Lucknow,

21 Feb (HS): From Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, co-owners of the celebrated

IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, to Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI

Punjab, and the latest entrants, actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and his wife,

actor Rakul Preet Singh, who own Hyderabad Superstars in the World Pickleball

League, celebrities bring undeniable charisma to any game.

Here’s

a look at some of the most prominent celebrities backing popular sports

franchises.

Abhishek

Bachchan (Jaipur Pink Panthers - Pro Kabaddi League): Jaipur Pink Panthers

(JPP) is a professional Kabaddi team from Jaipur that competes in the Pro

Kabaddi League, a premier tournament showcasing one of India’s traditional

sports. Adding to its star power, the team is owned by Abhishek Bachchan. JPP

plays its home games at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium and is the

second-most successful team in league history, having won two titles.

Jackky

Bhagnani & Rakul Preet Singh (Hyderabad Superstars - World Pickleball

League): The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is revolutionising professional

pickleball with innovative rules that make the sport more strategic and

engaging. A dynamic blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is

rapidly gaining popularity among celebrities and players of all ages worldwide.

With stars like Jackky Bhagnani and his wife, actor Rakul Preet Singh,

co-owning the Hyderabad Superstars franchise, the sport has become a prime

attraction for its ability to cultivate a culture of camaraderie, wellness and

enjoyment.

Shah

Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla (Kolkata Knight Riders-IPL): As IPL 2025 gears to

kick off this April, all eyes will be on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as they

aim to defend their title as reigning champions. One of the most successful

franchises in IPL history, KKR’s popularity isn’t just due to its star-studded

lineup including the formidable Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, but also

because of the presence of Shah Rukh Khan and his co-owner, Juhi Chawla. With

this celebrity duo at the helm, KKR is expected to put up a strong performance

once again. Beyond its celebrity ownership, KKR has cemented its legacy with

championship victories in 2012, 2014, and 2024.

Riteish

Deshmukh & Genelia D'Souza (Pune United - World Pickleball League): Joining

hands with a consortium of owners, including corporate leaders Sudhir and

Sunanda Mehta from EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, Bollywood couple

Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh are co-owners of Pune United in the World

Pickleball League. The duo states that their mission is to nourish a deep love

for the game. The couple says that

beyond the financial aspect, pickleball is an exciting activity that uplifts

and energises people.

John

Abraham (Northeast United FC – ISL): Northeast United FC, representing the

eight states of Northeast India, is owned by actor John Abraham and Shillong

Lajong Football Club. The team's biggest success came last year when it defied

all odds to defeat Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup final. After 11 years of

owning the franchise, John’s perseverance against corporate-backed teams proved

that determination and belief ultimately lead to success. Though Northeast

United has yet to win an ISL title, John’s support and inspiration have built a

strong fan base and huge popularity for the team.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi