Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood megastar and cricket franchise mogul, has done it again. His Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have made waves in the cricket world by drafting two Pakistani players for the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In a move that blends sports with global diplomacy, SRK’s team picked Mohammad Amir and Usman Tariq, adding firepower to their squad.
For those who don’t know, SRK isn’t just about blockbuster movies. His Knight Riders Group is a powerhouse in T20 cricket. It all started with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which transformed from an underdog to a three-time IPL champion (2012, 2014, and most recently in 2024). Now, his empire includes Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Los Angeles Knight Riders (Major League Cricket), and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20).
The recent pick of Pakistani players has stirred excitement. Mohammad Amir, the left-arm speedster, is a proven match-winner. With 51 wickets in 39 CPL matches at an average of 18.09, his deadly bowling in the death overs will be a game-changer for TKR. He’s not just a player but also a mentor for young talents in the squad.
Then there’s Usman Tariq, the rising off-spinner who impressed everyone in PSL 2025. With 10 wickets in just 5 games, he’s a talent to watch. The CPL will be his first international franchise league, and fans are eager to see how he adapts to Caribbean conditions.
But here’s the twist. While SRK’s TKR can sign Pakistani players, his IPL team, KKR, can’t. Due to the political tensions between India and Pakistan, the BCCI has banned Pakistani players from the IPL since 2009. Even bilateral cricket between the two nations has been on hold since 2012. So, while Amir and Tariq will shine in the CPL, they won’t be seen in the IPL anytime soon.
This signing also highlights SRK’s vision for cricket beyond borders. By bringing in talent irrespective of nationality, he’s pushing the sport toward a more inclusive future. Whether it’s Bollywood or cricket, SRK knows how to make headlines.