Surat :
The Tiigers of Kolkata’s penultimate league match in Surat was marked not only by on-field action but also by strong ownership presence, as team owner Aksha Kamboj and co-owners Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan attended the fixture, lending visible support as the franchise secured qualification for the playoffs.
The ownership group, accompanied by Saif and Kareena’s children, Taimur and Jehangir, met the Tiigers squad ahead of the match against Ahmedabad, interacting with players at the dugout and extending their encouragement prior to the toss. Throughout the contest, the owners remained actively engaged from the stands, cheering the team and interacting with supporters at the stadium. Adding to the fan engagement, Saif Ali Khan distributed signed match balls to spectators, drawing positive response from the crowd.
Leadership and Long-Term Vision
Speaking on the values guiding the franchise, Aksha Kamboj, Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures and Co-Owner of Tiigers of Kolkata, said the team’s approach goes beyond match results.
“Sport is about discipline, resilience and earning every opportunity. At Tiigers of Kolkata, we are focused on building a franchise rooted in clarity, trust and long-term purpose. Our aim is to create an environment where players understand their roles, feel supported beyond outcomes, and are empowered to perform with confidence,” she said.
Co-owners Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan also highlighted the importance of being closely involved with the team. They noted that the franchise has evolved into a unit with a defined identity, collective belief and maturity, crediting the leadership structure and consistent vision behind the scenes.
Consistent Performances on the Field
The Tiigers’ campaign this season has been characterised by consistent performances and key individual contributions. Saif Ali has emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 222 runs so far, following his Player of the Tournament award in the previous season. The team has also recorded the highest total of the season with 149 runs, while Krushna Gawali registered the highest individual score in ISPL history against Srinagar.
In the bowling department, Vivek Shelar delivered the fastest ball recorded in ISPL history at 145.2 kmph against Chennai, underlining the side’s pace strength. All-rounder Saroj Paramanik has been among the standout performers this season and currently features in the top five of the MVP rankings. Young talents, including 17-year-old Ankit Yadav, have further strengthened the squad’s depth.
Focus Shifts to Eliminator
With their playoff berth confirmed, Tiigers of Kolkata will face Mumbai in the Eliminator on February 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST, as the team looks to carry forward its momentum into the knockout stage.
About Tiigers of Kolkata
Founded in 2024, Tiigers of Kolkata represent West Bengal in the ISPL T10 Street Premier League. The franchise made a strong impact by winning the inaugural season in 2024. Owned by Aksha Kamboj and co-owned by Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, the team focuses on fostering a high-performance culture centred on discipline, opportunity and community engagement. The Tiigers continue to build on their competitive foundation while strengthening their connection with fans across the region.
