Tag: Cricket

Human Interest

Virat Kohli Ranks 6th Among World’s Most Influential People on Instagram in 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of all time, has achieved yet another milestone — this time beyond the cricket field. In 2025, he has been ranked as the 6th most influential person in the world on Instagram, according to global influencer rankings and industry reports. This recognition places Kohli among an elite list of global figures from entertainment, sports, and fashion, reaffirming his unparalleled global influence.

Known for his passion, performance, and leadership on the field, Kohli has seamlessly translated his sporting excellence into digital impact. His Instagram following, spanning hundreds of millions, reflects not only his athletic achievements but also his authentic personality, disciplined lifestyle, and powerful brand presence. His posts — whether celebrating a victory, sharing glimpses of fitness routines, or moments with family — consistently generate some of the highest engagement rates among athletes worldwide.

Over the past decade, Kohli has emerged as one of the world’s most recognized and respected athletes. From captaining India to historic wins to becoming the face of a new generation of fitness-conscious sports fans, his influence extends far beyond cricket. His online persona mirrors his professional ethos — confident, focused, and inspirational — resonating with fans from every corner of the world.

Industry experts credit Kohli’s global appeal to his ability to balance authenticity with ambition. While he remains rooted in Indian values, his voice and personality connect across cultures, making him one of the few athletes whose fame transcends sport. His Instagram presence also serves as a platform for advocacy — from fitness and mental wellness to sustainability and animal welfare — further amplifying his impact as a responsible global citizen.

Brands have long recognized the power of Kohli’s digital influence. His collaborations and campaigns are known for record engagement and reach, making him one of the most valuable brand ambassadors in sports marketing today. This recognition as the 6th most influential person globally cements his status not only as a cricketing legend but also as a global cultural force.

For millions of fans, Virat Kohli represents the spirit of dedication, resilience, and excellence. His journey from a young Delhi cricketer to a world leader in both sport and social influence is a testament to the transformative power of authenticity and hard work. Whether on the field or online, Kohli continues to inspire, lead, and redefine what it means to be a modern global icon.

Sports

Deepti Sharma: The Calm in India’s Storm and the Heart of a Historic World Cup Win

Tanisha Cardozo

In the storm of high-pressure moments, Deepti Sharma is India’s calm — steady, composed, and unshakeably resilient. Not just a cricketing star, she is also a proud Deputy Superintendent of Police in Uttar Pradesh, carrying both the India jersey and the police star with equal honour and pride.

Yesterday, as India created history by lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Deepti stood right at the heart of that glory — named Player of the Tournament for her exceptional all-round performance. Her consistent contributions with both bat and ball turned tight moments into triumphs and inspired millions watching around the world.

As celebrations erupted across the nation, emotions overflowed in her home in Agra. Her mother, Sushila Sharma, holding back tears of joy, said, “Deepti has fulfilled the dream of the entire nation… She has made India proud.” It was a moment that captured the spirit of not just victory, but of perseverance, sacrifice, and love.

Born on 24 August 1997, Deepti’s journey began with one fateful throw at the age of eight that caught the attention of former India cricketer Hemlata Kala — an instant that changed her life forever. Her brother, Sumit Sharma, became her first coach and guiding force. Leaving behind the comfort of a stable job, he dedicated himself fully to Deepti’s cricketing dream. Against all odds and in the face of constant societal skepticism, the Sharma family stood tall — proving that belief can silence doubt and courage can conquer convention.

From her selection in the Uttar Pradesh state team at just 12 to making her international debut at 17, Deepti’s rise has been marked by relentless discipline and quiet determination. Over the years, she has become India’s crisis warrior — the one who steps in when pressure peaks and delivers when it matters most.

Her heroics in the 2025 World Cup, both with the bat and ball, have now etched her name permanently in India’s cricketing history. Beyond the numbers, Deepti Sharma’s story is a celebration of patience, perseverance, and purpose — a reminder that true champions are not born in comfort, but forged in courage.

Today, as both a World Cup champion and a DSP, Deepti stands as a symbol of discipline, service, and strength. She represents the new India — one where women break boundaries, wear multiple hats with pride, and lead by example. Her story continues to inspire a generation to dream beyond limits and to rise, every time, with unwavering belief.

Human Interest

“Am I Still Dreaming?” — Palash Muchhal Celebrates Fiancée Smriti Mandhana’s Historic World Cup Win

Tanisha Cardozo

After India’s women’s cricket team created history by winning their first-ever ODI World Cup title against South Africa, the nation erupted in joy — and so did Smriti Mandhana’s fiancé, filmmaker and music composer Palash Muchhal. The emotional victory unfolded on November 2 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Mandhana played a key role in leading the team to their maiden championship glory.

Soon after the win, Palash Muchhal took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with Smriti. In the picture, the Indian opener is seen draped in the tricolour, proudly holding the glittering World Cup trophy, while Palash stands beside her with his arm around her shoulders. Captioning the photo, he wrote, “Am I still dreaming?”, a simple yet touching expression of pride and disbelief at her monumental achievement.

