In a week brimming with nostalgia, cricket, and Bollywood sparkle, the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) in Surat became the unlikely stage for a heartwarming convergence of sports and cinema. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, renowned for his agility on the field, took to Instagram on February 7, 2026, to recount a memorable encounter with Bollywood’s beloved couple, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, during an ISPL match. His post, brimming with admiration, described the actors as "down to earth" and "graceful," a sentiment that resonated with fans across social media platforms.
Kaif’s Instagram post offered a rare glimpse behind the curtain of celebrity interactions. "Met Bollywood's royal family that is so down to earth. Kareena, Saif and Taimur - always so graceful," he wrote, referencing not just the couple but their son, Taimur, who has become something of a celebrity in his own right. The post quickly drew a flurry of positive responses, with fans chiming in with comments like "Nice" and playful nods such as "Kaif with Saif," punctuated by heart and fire emojis. According to the Times of India, Kaif also reminisced about a commercial he shot with Saif Ali Khan years ago. "Me and Saif did a Lays chips TV ad many years back. Recalled those days, great memories," he added, underscoring the enduring nature of these cross-industry friendships.
The timing of Kaif’s post was no coincidence. The ISPL, a pioneering T-10 tennis-ball tournament that has captured the imagination of cricket fans across India, was in full swing in Surat. Kareena and Saif, along with their children Taimur and Jehangir, were spotted in the stands, vocally supporting their team, the Tigers of Kolkata. Photos and videos from the event, widely shared on social media, showed the family’s enthusiasm for cricket—a passion that appears to be shared by both generations. As noted by Filmfare, the family of four’s presence at the stadium added an extra dash of glamour to the high-energy sporting event.
The ISPL Season 3 final, held on February 6, 2026, at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium, saw the Chennai Singams clinch their maiden title with a commanding 29-run victory over the Tigers of Kolkata. The match was witnessed by a packed house and an esteemed panel of ISPL Core Committee members, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, Suraj Samat, and Dipak Chauhan, President - Operations. According to NDTV Sports, the Singams controlled the championship clash from start to finish, while the Tigers—despite their star-studded support—fell just short of the trophy.
Season 3 of the ISPL saw a remarkable emergence of new talent. Vivek Shelar made headlines with his blistering pace, picking up multiple hat-tricks throughout the competition. Ankit Yadav, representing Kolkata, delivered an impressive performance with 16 wickets, while Prashant Gharat of Falcon Risers Hyderabad tallied a total of 203 runs. Not to be outdone, Nizam Ali of Ahmedabad Lions showcased his bowling prowess with 20 wickets. The league’s inclusive approach was evident in its trials, which spanned 103 sessions across the country, drawing participants from all corners of India. As reported by the Indian Express, the ISPL’s growth has been marked by its ability to unearth grassroots talent and provide them with a national platform.
But the ISPL wasn’t the only thing making waves on social media. Kareena Kapoor Khan herself added to the nostalgia by sharing a touching throwback on her Instagram stories. The post featured a scene from the 2003 film LOC: Kargil, in which both she and Saif Ali Khan starred. Kareena captioned the snippet with the understated yet poignant words, "Little we did know," subtly alluding to the fact that, back then, neither could have predicted their future as husband and wife. Fans quickly picked up on the romantic undertone, sharing the screengrab across platforms and celebrating the couple’s enduring bond.
Kareena and Saif’s relationship, often described as a modern Bollywood fairy tale, began to attract public attention during the filming of Tashan in 2007. That same year, Saif publicly acknowledged their relationship at an event, telling reporters, "We are here together. Yes, we are together, and that is what I am comfortable saying at the moment." He candidly added, "Yes, there has been too much attention lately... That is fair enough. We are not shouting from the rooftop (about the relationship), but we are together and happy." The couple eventually tied the knot on October 16, 2012, in a private Mumbai ceremony, and have since welcomed two sons, Taimur and Jehangir.
The Kapoor-Khan family’s presence at the ISPL was more than just a celebrity sighting. It was a testament to the deep connections between cricket and Bollywood—two of India’s greatest passions. Kareena, ever the proud mother and wife, frequently shares glimpses of her family life on social media. Recent posts from their New Year’s holiday, featuring candid moments with Saif and their children, have only deepened fans’ affection for the family. Their appearance in Surat, cheering for the Tigers of Kolkata, was yet another example of how the family seamlessly blends their public and private lives, all while maintaining an air of approachability that fans find so endearing.
For Mohammad Kaif, the encounter with Kareena and Saif was a reminder of the enduring power of shared experiences—whether on a cricket field, a film set, or a commercial shoot. His reflections, as captured on Instagram, struck a chord with those who appreciate the intersection of sportsmanship and stardom. As Kaif put it, recalling his days filming with Saif, "great memories" are made not just in the heat of competition or the glare of the spotlight, but in the quiet moments of camaraderie that transcend professional boundaries.
As the curtain falls on ISPL Season 3, with the Chennai Singams basking in the glow of their first championship and the Tigers of Kolkata vowing to return stronger, the league has once again proven its ability to bring together people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a legendary cricketer reconnecting with an old friend, or a Bollywood power couple cheering from the stands, the ISPL continues to be a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the simple joys of the game.
In the end, the week’s events served as a vivid reminder that, in India, cricket and cinema are more than just pastimes—they are threads that weave together stories of aspiration, nostalgia, and community, played out on fields and screens alike.