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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a thrilling cricketing spectacle, but alongside the on-field action, several off-field moments also caught the attention of fans worldwide.
5 girls who went viral during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Social media was abuzz with five women who became internet sensations during the tournament. Whether it was their enthusiastic reactions in the stands, their association with cricketers, or their already existing online popularity, these women trended across various platforms, drawing massive engagement.
The tournament was a cricketing festival, and while the players delivered unforgettable performances on the field, these five women captured the hearts of millions off the field. Their social media presence skyrocketed, and many of them gained thousands of new followers overnight. As cricket continues to be more than just a sport and merges with entertainment and digital culture, expect to see more viral moments and personalities emerging in future tournaments.
Here’s a look at the five girls who became viral sensations
5. Sophie Shine – Shikhar Dhawan’s ‘Mystery Girl’
The first match of the Champions Trophy was between India and Bangladesh, and while the cricket action was captivating, an off-field moment stole the limelight. Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan was seen watching the match with a foreign woman, later identified as Sophie Shine. As soon as the cameras captured their presence together, social media went into a frenzy, with fans eager to know more about Dhawan’s “mystery girl.”
Sophie isn’t a new face in Dhawan’s life, as the two have been spotted together on multiple occasions. In November 2024, they were seen at an airport, which first sparked speculation about their relationship. Although neither Dhawan nor Sophie have confirmed their relationship, their frequent appearances together suggest a strong friendship, if not something more.
Sophie is believed to be an entrepreneur and a travel enthusiast with a keen interest in cricket. She has a significant following on social media, where she often shares insights into her luxurious lifestyle and travels across the globe. Her association with Shikhar only added to her growing popularity during the tournament.
4. Payal Gaming – The gamer who went viral during India vs Australia match
During the India vs Australia match, an unexpected internet sensation emerged when the cameras panned towards Payal Gaming, a well-known gamer and content creator. The images of Payal cheering for the Indian team instantly went viral, leading to a massive surge in searches about her on social media.
Payal Gaming, whose real name is Payal Dhare, is one of India’s most prominent female gamers, boasting over 4 million subscribers on YouTube. She gained recognition in the gaming community for her engaging Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) content and is an integral part of S8UL Esports, one of India’s top gaming organizations.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Payal has trended online due to cricket. During the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, her picture with Rohit Sharma went viral, further solidifying her as a crossover icon between cricket and gaming fans. Given her rapidly growing popularity, many believe Payal Gaming could soon become a mainstream internet celebrity beyond the gaming sphere.
3. Charmee Zaveri – The Dubai-Based Actress Who Took Over the Internet
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final between India and New Zealand was one of the most watched games of the year. However, while the match had its fair share of high-octane action, another story was unfolding in the stands. A beautiful woman caught the attention of viewers and was later identified as Charmee Zaveri, a Dubai-based actress and fashion model.
Charmee’s enthusiastic reactions and glamorous presence during the final made her an overnight internet sensation. Cricket fans across platforms started sharing pictures and videos of her, leading to a massive increase in her Instagram followers. It was later revealed that she is a die-hard cricket fan and attended every single match of Team India throughout the tournament.
With a background in modeling and acting, Charmee has already established herself as a well-known personality in Dubai’s entertainment industry. Her newfound cricket fame has only expanded her audience, and many expect to see more of her at future cricketing events.
Also READ: Who is Charmee Zaveri? The mystery girl who went viral during IND vs NZ 2025 Champions Trophy final
2. Faryal Waqar – Pakistan’s Viral Sensation During the India vs Pakistan clash
The India vs Pakistan match in the Champions Trophy is always one of the most anticipated encounters in cricket. However, apart from Virat Kohli’s masterclass century, another moment stole the show on social media – the enthusiastic reactions of Faryal Waqar.
Faryal’s excitement and expressions throughout the match were captured multiple times, and fans couldn’t stop comparing her to Bollywood actresses like Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon and Preity Zinta. Her images and videos spread like wildfire across platforms, making her an instant internet celebrity.
Born in Saudi Arabia but raised in Dubai, Faryal comes from a Pakistani heritage and has always been passionate about cricket. She pursued her Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Dubai, followed by a Master’s degree in Services Management. Currently, she serves as the Head of Department (HOD) and Senior Counselor at the Academic Success Center (ASC) at RIT Dubai.
Her combination of beauty, intelligence, and passion for cricket has made her one of the standout viral sensations of the tournament.
1) Nelli aka White Indian Girl – The Russian Influencer Who Became India’s Favorite Fan
The biggest viral moment of the Champions Trophy came during India vs Pakistan, where a young woman supporting Team India from the stands in Dubai became an overnight sensation. Social media was flooded with her pictures, with fans asking, “Who is the viral Team India fan?,”
She was later identified as Nelli, a Russian influencer who goes by the name “White Indian Girl” on social media. Her Instagram bio reads, “From Russia, Indian culture lover,” indicating her deep admiration for India.
Nelli has been actively attending India’s matches in the Champions Trophy and frequently shares content related to Indian culture, Bollywood, and cricket. Her Instagram page is filled with dance reels on Indian songs, travel vlogs from India, and cultural explorations that showcase her love for the country.
This isn’t the first time Nelli has gone viral. Back in 2022, she grabbed headlines when she posted a video searching for an Indian groom, further endearing herself to Indian fans. Her viral fame during the Champions Trophy 2025 has only strengthened her bond with cricket lovers, making her one of the most beloved international fans of Team India.
