Cricket

Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Bollywood superstar and co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been a constant presence at KKR matches, cheering on his team and inspiring fans. Under his ownership, KKR has experienced both triumphs and setbacks, but Khan's unwavering support has made him a symbol of loyalty for the franchise.Khan's global fame has also drawn a vast international fan base to KKR. Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins, who played for KKR from 2014 to 2022, recently revealed in a podcast that he was initially unaware of Khan's celebrity status."The first time I met Shah Rukh Khan, I had no idea who he was," Cummins admitted. "I had never watched a Bollywood film. But I could sense his aura and the respect he commanded from the other players."Cummins praised Khan's leadership style, describing him as "very funny, very cute, and always encouraging us to enjoy ourselves and play with freedom." He contrasted this with other owners who put pressure on their players.Despite his commitment to KKR, Cummins opted out of the 2023 IPL season to focus on national duties and manage his workload. However, he returned to the IPL in 2024, joining the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for a record-breaking Rs 20.5 crore.Under Cummins' leadership, SRH reached the final of the 2024 IPL, ultimately losing to KKR. Despite the defeat, Cummins' performance and the team's success showcased his value as a player and leader.Shah Rukh Khan's passion for KKR and his unwavering support for his players have made him an integral part of the franchise. His presence has not only inspired the team but has also drawn a global audience to the IPL, further solidifying the league's status as one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

Indian cricket all-rounder Hardik Pandya and his wife Natasa Stankovic have parted ways after four years of marriage. The couple announced their separation on social media, citing mutual respect and the best interests of their son, Agastya.Sources close to the couple have revealed that Natasa struggled to adjust to Hardik's flamboyant and self-assured personality. Despite her efforts to match his energy, she found it exhausting and uncomfortable. The insider stated, "He was too flamboyant for her, too full of himself. Natasa could not handle it anymore."The decision to separate was not made overnight but was a gradual process. Natasa realized the significant differences in their personalities and the toll it was taking on her. The insider added, "She tried to match it up to him but it made her feel uncomfortable. This was a never-ending process so it became tiring after a while."Since the announcement, Agastya has been staying with Natasa in her mother's hometown in Serbia. Hardik, on the other hand, has been linked to singer Jasmin Walia.In their joint statement, Hardik and Natasa expressed their gratitude for the joy and companionship they shared. They emphasized their commitment to co-parenting Agastya and ensuring his happiness. They requested privacy during this difficult time.The separation has sparked speculation and rumors, but the couple has remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons behind their decision.

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer and former head coach, has hinted at a possible Bollywood debut during an awards function. With his characteristic wit, Dravid suggested that he might play himself in his biopic if the financial compensation is attractive.During a Q&A session following India's long-awaited ICC T20 World Cup victory over South Africa, Dravid was asked who would portray him in a biopic. With a broad smile, he replied, "If the money is good enough, I will play the role."Dravid's humorous response has sparked interest in the possibility of seeing him on the silver screen. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic brilliance, Dravid recounted the team's journey to T20 World Cup success. He attributed their unbeaten run to consistent preparation and strategy."Honestly, I did not want to do anything different," Dravid said. "We ran a fantastic campaign in the one-day World Cup. The common consensus among the team was that we needed to create the same energy, vibe, and team atmosphere that we had before, and then just hope for a bit of luck."Dravid also shared his unique experience of participating in a World Cup campaign in India as a coach rather than a player. He highlighted the enthusiasm of fans across the country:"To travel all over this country and to experience the joy and passion of the fans was phenomenal. It was incredible to see what this game means to the people of this country."Dravid's witty comment about his potential Bollywood debut has added to his charm and sparked interest in the idea of seeing him on the silver screen.

Indian cricket star Hardik Pandya and Serbian model-actress Natasa Stankovic have announced their separation after four years of marriage. The couple, who got engaged in 2020 and welcomed a son in 2021, released a joint statement on Instagram confirming their decision."After 4 years of being together, Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways," the statement read. "We tried our best together and gave it our all, but we believe that this is in the best interest for the both of us."The couple emphasized that their son Agastya remains their top priority and that they will co-parent to ensure his happiness. They requested privacy during this difficult time.Rumors of trouble in the marriage had been circulating for several months, with fans noticing a lack of social media interactions and public appearances together. The couple had previously been known for their affectionate displays and frequent social media posts.Pandya, who played a crucial role in India's 2024 T20 World Cup victory, and Stankovic, who has appeared in several Bollywood films, had been considered one of the most popular celebrity couples in India. Their separation has come as a shock to many fans.The couple's decision to part ways has sparked speculation about the reasons behind the split. Some sources have suggested that the couple's busy schedules and different lifestyles may have contributed to the breakdown of their relationship.Despite the separation, Pandya and Stankovic have expressed their mutual respect and affection for each other. They have also requested that their privacy be respected during this sensitive time.

