As the competitive cricketer Sarfaraz Ahmed was building tense anticipation, he attempted to delay the reveal of a box the contestants were supposed to open on the Dabba Kholo segment. Watching Sarfaraz halt like that, Sana Javed interrupted and seamlessly said, ‘What is this? Just open the box immediately!’

Sarfaraz defended his approach, explaining. The game lasts for 45 minutes. We need to make it interesting for television. There is absolutely no way we can keep opening boxes one by one. The last time I made the final decision, people literally sent me messages from all over the world.

"Apne Miyaan Ke Saath...": Shoaib Malik's Wife Sana Javed Quarrels With Sarfaraz Ahmed On Game Show https://t.co/tXyd7B3G4m

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 22, 2025

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Sana also made it a day with a dry witt, “Looks like someone wound you up and now you have no intention of stopping him,” clearly suggesting his rant had disturbed her a lot. “We can all see how well you have performed in the previous round,” Sarfaraz replied to her and did not give much.

“Now it’s like, ‘I did not even see her playing well at all,’” and, ‘why is she acting like this?” This refers to when Sana lost to her husband cricketer Shoaib Malik. “And why do you care how I play with my husband? How about you worry about your game instead?” Immediately retaliated Sana Javed.

Within a few hours, people lost their minds over that exchange and it was extraordinarily easy to split them into two camps. In my opinion, it was crude, out of context, and very demeaning to Sarfaraz Ahmed – some people did not bother giving credits to Sana Javed. One commenter said, “This woman has no manners. The way she is disrespecting Sarfaraz Ahmed is unacceptable.” Another said, “Sana Javed should not be invited to the show anymore. Her attitude is getting worse by the day.”

However, Santos defended her, but they took the criticism too far. She explained that the fact of the matter is that they were just having fun. Most people thought the conversation was taken out of context and both celebrities were having a normal friendly rivalry.

Cricket did change from a game of pure skill to one where fitness plays a crucial role in determining a successful player. In the past, most of the cricketers relied on their technique and experience; however, the time has come now when fitness becomes a game-changer. There have been quite a few cricketers who have done extraordinary fitness transformations, proving that hard work, good discipline, and the right kind of training can redefine the way a player's career shapes up.

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will probably be known as the most famous transformation in cricket. Coming from a very talented yet slightly overweight younger background at the beginning of his career, Kohli underwent a transformation of extreme fitness. He started having a strict diet and workout, abstaining from junk food and indulging in lean proteins and high-intensity workouts.

Today he is regarded as one of the fittest athletes in the world due to his stamina, agility, and explosive running between the wickets. His hard work towards fitness has motivated a whole generation of cricketers.

2. Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle, affectionately known as the "Universe Boss,” wasn’t always the muscular six-hitting machine he is today. He made his debut in late 1990s tall and lanky, devoid of any of the raw power he was to become famous for.

However, as T20 cricket evolved, Gayle realized that to dominate bowlers, he had to pack in some strength. And with sheer strength training, cardio, and a high-protein diet, Gayle turned huge, improving on explosive batting. And even at 40, he kept with him that imposing stature to prove that fitness is the only way to extend a cricketer’s career and enhance natural talent.   

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3. Sarfaraz Ahmed

Former Pakistan Captian Sarfaraz Ahmed was criticized for his fitness in 2019, with the unforgivable sin of having been kept out of the Pakistan team. Sabotaged by his weight for a long time, he worked hard and became determined to make a comeback within months, dropping dear nearly 10 kilograms through disciplined training and diet control. And his lean physique spoke volumes when he returned in September 2019, impressing both fans and critics alike.

His improved fitness clearly gave him an upper hand: well-conceived performances of the likes of a triple and double century in domestic cricket. Estranged from his critics, Sarfaraz's journey proves that hard work and discipline truly brought him back. 

4. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant's transformation is probably among the most inspirational stories in the world of cricket. After a fateful car accident in December 2022, Pant, while he managed to escape with his life, suffered a multitude of injuries that would put him out of play for almost two years. His recovery for a back injury involved six months of physiotherapy followed by endless hours of strength training and agility workouts to build mobility. In the process, Pant lost quite a lot of weight and created an entirely new, muscular body through a very strict diet and rehabilitation process.

