In a heartwarming intersection of Bollywood and cricket, actors Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi recently participated in an entertaining on-camera challenge where they named their favorite cricketers and shared humorous moments around the sport. The feature, a part of a promotional campaign for an upcoming movie or digital offering, unleashed the sporting spirit of the two actors and provided fans with a fix of laughter, nostalgia, and admiration for Indian cricket.

The quiz started with a series of quick-fire questions, from cricket trivia to personal preferences. The two actors were quick with their wits and loved the segment to pieces, displaying a lot of camaraderie and energy. Asked to name their favorite cricketers, the responses put smiles on the faces of many fans.

The fans adored the video for its creative mix of sports and cinema, and the sheer affection that both actors had for cricket. The skit went viral immediately on social media platforms. It is always warming to see celebrities from various sectors bond over a common interest. Not only did this playful exchange provide fans a look behind the curtain of their beloved celebrities' sporting interests, but it also reflected the national passion for cricket that brings together millions in the country.

Watch the video here

King Kohli’s cover drive or Hitman’s pull shot? 🤔

Watch @RajkummarRao and @iWamiqaGabbi share their picks in a fun 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 & 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 challenge!#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RRvGT | MON, 28th APR, 6:30 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/mk5BnR1I5b

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 28, 2025

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Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi shared their favorite cricketers

Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility and grounded personality, named MS Dhoni as his all-time favorite. He spoke fondly of Dhoni’s calm demeanor and leadership style, saying, “I’ve always admired how Dhoni handles pressure. Whether it’s the World Cup final or a tough IPL game, he’s unshakable. That sort of calmness is admirable not only in cricket, but in life as well." He also named Virat Kohli for his aggression and passion, terming him "a true modern-day legend."

Wamiqa Gabbi, on the other hand, introduced a new point of view by mentioning Smriti Mandhana as her favorite. "She's fiery, fashionable, and incredibly talented," Wamiqa stated. "I believe that women's cricket needs so much more attention, and Smriti is an amazing role model." She also enjoyed Rohit Sharma's batting with ease, calling his timing and class poetry in motion.

On April 27, 2025, the Indian government went ahead and banned 17 Pakistani YouTube channels, most of them centered around cricket, after the recent Pahalgam terror attack. This has created a lot of discussions, as these channels had over 83 million subscribers collectively, indicating a significant number of cricket fans worldwide viewed content from these ten creators or creators who broadcasted these channels. 

The Pahalgam terror attack, which preceded this action, raised tensions between India and Pakistan and came in good form for the Indian government, as several forms of Pakistani media endured measures and a rationale was created to take down the offending or anti-India media. This included YouTube channels and hundreds of media outlets in Pakistan, to which the usage of false information was used as justification for bans on media channels. The channels banned included a lot of known names in cricket journalism and commentary, inclusive of Geo News, ARY News, and SAMAA TV, as well as individual creators such as Irshad Bhatti and Raufar. 

List of Banned Channels

Below is a detailed list of the banned YouTube channels, their handles, and their subscriber counts at the time of the ban. These are a few other YouTube channels that have also been banned in India.

Total Subscribers: 33.623M

Watch the video here

Pakistani YouTube Channel which got Banned in India .
Thread 🧵-

1. Rizwan haider pic.twitter.com/w9CDXQIrl4

— JosD92 (@J0SD92) April 28, 2025

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Impact on Cricket Fans

A cricket fan will be adversely affected in this case if a more subjective form of viewing or supporting is seen from channels and creators that received reliance, ideas, support, context, updates, summaries, and commentary in terms of Pakistan cricket news updates that included a heavier cargo channel such as Geo News (31.8M subscribers) and ARY News (14.6M subscribers) will be truly important as they received live updates for sports news and coverage of pressing ideas or coverage of some Pakistan cricket news, social media from players, pre- and post-match interviews, and highlights for every significant game they would have taken the time to broadcast and prepare in front of audiences. Small creators such as Muneeb (16K subscribers) and Samaa Sports (73.5K subscribers) had smaller audiences, but this did not matter to their niche study as creators in the cricket fan community.

The decision has generated mixed reactions. Some support the Indian government's position and say that these channels usually disseminated slanted commentary. Some, such as cricket fans and digital rights activists, argue that the ban is an abuse of power and that sport should remain apolitical. As well, the ban calls into question the access to content in a digital age, given that many of these channels were popular not just among people in Pakistan but also among Indian viewers and the diaspora around the world.

On Tuesday afternoon, a terrible terror attack took place in Pahalgam, a popular tourist spot in South Kashmir. Armed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in the Baisaran valley, also known as "mini Switzerland" because of its green meadows and scenic beauty. The attack killed several people and injured at least 20 others. 

