Most Bollywood celebrities play cricket as it is their hobby. For Saif Ali Khan, it is practically part of the family DNA.
The Bollywood star recently spent a sunny day in England doing what generations of the Pataudi family have done before him. He walked onto a cricket field. Only this time, it was for a charitable cause.
Saif featured in a charity match between Luton Town and Indians Cricket Club, joining a host of business leaders, philanthropists and cricket enthusiasts in an event aimed at supporting children and vulnerable communities. Photos and videos from the game quickly made their way onto social media, with the actor spotted in traditional cricket whites, bat in hand and looking completely at home on the field.
Saif impressed with the bat and registered a half-century during the match, proving that some cricketing instincts clearly run in the bloodline.
The event also saw participation from several prominent personalities, including filmmaker Nikhil Dwivedi, Samena Capital founder Shirish Saraf, Dabur chairman Mohit Burman and INOXGFL Group executive director Devansh Jain. Former England internationals Monty Panesar and Usman Afzaal were also part of the occasion.
Is it really surprising for Saif Ali Khan?
Cricket isn’t just a side hobby for Saif. It’s part of who he is. His dad, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, or Tiger, was one of India’s most important captains. He took the job at 21 and changed how India played overseas. And he did most of it after losing sight in one eye in a car crash. It goes back even further. His grandfather, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, played Test cricket for both England and India. He even captained the Indian national team during its 1946 tour of England. There aren’t many who can say that.
Speaking about the experience, Saif said it was a special opportunity to spend time with family while introducing his sons, Taimur and Jeh, to one of England’s most cherished traditions.
“It was such a wonderful day of cricket in the sun, with fathers and sons. It was probably my sons’ first English wicket country game, and it’s a lovely way to learn to play cricket.”