Starting in 2024, he was able to return to competitive cricket, having better reflexes, brighter movement behind the stumps, and greater commanding power with the bat. The metamorphosis is not merely a story of endurance but also a visit into how fitness plays its crucial role in the readdressing of present-day cricket.

5. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya started as a lean and talented all-rounder but was soon to realize that physical endurance was an essential part of consistent performance. To boost his power and endurance, he took up a rigorous fitness regimen of weight training, yoga, and cardio. His conversion into a lean and muscular athlete allowed him to bowl 140 km/h with ease while clearing the boundaries. 

His enhanced fitness made him one of the valuable players to India in all formats. Apart from the physique, it is his athleticism and stamina that make him the modern-day superstar of cricket.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is always heated, but this time it wasn't the match alone that was in the limelight andit was the commentary.

Sarfaraz : "Riwaz allah ka jap kar rahe hain"

Aakash Chopra : "Rohit Mahamrityunjay kar rahe hain"

Raina: "Virat Mahadev Bhakt hain and Abhi Mahashivratri bhi hain"

We got Mahadev vs Allah in commentary 😭 #INDvsPAK

— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) February 23, 2025

Short Video of this -pic.twitter.com/bA3Ni12GKT

— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) February 23, 2025

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During the match, Sarfaraz Ahmed said, "Riwaz Allah ka jap kar rahe hain," meaning religious rituals. Aakash Chopra retorted with, "Rohit Mahamrityunjay kar rahe hain," associating it with Hindu prayers. Suresh Raina then joined in, "Virat Mahadev Bhakt hain and abhi Mahashivratri bhi hain."

The conversation quickly went viral, with fans reacting in different ways. Some saw it as a fun and unique moment, while others felt that cricket commentary should stay focused on the game.

Social media has been buzzing with debates—should religious references be a part of sports commentary, or should broadcasters avoid them altogether?

What’s your take on this?

In the world of cricket, the rivalries are fierce, but occasions of warmth and sportsmanship rise above them. Such was the case before the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final when a photo of MS Dhoni cradling Sarfaraz Ahmed's son, Abdullah, became viral. 
How the Iconic Photo Was Taken
Sarfaraz recently related the story behind the now-iconic photo in an interview. He remembered sitting in the lobby of the hotel with his family when he saw Dhoni in the vicinity. Aware of what a legend Dhoni is, Sarfaraz requested that Dhoni take a photo with his son. Dhoni, made the memory that would last him a lifetime.

Sarfaraz Ahmed shares the heartwarming story behind MS Dhoni's viral photo with his son❤️
See here: https://t.co/FUByLkS64B pic.twitter.com/tcnPNfuDGo

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 17, 2025

ALSO SEE :  How Mumbai Indians Shaping the Future of Indian Cricket

It's More Than Just a Picture
The photo struck with people from both Pakistan and India. It was not about cricketand it was about humanity, respect, and the commonality that across national boundaries. Even in a major tournament, these kinds of gestures remind us of the essence of the game.
A Lesson in Sportsmanship
Moments such as these justify the term cricket as the "gentleman's game." Sarfaraz thanked Dhoni for his courtesy and appreciated the wonderful memory. Moments such as these transcend competition and leave behind stories that fans tell forever.
The Legacy of This Beautiful Moment
Years down the line, this photo still reminds everyone of the friendships among players. Although teams fight hard on the ground, outside the playing arena, respect and courtesy always manage to shine through.

With a week to go  for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of Event Ambassadors that will feature to add to the fan experience.

Pakistan’s 2017 winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed features in an all-star cast that also boasts two-time champion, Australia’s Shane Watson, Player of the Series in India’s 2013 trophy-winning campaign, Shikhar Dhawan, and New Zealand’s legendary fast bowler, Tim Southee.

THE BRAND AMBASSADORS FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025:

- Shikhar Dhawan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shane Watson, Tim Southee. pic.twitter.com/a2A49dmB0R

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 12, 2025

Brand Ambassadors view on this mega event :

Sarfaraz Ahmed: “I will never forget how special it felt to don the white jackets and lift the trophy aloft as Pakistan captain back in 2017. Seeing the nation get behind us and celebrate that success is also something that’s very close to my heart, so I am delighted to see the competition return to the cricket calendar and see my country given the opportunity to host such a special event. The format means that every game is so important, and I can’t wait to play my part as an Ambassador and witness the tournament first-hand.”