According to reports, the shooting started around 3 PM when the attackers came down from the nearby mountains and began firing. A video from the area shows people lying injured on the ground, while others were crying and searching for family members. Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the number of people killed is still being confirmed. He also said that this attack is one of the worst in recent years against civilians.

Leaders Across India Strongly Condemn the Attack

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was deeply saddened by the attack. He posted on X, saying, "Those involved in this act will not be spared." He also said he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held a meeting with top security officials. Shah is expected to travel to Srinagar to review the situation closely. A meeting was also held at his home in Delhi, attended by senior officials, including the heads of the Intelligence Bureau, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

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Many political leaders strongly condemned the attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it an “act of cowardice” and said his prayers are with the victims. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the government must take responsibility and take strong steps to stop such violence in the future. Sajad Lone, leader of J&K People's Conference, said the terrorists are enemies of Kashmir’s future. “They don’t want tourists to come here. They want to destroy our peace and economy,” he said. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the violence and said such acts must be rejected by all.

Indian Cricket Community Stands United Against Terrorism

This tragic attack has hurt not just the families of the victims but also the people of Kashmir, who depend on tourism for their income. Just when Kashmir was beginning to see more visitors, this attack has brought fear and pain again. The country now waits for strong action and justice for those who lost their lives in this cruel act of terror.

Indian cricketers also expressed their sorrow. Shubman Gill posted, “Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families.” Gautam Gambhir wrote, “Those responsible will pay. India will strike. #Pahalgam.”

Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country.

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) April 22, 2025

Targeting innocent tourists is an act of absolute cowardice. Heart goes out to all the victims and their families. Just when it should’ve been the start of a beautiful summer in paradise. Hope the perpetrators are dealt with in the severest manner .. #PahalgamAttack

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) April 22, 2025

Shocked and angry to hear what happened in Kashmir today. While those responsible will be punished, and I’m sure they will, right now there’s a numb disbelief at the terrible acts and the manner in which it all happened. Praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in…

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) April 22, 2025

Unimaginable atrocity in Pahalgam.
Heart goes out to the victims and their families. 🕉️ शान्ति।
Hope the perpetrators (and their sympathisers) are identified, caught and given the punishment they deserve.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 22, 2025

Cricket is set to return to the Olympic Games after 128 years, and the United Kingdom may enter with a single team under the name of Great Britain. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Scotland have started talks to form a combined team for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The boards get on well and are cooperating to compile a Team GB cricket team, Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Trudy Lindblade says. The reason behind this is that the British Olympic Association (BOA) needs a British team that represents the country in the Olympics as one entity. The 2028 Olympics will include men’s and women’s T20 cricket tournaments. Only six teams will take part in each event, and each team will be allowed to select 15 players. The qualification process has not been confirmed yet by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the International Cricket Council (ICC).

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England and Scotland Working Together

England is currently ranked second in the world in men’s T20 cricket and third in the women’s rankings. Scotland, however, is outside the top ten in both formats. Forming a single Great Britain team could give both countries a better chance to qualify and compete under the limited six-team rule. In most Olympic sports, athletes from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compete together as Great Britain. Football has been an exception, but even there, the BOA hopes to bring a Team GB men’s football team to the 2028 Olympics.

Cricket was last played at the Olympics in 1900 in Paris. Back then, a team from Great Britain beat France in the only match of the tournament. In 2028, the cricket matches will be held at a temporary venue in Pomona, California. The idea of a Great Britain cricket team is gaining strong support. Talks between the ECB and Cricket Scotland are ongoing, and both sides are hopeful. If everything goes well, cricket fans could see a united British team on the Olympic stage for the first time in over a century.

Cricket is making a dramatic Olympic comeback after 128 years, with the legendary Fairgrounds in Pomona, Southern California, named as the Olympic venue for the sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The Fairplex, a large 500-acre site famous for staging the LA County Fair, will be converted into a bespoke building for the Olympic cricket tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) received the decision with both hands. ICC Chair Jay Shah described the action as a "step forward" towards readying cricket for a return to the Olympics, citing it as an unprecedented opportunity to expand the sport into fresh markets with the popular T20 pace. Cricket and baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash are one of five sports to be recognized for inclusion at LA28.

Men's and Women's T20s to Have Six Teams Each

Both the men's and women's cricket competitions at LA28 will be in the form of T20s, with six teams for each. The IOC has approved a total of 90 slots per gender for players, so each country can have a complete 15-player team. The actual schedule will be released nearer the event, which takes place from July 14 to July 30, 2028.

