Haydens hit the Pitch: Grace joins dad for IPL gig

Sports presenter Grace Hayden is heading to the subcontinent this weekend to present Indian Premier League coverage for Star Sports alongside her famous cricketing father Matthew Hayden.

Sports presenter Grace Hayden has secured one of her biggest gigs yet and is joining forces with her cricket legend dad.

The 22-year-old is heading to the subcontinent this weekend to present Indian Premier League coverage for Star Sports alongside father Matthew Hayden.

“Everything’s larger, louder, and brighter in India,” she told The Daily Telegraph.

“It’s pretty cool to work alongside my dad too, and carry on the legacy.”

Though Hayden originally studied occupational therapy, her passion for sport and media gradually took over.

Grace Hayden will present the Indian Premier League coverage for Star Sports alongside her father Matthew Hayden. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I never thought life would take me in this direction,” she said.

“I was always super sporty. (I) tried every sport growing up, and I’ve always loved being in front of the camera.”

Her love for India also runs deep, sparked by her dad’s many trips there.

“He used to bring home spices and we would cook Indian food together,” she said.

“Then I started visiting myself for the IPL and embraced the fashion, the people, the energy.

“It’s different from Australia, but it feels like home.”

Grace Hayden pictured before she leaves for India to host the IPL on the TV. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

After previously splitting her time between her family home in Queensland, work, and her boyfriend in Sydney, Hayden is now officially based in the Harbour City.

But her schedule remains packed, with a European holiday to follow her IPL commitments.

The sports presenter also recently met Sara Tendulkar, the daughter of Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, through their Soul Surfin’ campaign for Tourism and Events Queensland as well as Singapore Airlines and Times of India.

Grace’s father, the famous cricketer Matthew “Big Dos” Hayden. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“It was eye-opening hearing about her life. Her dad’s legend status means she can never go out without being pictured by paparazzi, so she grew up partly in the UK to shelter herself,” Hayden said.

“She’s a really beautiful person and it was special showing her around the place I grew up.”