Pakistan cricket team’s devastating loss to India in their must-win Champions Trophy 2025 match in Dubai left millions of fans disheartened. Among them, one Pakistani supporter became the center of attention for her emotional response that resonated with cricket lovers worldwide.

Faryal Waqar: The Viral Cricket Fan

Dubai-based educationist Faryal Waqar, originally from Pakistan, found herself in the spotlight after a post-match interview captured her heartfelt disappointment. Faryal, who teaches and counsels students at an American university in the UAE, was visibly moved by Pakistan’s exit from the tournament.

“Pakistan is going home after losing it all. We’re obviously really sad about it,” she said in the viral clip.

When asked about her thoughts on the match, she added, “I’m speechless. There’s nothing positive to take from this tournament. I am extremely disappointed. At this rate, we could lose to Bangladesh too.”

Social Media Frenzy: A Cricket Fan or Bollywood Lookalike?

Faryal’s video gained rapid traction across social media, but it wasn’t just her passion for cricket that captured attention. Many users pointed out her resemblance to Bollywood actresses like Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, and Preity Zinta, sparking a lively debate over which celebrity she looked most like.

While the comparisons continued, Faryal remained humble about the unexpected attention. “I’ve been making TikTok videos for fun for the past few years, but this has been overwhelming in the best way possible. My phone hasn’t stopped buzzing,” she said.

“The love from Indian fans has been incredible. I never thought the video would go viral—I was just an emotional cricket fan reacting to a tough loss.”

Talha Malik: Promoting Sportsmanship Across Borders

Faryal wasn’t the only one who stood out that night. She was accompanied by Talha Malik, an Emirati cricketer and passionate fan, who attended the match with his face painted in both Indian and Pakistani colors. His gesture of unity was widely praised, with many commending his commitment to sportsmanship and inclusivity.

Talha aspires to represent the UAE cricket team and hopes to inspire more Emirati nationals to take an interest in the sport. His support for both teams exemplified the unifying power of cricket, beyond national rivalries.

A Cricket Enthusiast with a Strong Educational Background

Born in Saudi Arabia to Pakistani parents, Faryal has lived in Dubai since childhood. A lifelong cricket fan, she holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from RIT Dubai University, solidifying her place as a respected educationist in the UAE.

Her love for cricket runs deep—she admires Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and India’s Virat Kohli, though her all-time favorite cricketer remains Shahid Afridi, whose fearless style and aggressive gameplay left a lasting impression on her.

For Faryal, cricket is more than just a sport; it has been a bonding experience for her family, fueling passionate discussions and shared moments of excitement over the years.

A Message of Peace & Unity Through Cricket

Faryal’s presence wasn’t just limited to Pakistan’s matches. She also attended the New Zealand vs India game in Dubai, this time with both Pakistani and Indian flags painted on her cheeks as a symbol of peace and friendship.

Her gesture was widely appreciated, with Indian fans sharing her videos across social media, sparking conversations about sportsmanship, unity, and coexistence despite fierce competition.

Although a die-hard supporter of the Pakistan team, Faryal believes in uplifting others rather than bringing them down.

“In the end, we’re all here to enjoy the game. Let’s focus on friendship, respect, and unity, rather than hostility and negativity,” she expressed.

While Faryal may have gained viral fame for her emotional reaction and Bollywood resemblance, her true impact lies in her love for cricket, advocacy for sportsmanship, and message of peace—a sentiment that transcends borders and brings fans together.