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This will be cricket's first Olympic appearance since Paris 1900, when a single Great Britain vs. France match was held, now regarded as an unofficial Test. Since the late nineteenth century, cricket has appeared in multi-sport regional events such as the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games, but LA28 will bestow upon it the long-awaited international Olympic stage.

The news follows increasing expectations and backing from officials, athletes, and fans alike. As matches are set to be held within a temporary stadium at Fairplex, the LA28 organizers have vowed to provide an elite experience for fans and competitors alike, taking advantage of the venue's storied past and the international stature of Los Angeles. As the clock ticks down to 2028, cricket's return to the Olympic fold marks not only a moment of historic return but an opportunity to engage a fresh generation of supporters on the world's greatest sporting stage.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has done the unthinkable by making a sensational statement downplaying cricket's popularity even though the sport is ranked as the world's second most followed sport. The Belgian footballer was seen chuckling at the possibility of cricket being popular in Europe. "Nobody in Europe watches it," De Bruyne exclaimed in an interview, adding, "I know that it's big somewhere else, but here? It's not even on the radar." His statement has incited a passionate controversy, particularly from cricket lovers who refer to the game's vast international fanbase.

Cricket, commonly considered the world's second most popular sport right after football, has over 2.5 billion fans worldwide, primarily concentrated in South Asia, specifically in India. The Indian Premier League (IPL) alone drew over 700 million viewers in 2024 and is one of the most watched sports leagues. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been striving to increase the reach of the game, and its introduction at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a telling step forward. However, De Bruyne's comments underscore the harsh truth: across most of Europe, cricket is a niche sport, with football dominating the scene.

Kevin De Bruyne On Cricket pic.twitter.com/L8Mt1jwtdR

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) April 11, 2025

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In England, cricket's homeland, the sport has a devoted following, but even there, it is overshadowed by football. Elsewhere in the world, national teams exist in the Netherlands and Ireland, but little interest is shown at home. In De Bruyne's own country of Belgium, cricket is all but nonexistent at any level. This lack of exposure likely plays a role in his perspective, simply mimicking the broader European apathy towards the sport in part because of its success elsewhere.

Reactions and the Road Ahead

De Bruyne's comments ignited the social media storm expected globally. Cricket fans, especially Indian fans, came to the defense of their sport, with one X user stating, “De Bruyne should stick to football—cricket doesn’t need Europe to be massive.” Meanwhile, some European football fans agreed with him, calling cricket “boring.” The ICC views Europe, though, as an expansion market and is pushing T20 cricket in order to grow the fan base. While cricket’s global popularity is undeniable, De Bruyne’s skepticism underscores the challenge of winning over regions where football dominates. Can cricket bridge this cultural gap? Only time will tell.

India will be welcoming its biggest cricket stadium, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has given approval for a world-class stadium in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. The 1.32 lakh-seat stadium will be bigger than the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and is one of the largest cricket grounds in the world.

This stadium is not only a matter of expanding seating, this stadium is also a milestone achievement for India to push forward its sport infrastructure developments. It will be within a 200-acre Sports City, which will make Amaravati a world-class cricketing and sporting hub. The initiative is expected to raise the bar for cricket in India and attract both domestic and foreign competitions.

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Key Facilities of the Amaravati Cricket Stadium

The new Amaravati stadium will be constructed to deliver a world-class experience for players and viewers, include:

• Seating Capacity: 1.32 lakh, biggest in India.
• World-Class Pitches: Specifically built for Test, ODI, & T20 cricket games.
• Advanced Floodlights: Promising day-night matches with good visibility.
• Premium Spectator Experience: VIP areas, corporate suites, and lounge seating.
• Sustainable Design: Green building features and energy-conserving systems.

A Big Boost to Indian Cricket and Sports Tourism

This biggest cricket stadium in India will not just bring international cricket matches to Andhra Pradesh but also benefit the local economy. The project is likely to:

• Generate thousands of jobs during the construction phase and post-completion.
• Accommodate top cricket tournaments, such as IPL matches, ICC tournaments, and domestic matches.
• Increase sports tourism, with cricket enthusiasts from all over the country.
• Development of Local Talent: A committed cricket academy will develop young players.

India's Vision for Sports Infrastructure Development

This massive cricket stadium's approval is a step closer to India's goal of becoming a major global sporting force. The 200-acre Sports City, will have a number of athletic facilities that will encourage the growth of sports other than cricket.

