Cricket isn’t just a game for the die-hard fans in stadiums or those glued to their TVs during the Ashes or IPL. It’s a sport that has captured the imagination of the rich, the famous, and the globally recognisable. From Hollywood actors to pop stars and political leaders, cricket’s influence has crossed boundaries—and its most passionate celebrity supporters are often just as vocal (and emotional) as the rest of us.

Whether they’re cheering from the VIP box, tweeting in all caps after a nail-biting chase, or even buying stakes in franchises, these stars have picked their sides. And when celebrities take a side, the world notices.

In this article, we explore the fascinating world of celebrity cricket fans—who’s supporting whom, why it matters, and how their fandom adds to the spectacle of the sport. Expect Bollywood icons, global athletes, and even a few surprises from outside the usual cricketing nations.

1. Shah Rukh Khan – Kolkata Knight Riders

No list of celebrity cricket fans would be complete without Shah Rukh Khan. The Bollywood megastar isn’t just a fan—he’s a co-owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL. His emotional investment in the team is as visible as it is vocal. He’s often seen celebrating every boundary and agonising over every loss from the stands at Eden Gardens.

Under his ownership, KKR transformed from underachievers into a consistently competitive side, clinching titles in 2012 and 2014. SRK’s flair for performance has influenced how the team is marketed—flashy intros, dramatic ads, and a fan base that mirrors his own charisma.

Off the pitch, his support is just as loud. He’s known for his social media tributes to players, heartfelt interviews after losses, and for flying across the country to be present at crunch matches. His presence elevates the brand of the team—and the tournament itself.

For many fans, Shah Rukh Khan is KKR. His loyalty is unwavering, and his celebrity status adds a layer of glamour that only enhances the spectacle. In the crossover between cricket and entertainment, he’s arguably the face of both.

2. Rihanna – West Indies

You might not expect a pop icon from Barbados to be a cricket fan—but for Rihanna, supporting the West Indies team is both cultural and personal. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, she grew up in a region where cricket is part of the national fabric.

Her fandom came to the global stage in 2015 when she was spotted in the crowd during a World Cup match between West Indies and Pakistan. Dressed casually and sipping from a red cup, she stole the show—even as the Windies stumbled on the pitch. But her support has remained.

Rihanna’s social media has featured nods to West Indian players, including Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, and Jason Holder. She reportedly keeps tabs on major fixtures and has publicly congratulated the team after big wins.

Her backing brings cricket into circles it rarely reaches—from music blogs to entertainment magazines. It also helps frame the West Indies as more than just a team—they’re a cultural symbol.

For Caribbean fans, having one of the world’s biggest superstars in their corner is more than pride—it’s validation. Rihanna’s loyalty shows that cricket isn’t just a colonial leftover—it’s still alive, still loud, and still cool.

3. Amitabh Bachchan – India, Through and Through

Few public figures in India are as revered as Amitabh Bachchan, and his support for Team India runs as deep as his cinematic legacy. The legendary actor is a lifelong cricket fan and has followed the national team through eras of triumph, turmoil, and transformation.

Bachchan is frequently seen at high-profile matches, often seated alongside Indian cricketing greats or political dignitaries. During the 2011 World Cup, he was as emotionally invested as any other fan—tweeting through every over and even reciting verses in praise of the team. His poetic and often dramatic posts during India’s matches are part of the social media experience for many fans.

What makes his fandom so enduring is its sheer consistency. He’s followed the game for decades, from the days of Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev to modern stars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. When India wins, Bachchan celebrates. When India falters, he posts words of support—not criticism.

His presence in cricket discussions carries weight. Not because he’s an expert analyst, but because of his influence. When Amitabh Bachchan tweets about cricket, it feels like the whole nation’s mood is being voiced. He doesn’t support a club or franchise—he supports India, full stop.

4. Ed Sheeran – Quietly Loyal to England

He may not be the loudest voice in the stands, but Ed Sheeran is a known supporter of England cricket. The global pop star has often spoken of his love for English sport in general, and cricket is no exception. Growing up in Suffolk, Sheeran would have been exposed to England’s home Tests and the Ashes as part of the national sporting rhythm.

While not constantly in the public eye when it comes to cricket, Sheeran has made appearances at Lord’s, and he’s been spotted enjoying matches quietly with friends. In 2022, he even collaborated with The Hundred, creating exclusive music content for the ECB’s campaign to make cricket more accessible to younger audiences.

Unlike more performative fans, Sheeran’s support is understated but genuine. He reportedly follows England’s Test progress and remains fond of red-ball cricket, a surprising detail for someone immersed in pop culture and commercial media.

In a world where fandom can be performative, Ed Sheeran represents the everyman cricket fan—loyal, observant, and quietly supportive. And when someone with 100 million followers casually mentions Ben Stokes or the Headingley miracle, it brings the sport into conversations far outside the usual cricketing bubble.

5. Hugh Jackman – Loyal to Australia, Vocal About the Ashes

Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman may be known for playing Wolverine, but he’s just as intense when it comes to cricket—especially when Australia are playing England in the Ashes. A proud Aussie, Jackman has never hidden his allegiance, often posting reactions during the series and engaging in friendly jabs with English fans on social media.

