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Faryal Waqar became an overnight sensation during the India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. While Virat Kohli‘s masterclass century stole the show on the field, Faryal’s enthusiastic reaction to the match, especially during a post-match interview, quickly made her a social media favorite. Fans were captivated not only by her passion for cricket but also by her resemblance to Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon and Preity Zinta.
Early life and education
Faryal was born in Saudi Arabia but was raised in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Coming from a Pakistan heritage, she developed a deep love for cricket from an early age. She pursued her higher education at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Dubai, where she earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Business Administration and Management. Later, she completed her Master of Science (M.S.) in Service Leadership & Innovation from the same institution. Her academic background reflects her strong commitment to education and leadership.
Professional career
Beyond her viral fame, Faryal Waqar is a dedicated academic professional. She currently holds the position of Head of Department (HOD) and Senior Counselor at the Academic Success Center (ASC) at RIT Dubai. Her role involves mentoring students, guiding them through academic challenges, and helping them achieve success in their careers. Her journey from being a student at RIT Dubai to leading an academic department is a testament to her dedication and expertise in education.
Love for cricket and viral fame
Faryal has always been a passionate cricket fan, supporting the Pakistan cricket team while also admiring legendary players from other nations. She went viral during the India vs Pakistan match at the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, where her enthusiastic reactions caught the attention of millions. Fans on social media were quick to point out her striking resemblance to Bollywood actresses Deepika, Kriti and Preity. After the match, she shared her excitement on social media, saying:
“What. An. Experience. The energy in the stadium was electric, surrounded by so many passionate cricket fans! While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, it’s clear that Team India stood on top. It stings to lose, but my love for 🇵🇰 cricket remains. Hoping to come back stronger for whatever comes next!” Faryal wrote on Instagram.
Also READ: Viral Pakistani cricket fan Faryal Waqar predicts the winner of India vs Australia semifinal clash at Champions Trophy 2025
Admiration for Virat Kohli
Despite being a die-hard Pakistan cricket fan, Faryal has immense respect for Indian cricketing icon Kohli. She expressed her admiration for his skill and determination, especially after his match-winning century against Pakistan. She also revealed that her favorite Pakistan cricketer is Shahid Afridi, describing him as a “true legend” of the game. She further spoke about how overwhelming her sudden fame has been.
“We, as a family, have been watching cricket since I was seven or eight years old. I was probably eight, sitting in front of the TV with a poster that said ‘Boom Boom Lala, Boom Boom Afridi.’ I have been a huge Shahid Afridi fan. He was one of the most fantastic players. Every time he stepped onto the field, my heart would stop beating. He was so unpredictable,” Faryal said in an interview with India Today.
“If you ask about legends, I would have said Shahid Afridi. But speaking of the current team, my favourites are Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Saim Ayub. I have really high expectations from a player like Saim (Ayub). But if I had to pick just one, it would be Rizwan. It has to be King Kohli. I am a big Virat fan. He is tremendous-his gameplay and technique are just phenomenal,” Faryal said, expressing her love for the superstar batter.
“It feels surreal. I have been creating TikTok videos for the last couple of years, but what has happened in the last couple of days has been extremely crazy, very overwhelming, but in a positive way,” Faryal further added.
Bollywood comparisons to Deepika Padukone
Following her viral moment, social media users flooded platforms with comparisons between Faryal and Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone and Kriti Sanon. When asked about this, she expressed her love for Bollywood and her admiration for Deepika, saying:
“Honestly, every single actor you mentioned, we have been watching them on TV over the years. I love every single one of them, especially Deepika. I am a big fan of Deepika. The fact that I am being compared to someone as beautiful as her—it’s a privilege,” Faryal concluded.
From being a cricket enthusiast to a viral social media sensation, Faryal’s journey is a perfect example of how sports bring people together, transcending borders and uniting fans from different backgrounds.