Virat Kohli Surges to Top of India's Most Valued Celebrities, Surpassing Bollywood StarsIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli has ascended to the pinnacle of India's most valuable celebrities, eclipsing Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh. According to Kroll's Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2023, Kohli's brand value has skyrocketed by 29% to an astounding $227.9 million.This remarkable surge has propelled Kohli to the top spot on the list, dethroning Shah Rukh Khan, who previously held the position. The report highlights the growing importance of celebrity endorsements, with the top 20 celebrities experiencing a 14.2% increase in brand endorsements compared to the previous year.Kohli's dominance in the endorsement landscape is evident, with his brand value far exceeding that of his closest rivals. Ranveer Singh, with a brand value of $203.1 million, occupies the second rank, while Shah Rukh Khan has made significant strides to secure the third position with a brand value of $120.7 million.Akshay Kumar remains a formidable force in the industry, holding onto the fourth spot with a brand value of $111.7 million. Alia Bhatt continues to be a prominent figure, maintaining her fifth position with a brand value of $101.1 million.The report also sheds light on the growing influence of television and digital platforms for advertising purposes, contributing to the increased demand for celebrity endorsements. Kohli's dominance in both traditional and digital media has played a significant role in his rise to the top.

Hardik Pandya and Ananya Panday Electrify Anant Ambani's Wedding with Dazzling Dance PerformanceIndia's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Bollywood actress Ananya Panday set the dance floor ablaze at the lavish wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai on Friday. Their electrifying performance added to the joyous atmosphere of the star-studded event.The wedding was graced by a galaxy of renowned cricketers, including Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Shreyas Iyer. Legendary cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the newly-appointed head coach of the Indian cricket team, Rahul Dravid, also attended the grand celebration.Pandya's performance at the wedding was a testament to his remarkable resurgence in recent months. After a disappointing IPL season as captain of the Mumbai Indians, Pandya played a pivotal role in India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the Americas.In the pulsating final against South Africa in Barbados, Pandya dismissed Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller with his 3/20 effort, turning the match in India's favor. Not just with the ball, Pandya made impactful cameos down the order with the bat when the team needed him. He finished with 144 runs at a batting strike-rate of over 150 and also took 11 wickets in the tournament.Pandya's performance in the T20 World Cup earned him the number one spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings, making him the first Indian to occupy the top position. This recognition is a testament to his all-round abilities and his growing stature in the game.The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was a grand affair that brought together the worlds of cricket and Bollywood. Pandya and Ananya Panday's dance performance was a highlight of the evening, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.

Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian cricketer, has expressed his deep affection for India, citing the warmth and adulation he receives in the country. Despite not being a Bollywood enthusiast, Lara finds solace in the unconditional love and positive energy he experiences in India.Lara's love for India stems from the welcoming nature of its people. He believes that the smiles and affection he encounters at every turn create a refreshing and positive atmosphere. This is in stark contrast to his experiences in other countries, where he often feels pushed aside.Lara's fondness for India extends beyond the cricket field. He has a particular affinity for the popular street food dish, chhole bhature, which he finds similar to a dish he enjoys in his home country of Trinidad.While Lara is currently enjoying his commentary stint for Star Sports in the ongoing IPL, he admits that it comes with its challenges. He finds it difficult to generate excitement for average plays, but he cherishes the moments when he can witness and call exceptional performances.Despite his success as a commentator, Lara's true passion lies in coaching young players. He believes that working with young talent and witnessing their growth is an incredibly rewarding experience.Lara's coaching experience includes a stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, which ended on a sour note. However, he still holds the team in high regard and hopes to see them succeed in this year's IPL. His other picks for the playoffs include Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings.

Bollywood Glamour Meets Sporting Spirit: Kareena Kapoor Khan and MC Mary Kom Grace Delhi Capitals vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore ClashIn a captivating fusion of Bollywood glitz and sporting fervor, renowned Indian actor-entrepreneur Kareena Kapoor Khan and boxing legend MC Mary Kom graced the electrifying clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Kareena Kapoor Khan, bestowed with the honor of tossing the coin, received thunderous applause from the enthusiastic crowd as she stepped onto the pitch. Alongside her, Mary Kom, both serving as PUMA brand ambassadors, exuded infectious enthusiasm, cheering for the players and immersing themselves in the pulsating atmosphere from the stands.The star-studded event witnessed the presence of iconic women from diverse fields, including fashion designer Masaba Gupta, Vineeta Singh of SUGAR Cosmetics, and media influencer Faye D'Souza. United by their passion for cricket, they captured the essence of the match through selfies, videos, and images for their social media followers.Mary Kom, a six-time world champion, shared her exhilarating experience on social media, emphasizing the significance of witnessing a packed stadium and the overwhelming support for women in sports. Her caption resonated with the collective aspiration to empower girls and nurture their sporting dreams.The presence of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mary Kom elevated the spectacle of women's cricket, highlighting its entertainment quotient and the growing influence of women in sports. As the carnival continues to captivate audiences across India, their presence symbolized the fusion of glamour and grit, adding a new dimension to the sporting narrative.