Former Pakistan pacer and iconic cricketer Wasim Akram recently narrated a remarkable story involving Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Sharing the memory during a conversation with VU Sports, Akram highlighted Khan’s unwavering support towards his team during the 2012 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Akram, who served as KKR’s bowling coach from 2010 to 2016, revealed that ahead of an important knockout match, the team faced a hectic travel schedule that left little time for rest. Concerned about player fatigue, Akram approached Shah Rukh Khan with a request for better travel arrangements.

According to Akram, Shah Rukh Khan immediately understood the urgency and within just one hour arranged a full Boeing aircraft exclusively for the team. This gesture ensured the players could reach Kolkata comfortably and be well-rested ahead of the crucial match. Notably, the 2012 season turned out historic for KKR, as they clinched their maiden IPL title after defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final.

Rain forces washout of KKR’s latest match against Punjab Kings

Meanwhile, in the ongoing IPL season, Kolkata Knight Riders faced a setback as their recent match against Punjab Kings was washed out due to heavy rain in Kolkata. Punjab Kings had posted a strong total of 201 for 4, thanks to impressive half-centuries by Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya.

KKR managed seven runs without loss in their brief chase before a sudden thunderstorm disrupted proceedings around 9:35 pm. Despite the ground staff’s swift efforts to protect the pitch, persistent rain made a restart impossible, leading to the match being officially abandoned at 10:58 pm.

Both teams shared a point each following the no-result. With this, KKR now hold seven points from nine matches and stay at seventh position on the points table, while Punjab Kings moved up to 11 points.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) welcomed back their fiery pacer Mayank Yadav for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 showdown against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, marking his eagerly awaited return after missing the season’s first nine matches due to injury.

The 22-year-old speedster replaced Shardul Thakur in the playing XI, a surprising move given Thakur’s impressive haul of 12 wickets in nine games. LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, opted to bowl first after winning the toss, banking on Yadav’s raw pace to unsettle Mumbai’s formidable batting lineup.

Yadav’s inclusion follows his stint as an impact substitute in LSG’s previous matches against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, where the team opted for Ayush Badoni instead. After a loss to Delhi, Pant explained the cautious approach, noting the management’s intent to let Yadav regain confidence and rhythm. Retained for INR 11 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Yadav’s return is a major boost for LSG, who are eager to leverage his game-changing potential.

Yadav first turned heads in IPL 2024, consistently breaching 150 kmph and claiming seven wickets in just four matches before an abdominal injury cut his campaign short. His meteoric rise continued with a T20I debut for India against Bangladesh in October 2024, but a subsequent back injury sidelined him, forcing him to miss the domestic white-ball season. Now, fully recovered, Yadav aims to replicate his 2024 heroics and propel LSG’s playoff aspirations.

In the match, Mumbai Indians, asked to bat first, made two changes, introducing Karn Sharma and Corbin Bosch in place of Vignesh Puthur and Mitchell Santner. An intriguing subplot emerged with reports of Ben Stokes spotted at Mumbai Indians’ team hotel, greeted by team officials, sparking speculation about his involvement.

At the toss, Pant emphasized a fresh approach, stating, “We’re in a good space. Take every day as your first and play good cricket.” Mumbai’s Hardik Pandya countered, “It’s about adapting, staying focused, and doing the right things in every IPL game.”

In a heart-stopping Copa del Rey final on Saturday, Barcelona clinched a record-extending 32nd Spanish Cup with a dramatic 3-2 win against arch-rivals Real Madrid, sealed by a breathtaking goal from Jules Kounde in the 116th minute. The French defender’s long-range strike, a precise low drive into the bottom corner, sparked wild celebrations and etched his name into the annals of this storied rivalry.

Barcelona dominated the first half, with Pedri igniting the Camp Nou crowd in the 28th minute. The young midfielder unleashed a sublime curling shot from outside the box, finding the top corner with pinpoint accuracy.

Despite their early control, Barcelona faced a resurgent Real Madrid after the break. Kylian Mbappe, sidelined from the starting lineup due to a lingering ankle injury, came off the bench to shift the momentum. The French star equalized in the 70th minute, bending a free kick past Barcelona’s defense with clinical precision.

Real Madrid seized the lead seven minutes later when Aurelien Tchouameni rose above the fray to power a towering header from a corner. Barcelona, undeterred, fought back with a lightning-fast counterattack in the 84th minute, as Ferran Torres slotted home to level the score, forcing extra time.

The tension was palpable as both sides traded blows, with a penalty shootout looming. But Kounde’s moment of brilliance in the dying moments of extra time—a 25-yard rocket—decided the contest, handing Barcelona the coveted title.

The victory underscores Barcelona’s resurgence in Spanish football, with their blend of youthful exuberance and tactical discipline shining through. The Copa del Rey final, watched by millions globally, highlighted the enduring intensity of El Clásico, with both teams showcasing world-class talent.

Recent trends show growing global interest in Spanish football, driven by high-stakes matches like this, which blend tradition with modern flair. Kounde’s heroics not only secured bragging rights but also cemented Barcelona’s legacy as Spain’s most decorated club in the competition.