It was a star-studded evening at the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, but the real magic was in the unexpected intersections of sports and cinema. On February 6, 2026, the final match of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) Season 3 brought together not only the best of cricketing talent but also some of Bollywood’s most beloved faces. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif found himself sharing the stands—and a few warm memories—with Bollywood’s so-called “royal family”: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and their son, Taimur.
Kaif took to Instagram the following day, recounting his meeting with the couple. "Met Bollywood's royal family that is so down to earth. Kareena, Saif and Taimur - always so graceful," Kaif wrote, reflecting on the genuine warmth he felt during their interaction. The post wasn’t just a passing mention; it triggered a wave of appreciation from fans, many of whom delighted in seeing icons from two of India’s greatest passions—cricket and cinema—coming together off the field.
Kaif’s nostalgia didn’t end there. He recalled a time when his professional path had crossed Saif Ali Khan’s in a different arena: advertising. "Me and Saif did a Lays chips TV ad many years back. Recalled those days, great memories," Kaif reminisced. The candid admission added another layer of camaraderie to the meeting, as fans chimed in with comments like "Kaif with Saif," often punctuated by heart and fire emojis. The moment was a reminder that even celebrities find joy in looking back at the serendipitous threads that weave through their careers.
The occasion for this celebrity convergence was the ISPL Season 3 final, where Kareena and Saif were spotted cheering enthusiastically for their team, Tigers of Kolkata. The family’s love for cricket was evident—not just in their presence, but in the way they engaged with the crowd and their team. Social media buzzed with photos and videos of the family in the stands, with many users noting how the couple’s public appearances are always marked by a sense of grace and humility.
But the ISPL final was more than just a backdrop for celebrity sightings. The match itself was a spectacle. The Chennai Singams delivered a commanding all-round performance to clinch their maiden ISPL title, defeating the Tigers of Kolkata by 29 runs. According to the official release, the Singams controlled the championship clash from start to finish, much to the delight of a packed stadium and a roster of esteemed guests.
The final was graced by ISPL Core Committee members, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Ashish Shelar, Minal Amol Kale, and Suraj Samat, as well as Dipak Chauhan, President of Operations. Their presence underscored the growing prestige of the tournament, which has quickly become a fixture in India’s sporting calendar. The ISPL, a pioneering T-10 tennis-ball tournament, has grown significantly in its third season, drawing talent from every corner of the country.
This season saw some remarkable individual performances. Vivek Shelar made headlines by picking up a couple of hat-tricks—a rare feat in any format. Ankit Yadav of Kolkata impressed with 16 wickets, while Falcon Risers Hyderabad’s Prashant Gharat was a force with the bat, amassing 203 runs. Not to be outdone, Ahmedabad Lions’ Nizam Ali showcased his bowling prowess with a haul of 20 wickets. The league’s trials, conducted over 103 sessions, attracted players from all across India, highlighting the tournament’s inclusive spirit and its role as a platform for emerging talent.
Back in the stands, the spotlight occasionally shifted from the action on the field to the interactions between cricketing and cinematic royalty. Kareena Kapoor Khan, ever the social media maven, had recently shared a poignant throwback on her Instagram stories. The clip, a snippet from the 2003 film LOC: Kargil, showed her and Saif Ali Khan’s characters sharing a scene. Kareena captioned it with a simple, evocative line: "Little we did know." The words hinted at the unpredictability of life—how neither could have imagined, back then, that they would one day marry and start a family together.
Their romance, now the stuff of Bollywood legend, began in earnest during the filming of Tashan in 2007. Rumors swirled, but it was Saif who publicly acknowledged their relationship that same year. "We are here together. Yes, we are together, and that is what I am comfortable saying at the moment," he told the press at an event, adding, "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 now share two children, Taimur and Jehangir.
Kareena’s social media is often a window into their family life. She recently posted photos from their New Year’s holiday, featuring candid moments with Saif and their kids. These glimpses into their personal world have only deepened fans’ affection for the family, cementing their status as one of India’s most admired celebrity couples.
The family’s appearance at the ISPL match in Surat was just the latest in a series of public outings that blend their love for sports and togetherness. For many fans, seeing Kareena and Saif supporting their team alongside their children made the event feel even more special. It was a reminder that, for all their fame, they find joy in the same simple pleasures as everyone else—cheering for a favorite team, reminiscing with old friends, and celebrating shared successes.
As the Chennai Singams lifted the ISPL trophy and confetti filled the air, the night felt like a celebration of more than just cricket. It was a testament to the enduring connections between India’s two great passions, and to the unexpected ways those worlds sometimes collide. Whether on the field, in the stands, or on social media, these moments of crossing paths offer fans a little extra magic—a glimpse into the lives of their heroes, both sporting and cinematic.
With a new ISPL champion crowned and memories made both on and off the field, the event in Surat will be remembered not just for the cricket, but for the warmth and camaraderie that brought together legends from every walk of Indian life.