Just days before the final, Muchhal had shared another celebratory post following India’s dramatic victory over Australia in the semifinals, captioning it, “This part of my life right here is called… happiness.”

Last month, Palash Muchhal confirmed his wedding to Smriti Mandhana at a press event in Indore. When asked about their relationship, he hinted at the upcoming nuptials with a smile, saying, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore… that is all I want to say. I have given you the headline.”

According to reports, the couple will begin their wedding celebrations on November 20 in Sangli, Maharashtra. The two have reportedly been dating since 2019 but kept their relationship private until making it Instagram official last year.

Palash Muchhal, known for composing music for several Bollywood films alongside his sister Palak Muchhal, is currently directing his film Raju Bajewala, featuring Avika Gor and Chandan Roy. With Smriti Mandhana’s career soaring and their wedding on the horizon, both are entering a new chapter in life filled with celebration, pride, and love — marking a fairytale moment where sports and art come beautifully together.

Sports

Jay Shah’s reformist vision ushers in a Golden Era for Cricket

Tanisha Cardozo

Under the transformative leadership of Jay Shah, cricket has entered a golden era defined by equality, reform, and global expansion. As BCCI Secretary and now ICC Chairman, Mr. Shah has led a movement that reshaped not just how cricket is governed but how it is envisioned for future generations.

At the helm of the ICC, he has brought reformist energy and a commitment to inclusivity that have set new global benchmarks. His landmark decision to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s tournaments in 2023 was a turning point for gender equality in sports. Strengthening the ICC’s financial framework after the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed sustainability, transparency, and strategic growth—ensuring that cricket continues to thrive across emerging nations.

Mr. Shah’s instrumental role in cricket’s return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics stands as a historic achievement. Personally leading the ICC’s successful pitch to the International Olympic Committee, he fulfilled a decades-long dream of bringing cricket back to the world’s biggest sporting arena.

His journey began at the BCCI, where he revolutionized Indian cricket’s operations with governance reforms that prioritized transparency, professionalism, and data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, the IPL grew into a global sports phenomenon with record-breaking media rights, and the Women’s Premier League emerged as the largest women’s sporting league in the world. He implemented India’s landmark pay parity policy, ensuring equal match fees for men and women cricketers—a step that inspired other sports bodies globally.

Beyond the glamour of leagues, Mr. Shah revitalized the domestic structure, significantly increasing prize money and match fees, and launching the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to reignite interest in red-ball cricket. He also expanded the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru into a world-class hub for high-performance training and rehabilitation, setting new standards for player development.

These reforms have yielded remarkable success on the field. India’s cricketing dominance reached new heights with five ICC trophies in just three years across men’s and women’s categories, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and most recently, India’s first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025.

Reflecting on the historic women’s victory, Jay Shah remarked, “India finally lifts the World Cup! Last night was a landmark in the history of women’s cricket. Increased investment, pay parity with men’s cricketers, and the competitive spirit born from the WPL have shaped this incredible achievement.”

With vision and conviction, Jay Shah has not only modernized cricket’s governance but redefined its spirit. His leadership continues to unite the game under one purpose—to make cricket truly global, equitable, and limitless in possibility.

Sports

BCCI Announces Equal Match Fees for Men and Women Cricketers

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark decision that redefines the future of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that men’s and women’s Indian international cricketers will now receive equal match fees across all formats. From now on, both men and women representing India will earn ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for a One Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh for a T20 International.

The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who described the move as a crucial step toward eliminating gender disparity in the sport. “The match fee for both men and women cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian cricket,” he stated.

Previously, women cricketers in India earned much lower match fees — approximately ₹1 lakh for a limited-overs international and ₹4 lakh for a Test match. This new structure brings them on par with their male counterparts for the first time in history, sending a powerful message of equality and respect.

While this pay parity covers match fees, annual contract retainers remain separate. Under the current structure, women’s Grade A contracts stand at ₹50 lakh per year, while men’s retainers vary from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore depending on category. However, the introduction of pay parity for matches is widely seen as a foundational step toward broader financial equality.

The decision reflects the growing stature of women’s cricket in India, following recent milestones such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and improved performances on the global stage. It also aligns with the BCCI’s stated goal of empowering women athletes and building a sustainable professional ecosystem for the women’s game.

Players, fans, and sports advocates across the country have hailed the move as historic. Former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj described it as a “red-letter day for Indian cricket,” while current players and commentators called it “a victory for fairness and recognition.”

This landmark decision not only acknowledges the efforts and commitment of India’s women cricketers but also sets a global example for sporting federations worldwide. It underscores that talent, dedication, and performance — not gender — should determine a player’s worth on the field.

As Indian cricket moves forward, the BCCI’s pay-equity policy marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting narrative — one that paves the way for greater inclusivity, equality, and respect across all formats of the game.