls around.

‘‘I sort of knew what I was doing – I wouldn’t say I was any good at it. My biggest concern was I had tight pants on so if I had to try and flick one of the rugby balls I was scared I was going to split my pants.’’