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A Historic Addition to Indian Cricket

With ICC's approval, Amaravati cricket stadium is going to become a legendary ground in Indian cricket history. Upon completion, it will offer cricket enthusiasts a world-class match-day experience and enhance Andhra Pradesh's position in the international cricketing scene

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, an iconic figure in the cricket world, has recently been in the news sharing his views on the changing mindset of the modern-day batsman in a very open discussion. The former Indian captain and the Chennai Super Kings player, who is currently 43 years old, places the key emphasis on the way players of this generation redefine risk-taking in the sport by combining the traditional cricketing shots with innovative strokes for staying on top in the game.

"The batters have started to prefer playing risky games," said Dhoni. This was the most remarkable change of attitude he pointed out. He observed that the contemporary batsmen have the confidence to use the proper technique to execute excellent big strokes instead of cultivating the unorthodox methods. According to Dhoni, the merger of discipline and creativity has generated a new era of shot-making. “They have the faith that with the proper cricketing shots, they can take the big shots, and they are also confidently coming out with different shot selections,” he elaborated.

THE REFLEXES OF MS DHONI AT 43. 🥶

- 0.12S for that Sky stumping. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Pl50olc1od

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 23, 2025

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Dhoni pointed to specific examples of this evolution, like the reverse scoop against fast bowlers, sweeps, and reverse sweeps against pacers—those were the shots that were once viewed as quite risky but now have become quite common. It is not just a fashion statement but a must in the swift-moving cricketing industry of our time, noted he. “I’m no different; I have to adapt as well,” Dhoni confessed while referring back to his old days as a player who finished the game lower down the order. "This is what is required of me for where I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant."

Dhoni's observations are a testimony to his commitment to keeping pace with the game, even as he moves towards the end of his career, which has been brilliant. His skill to be reborn with time and, at the same time, to be a role model to the next generation of cricketers sets him apart as one of the foremost creative minds in the domain.

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has opined about competing in the Olympics, and his answer was witty and light-hearted.

When queried about competing in the Olympic Games, Kohli replied:

"No, for the Olympics, I don't know. If we are playing for the Gold Medal Match, I will come back for one game, get a medal, and come back home (smiles)."

His smile as he said this indicates his sense of humor as well as recognition of the honor of earning an Olympic medal.

Virat Kohli said, " No, for the Olympics, I don't know. If we are playing for Gold Medal Match, I will come back for one game and get a Medal and come back home (smiles)". 😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/omyvoSjArw

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) March 15, 2025

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Cricket is newly included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and fans are all set to enjoy watching their favorite stars like Kohli don the jersey for their country on such a big platform. Though Kohli's quote doesn't guarantee his participation, it indicates that the prospect of winning gold for India is close to his heart.

Meanwhile, fans will just have to wait and see if the cricket great makes an Olympic outing!

Saudi Arabia is going to take a giant leap into franchise cricket with a whopping $500 million investment in a new T20 league. The league, as per reports, will consist of eight teams and have a novel format that is like a tennis Grand Slam, with games played in four venues during the course of the year.

Supported by Saudi Arabia's SRJ Sports Investments

The league is being backed by SRJ Sports Investments, founded by former Australia's A-League CEO Danny Townsend. Talks over the project have been ongoing for a year between SRJ Sports Investments and the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to reports.

The concept was first devised by Australian Neil Maxwell, an ex-cricketer and celebrated player manager. He now manages Australian captain Pat Cummins, and has been a board member of the Australian Cricketers' Association and Cricket NSW, too.

Aiming to Fix Cricket's Bigger Challenges

The primary objective of this league is to address some of cricket's most pertinent issues, primarily issues regarding the future of Test cricket outside of the domination of India, Australia, and England.

Although leading players will be paid generously, the league has been created as an additional source of revenue for cricket-playing nations. Presently, money in cricket is largely dictated by broadcasting contracts and ICC distributions that have a heavy bias towards India, Australia, and England. Smaller nations usually get into financial trouble, and this league is set to introduce a more equitable financial model.

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How Will This League Fit In?

If sanctioned by the ICC, the tournament will take place in available windows, so it does not conflict with other T20 leagues such as the IPL and BBL.

The new league will include:

• New franchise clubs, located in traditional cricket countries as well as growing markets
• Men's and women's competitions
• A traveling format, supplementing current domestic leagues instead of competing with them
• A final potentially held in Saudi Arabia

No Official Confirmation Yet
Although there are reports that this league has been under discussion for a year, Neil Maxwell and Danny Townsend have said nothing on the matter.

With this ambitious venture going ahead, the future of world cricket could be turned upside down, making smaller countries more financially stable while giving fans yet another thrilling T20 tournament.