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Shikhar Dhawan: “It is such a special feeling to be part of a Champions Trophy, and to be given the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming edition as an Ambassador is an honour. Over the next few weeks, we’ll see the best sides in the world competing for the white jackets knowing that one mistake or one loss could spell the end of their hopes. It’s the ultimate competition where it’s all on the line, and that is what makes it such a thrilling spectacle.”

Tim Southee: “I am thrilled to be an Ambassador for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. It is an event that I always enjoyed playing in and one that always delivers on entertainment and drama. As a player, you’re aware that every game, every ball and every moment matters in the Champions Trophy format, and with so much at stake, I can’t wait to see how the action will unfold.”

Shane Watson: “The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is a truly unique event that has provided us with so many unforgettable moments down the years. With the top eight teams going head-to-head for the iconic white jackets, we are sure to see some extraordinary do-or-die cricket across three thrilling weeks.”

Cricket fans have been treated to a viral wave of funny video clips featuring some of the biggest names in Bangladeshi and Pakistani cricket attempting to speak English. Known more for their skill on the field, stars like Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal, and Inzamam-ul-Haq have unintentionally become internet comedians with their amusing English mishaps. The clips showcase endearing language struggles and quirky phrases, providing fans worldwide with a good laugh and a reminder of the universal appeal of cricket.

Mohammad Rizwan

In one of the videos making the rounds, Pakistani star Mohammad Rizwan has endeared himself to fans with his unintentional humor during post-match interviews. Rizwan, known for his excellent form and commitment on the field, made a few funny slip-ups with phrases that left fans both laughing and admiring his down-to-earth charm.

Rizwan’s videos highlight the challenges of switching between languages under the pressure of the spotlight. Despite the linguistic hurdles, Rizwan’s humility and sincerity have won over fans and showcased his willingness to communicate and share his thoughts, regardless of the language barrier.

pic.twitter.com/Qq9hQOTHw5

— Love Lubana (@Gabba91Smudge) November 4, 2024

Sarfaraz Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq

Former Pakistani skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed and cricket legend Inzamam-ul-Haq have also unintentionally provided comedy gold with their amusing English. Sarfaraz’s well-known mispronunciations have surfaced in multiple clips, with his attempts to respond in English going slightly off-course, making the moment even more memorable.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, a beloved figure in Pakistani cricket, also became a viral sensation for his famously unique choice of words. Known for his phrase "When I don’t stop the ball I am out, when I stop the ball I am out, I don’t know what’s the rule" Inzamam's expressions and attempts at communicating his points have taken on a life of their own online, immortalized by cricket fans who love his straightforward, if occasionally mixed-up, English.

When I don’t stop the ball I am out, when I stop the ball I am out, I don’t know what’s the rule 😂

Innocent yet so hilarious 😁😁 pic.twitter.com/H1epHPCRk5

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) September 20, 2024

Umar Akmal’s memorable language mishaps

Another unforgettable character in this viral trend is Umar Akmal. Known for his occasional slip-ups, Akmal has delivered some unforgettable lines, such as his use of “me, myself and I” in an interview, which had fans in stitches. In another clip, his confusion with certain phrases gave rise to numerous memes that circulated widely on social media. Akmal’s moments showcase the lighter side of cricket, reminding fans that even professional athletes can have humorous language blunders that connect with audiences.

These funny clips are a reminder of the players’ genuine personalities and their commitment to engaging with international audiences, even if it sometimes leads to viral comedy.

The rise of these videos has also sparked a warm response from cricket fans across social media. Many fans appreciate the light-hearted nature of these clips, viewing them as a refreshing break from the competitive tension of professional cricket. The videos have allowed fans to see another side of their cricketing heroes—a side that is relatable, humorous, and endearing.

Fans from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and around the globe have continued to share and celebrate these clips, with social media comments filled with light-hearted teasing and admiration for the players' efforts. In an era where sports personalities are expected to be polished and flawless, these clips remind audiences that even the biggest names in cricket are human, with unique quirks and personalities that transcend the language barrier.

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These viral videos of Pakistan and Bangladesh’s cricket stars continue to spread, giving fans plenty of laughs and allowing the players' personalities to shine beyond their performances on the field. As the clips continue to entertain audiences, it’s clear that cricket brings people together not only through its matches but through shared moments of humor and humanity.