World Pickleball League Exhibition Match: Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal will compete in a special exhibition match at the World Pickleball League (WPBL) semi-finals on February 1st. The event, taking place at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, promises excitement and entertainment as these actors showcase their pickleball skills.
A Star-Studded Showdown
The two actors will step away from their film careers to engage in a fun-filled pickleball match. They will be joined by two league players, creating a blend of celebrity and competitive sports. The exhibition match is set to begin at 7 PM, offering fans a thrilling evening.
Background of WPBL
The WPBL, founded by Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, began on January 24, 2025. Featuring six teams, including Mumbai Pickle Power and Bengaluru Jawans, the league showcases 48 players from 14 countries.
This event marks a significant moment for Indian sports as it is the first non-cricket event held at the iconic CCI Brabourne Stadium in over 15 years.
Excitement from the Stars
Aamir Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the match, stating,
“Sports, just like cinema, is a great unifier. I am looking forward to the match against my dear friend Ali, and to play alongside some of the world’s best Pickleball players who have already set the courts on fire at the WPBL.” – (Aamir Khan)
Ali Fazal also shared his excitement, saying,
“I have had the privilege of sharing the screen with Aamir, and now, getting an opportunity to play one of my favorite sports—Pickleball—with him is indeed a pleasure. Aamir is synonymous with perfection, and I am certain he will bring exactly that with his A-game on the court. Also a huge congrats to Gaurav and the entire WPBL team for putting up a terrific sportainment show that has beautifully blended Pickleball with entertainment, making it appealing and reach to a huge audience.” – (Ali Fazal)
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, added,
“Arati and I are very grateful for the support Aamir has extended to the work we are doing in pickleball and specifically the World Pickleball League. We look forward to having both Aamir and Ali, on court to play alongside our pro players and it promises to be an interesting evening of pickleball and entertainment.” – (Gaurav Natekar)
The Future of Pickleball in India
The addition of this star-studded exhibition match enhances WPBL’s mission to make pickleball a mainstream sport in India.
As the league progresses towards its thrilling finale, fans can expect a unique blend of sport and entertainment. Tickets for the event are available on Swiggy Scenes, allowing fans to witness this exciting showdown live.
News in Brief: World Pickleball League Exhibition Match
Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal will compete in a special exhibition match at the World Pickleball League semi-finals on February 1st in Mumbai.
This event combines celebrity entertainment with elite pickleball, highlighting the league’s efforts to popularize the sport in India. Tickets are available for fans eager to attend.
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