MUMBAI: The World Pickleball League brought not only high-octane competition but also a touch of Bollywood magic as Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal took centre stage for an electrifying exhibition match at the CCI, Brabourne Stadium. The not-so-friendly yet thoroughly entertaining showdown saw Ali donning blue and Aamir sporting black, partnering with Dilli Dillwale’s Lauren Mercado and Chennai Super Champs’ Thaddea Lock, respectively.
The packed arena, already familiar with Aamir and Ali’s cinematic brilliance, was in for a fresh spectacle—a thrilling WPBL’s 15-minute doubles match filled with fast-paced rallies, powerful smashes, and playful banter. Aamir and Thaddea quickly took an early lead, but Ali and Lauren fought back fiercely, making for an intense back-and-forth battle. Adding to the entertainment, Aamir and Ali kept the crowd engaged with live commentary, blending humor and competition seamlessly.
In the end, Team Aamir Khan triumphed with a 13-8 victory, but the true winners were the fans, who enjoyed a perfect mix of sports, camaraderie, and lighthearted rivalry.
The excitement didn’t stop there—the semi-finals of the World Pickleball League also delivered nail-biting action, with closely contested matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After a fierce battle, Bengaluru Jawans and Pune United emerged as the two finalists, setting the stage for a grand showdown.
As the league heads into its thrilling finale, fans can expect a high-stakes battle between Bengaluru Jawans and Pune United, promising an unforgettable conclusion to the debut season of the World Pickleball League.
Aamir and Ali’s presence at the semi-finals added an extra charm to the exciting evening.
Speaking on his experience, Aamir Khan said, “It was a lot of fun, it was a wonderful game. Thank you for this wonderful game. It is our good fortune that we are playing with amongst the top players in the world today. It was a great honour and pleasure to play this game today. Thank you guys.”
Ali Fazal, too, expressed his admiration for the sport and the event. “It was wonderful, I really enjoyed the game. They made us run. That's all I remember through the entire game. I was running from here to there. And then they were taking my turn. But this is a very good game and I think this is a game that's going to really. It's already caught on in a big way. A lot of people are really enjoying this game. I really enjoyed the game.”
The World Pickleball League, brought to life by former Indian No. 1 tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, is all about high-energy action and unmatched sportainment. With game-changing rules and the first-ever use of Hawk-Eye in the sport, Aamir and Ali brought the house down today, delivering on every bit of that promise!
About the World Pickleball League (WPBL)
The World Pickleball League (WPBL), promoted by Natekar Sports and Gaming, founded by former India Number 1 Tennis players, Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, is at the forefront of revolutionizing pickleball in India. WPBL is dedicated to transforming pickleball through exceptional events, engaging fan experiences, and fostering a vibrant pickleball community while setting new standards for the sport. Set to debut in January 2025 with six teams, WPBL will also sponsor grassroots tournaments in each franchise city to develop local talent. With Sony Corporation as an investor and partner, WPBL works closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which is affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) in the USA.
Add new comment