In 2019, he made headlines for wearing an Australian cricket jersey during his concert in Leeds—just days before the third Ashes Test at Headingley. The move sparked good-natured banter, particularly as England pulled off one of their greatest ever comebacks in that match, led by Ben Stokes. Jackman later congratulated the England team, showing class in defeat and cementing his reputation as a proper cricket fan—not just a flag-waver.

He’s also attended multiple matches at home and abroad and regularly interacts with Australian cricketers online. His friendship with Shane Warne was well known, and he’s spoken fondly of watching Tests with his father growing up.

Jackman’s connection to cricket reflects a broader Aussie trait—sporting loyalty with a competitive edge. He’s not just a fan; he’s part of the banter, the emotion, and the identity that fuels Australia’s cricketing culture.

6. Preity Zinta – Punjab Kings’ Queen of Cheer

While many Bollywood actors are cricket fans, few are as involved as Preity Zinta. The actor is a co-owner of Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) in the Indian Premier League and one of the most enthusiastic and recognisable faces on matchdays.

From hugging players after wins to cheering passionately from the dugout, Zinta has been a near-permanent presence since the league’s inception in 2008. Her energy is contagious. Cameras often cut to her reactions, making her part of the televised IPL experience.

But she’s more than just a celebrity mascot. Zinta is deeply involved in the business and operations of the team, regularly attending auctions and strategy meetings. She’s been vocal about player development and has supported domestic talent just as fiercely as big-name signings.

Her backing also extends beyond matchday glitz. She’s spoken publicly about team morale, brand growth, and fan engagement—positioning herself as a rare example of a celebrity owner who blends glamour with genuine intent.

For fans of Punjab Kings, Preity Zinta represents more than star power—she’s a symbol of loyalty and passion, showing up season after season regardless of standings or scorelines. Few celebrities have worn their team colours more proudly—or more persistently.

7. Drake – Keeping an Eye on the West Indies

He may not be tweeting match scores or posting live reactions from the stands, but Canadian rapper Drake has quietly expressed his support for the West Indies cricket team—particularly during ICC events. With roots in Jamaica through his father’s side, Drake’s Caribbean connection is more than a passing interest.

In 2016, when the West Indies men’s and women’s teams both won T20 World Cup titles, Drake was one of several international artists to publicly congratulate the squads. He’s also been spotted wearing West Indies cricket gear, including retro jerseys that reflect the team’s iconic past.

Drake’s support fits his broader persona—tapping into heritage, style, and moments of cultural pride. His influence brings West Indies cricket into conversations among fans who might not normally follow the game.

While not an active spectator like Rihanna, Drake’s affiliation still matters. His social media reach is vast, and even the most subtle nods—like a cricket jersey in a music video or a story post—can push the sport into entirely new audiences. In a game trying to stay relevant to younger fans, celebrities like Drake act as unexpected bridges.

8. Roger Federer – A Soft Spot for Sachin and the Game

Although Switzerland doesn’t field a competitive international cricket team, tennis legend Roger Federer has publicly expressed admiration for the sport—and for Sachin Tendulkar in particular.

In 2011, Federer and Tendulkar met during Wimbledon, and the interaction sparked a wave of media attention. Federer later tweeted his respect for Tendulkar, calling him a “true gentleman” and even referred to him as the “Michael Jordan of cricket.” The exchange opened a new dialogue between fans of both sports and reinforced the cross-cultural admiration between elite athletes.

Federer has since kept up casual interest in cricket, often referencing global events like the Cricket World Cup. His balanced, thoughtful persona aligns well with cricket’s traditional values—respect, sportsmanship, and grace under pressure.

Though not a supporter of a particular team, Federer’s open appreciation of the game—and his warm rapport with cricket’s greatest icon—gives the sport a rare endorsement from a global sporting icon outside the cricketing world.

His admiration for cricket proves that the game’s elegance can be appreciated even by those from countries where it isn’t played professionally. Sometimes, respect from afar is just as powerful as cheers from the stands.

Conclusion: Why Celebrity Cricket Fans Elevates the Game

In the social media age, celebrity allegiance matters. When celebrity cricket fans show their support—whether through tweets, box-office presence, or franchise ownership—it amplifies the game’s reach and elevates its cultural footprint.

These public figures bring more than just star power—they offer connection. Shah Rukh Khan makes IPL a spectacle. Rihanna brings Caribbean cool to the crease. Federer offers global class, while Preity Zinta brings authentic, visible passion to team ownership.

Importantly, these relationships are not shallow endorsements. Most of the celebrities on this list are long-term supporters. They show up when the team wins and when it loses. They speak out, invest, and celebrate—not just for show, but from a place of real engagement.

In return, fans welcome them into cricket’s emotional ecosystem. These figures help humanise the game, drawing in new audiences who may come for the celebrity—but stay for the cricket.

As cricket expands its global reach, from the Caribbean to California, the role of celebrity supporters will only grow. And with every tweet, selfie, or surprise match-day appearance, they help remind us that cricket isn’t just followed—it’s felt.