The Grade Cricketer Kumail Nanjiani on World Cups, Hollywood and India-Pakistan Relations
Jan 15, 2026
Join Kumail Nanjiani, a Pakistani-American comedian known for his acclaimed film 'The Big Sick', as he shares his deep love for cricket. He discusses the highs and lows of Pakistan's cricket squad, critiques players like Babar Azam, and reminisces about his childhood cricket days in Karachi. Kumail also dives into the cultural divides of cricket in the U.S. and the impact of celebrity on sports discussions. Plus, amusing insights on the evolution of sledging and his own return to stand-up comedy make for a captivating listen!
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Cricket Fan Finds Community In Podcast
- Kumail introduced himself as a lifelong cricket fan with Pakistani friends but no one to deeply discuss cricket with in the U.S.
- He described sliding into the hosts' DMs and his excitement to finally talk cricket on the podcast.
Rivalries Are As Much Cultural As Sporting
- Kumail supports Australia in the Ashes because he likes the team's character and finds them hard to hate.
- He frames Pakistan's rivalry with India as more fraught due to history and strong Indian cricket structure.
Personal Pain From Pakistan Upsets
- Kumail recalled Pakistan's shock loss to the USA and how it hurt because he missed attending the match.
- He also described his parents' ironic happiness about Pakistan beating him, which made the defeat feel worse.