The internet loves a good crossover and this one’s pure gold for cricket fans! New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has suddenly gone viral, not for a political speech or campaign promise, but for something rather unexpected – his love for Pakistani cricket commentator Ramiz Raja.

 

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In a now-trending video circulating across social media, the 34-year-old mayor can be seen addressing his campaign team after the election results. But what caught everyone’s attention wasn’t his victory speech, it was a line that cricket lovers instantly recognized. With infectious enthusiasm, Mamdani quoted one of Ramiz Raja’s most iconic phrases:

“To snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”

That one-liner was all it took to set the internet ablaze. The clip quickly made its way to Ramiz Raja himself, who reshared it on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his joy and admiration for the young mayor’s unexpected nod to cricket culture.

Former Pakistan captain and celebrated commentator Ramiz Raja couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. Sharing the video with his followers, he congratulated Mamdani and cheekily praised his “straight bat” approach; a term cricket fans know all too well.

“Many congratulations, Mr. Mamdani, and thank you for being a fan of commentary. You played with a straight bat and exposed those who don’t play cricket. Very proud of you!”

Fans across both Pakistan and the U.S. flooded social media with reactions, applauding Mamdani’s humble tribute to a voice that’s been part of so many iconic cricket moments.

Read more: Ramiz Raja’s Insights on Fitness Challenges for Married Cricketers

The World Culture Festival is underway at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, featuring artists from over 140 countries. Yet, it is the return of Bangladeshi performers after 18 years that has drawn the most attention.

Renowned singer Shireen Jawad and visual artist Neharika Mumtaz are among those representing Bangladesh, marking a renewed chapter in cultural exchange between the two nations. Jawad, visiting Pakistan for the first time, described the experience as heartwarming and familiar, praising the hospitality she received. Her performance featured songs from her album Punjabi Wala, blending soulful and romantic themes that resonated with the audience.

Neharika’s art, celebrating Bangladeshi heritage and femininity, attracted admiration from festivalgoers. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share Bangladesh’s creative diversity on such a significant platform.

More Bangladeshi artists, including Suborna Morsheda, Faria Chowdhury, Shambhu Acharya, and Bubly Barna, are expected to perform in the coming days, strengthening this cultural bridge.

Arts Council President Ahmed Shah noted that the event demonstrates the unifying power of art, which transcends boundaries and fosters mutual understanding. With performances spanning opera, theatre, and local traditions, the festival has turned Karachi into a vibrant global stage celebrating creativity, connection, and cultural harmony.

Read more: Nadia Afgan: “Indian, Bangladeshi Fans Keep Our Dramas Alive on YouTube”

Pakistani actress and host Javeria Saud has once again made headlines for a statement that’s got everyone talking! Known for her candid personality and fearless opinions, Javeria didn’t hold back when discussing what she believes is a major red flag in seemingly “perfect” marriages.

Appearing on Madeha Naqvi’s morning show Subh Ka Samaa, Javeria stirred a storm when she suggested that couples who appear flawlessly in love might be hiding something deeper, like an extra-marital affair.

Javeria shared her bold perspective with a smile but didn’t sugarcoat her words. “When a husband is being overly sweet, showering gifts, and fulfilling every need before his wife even asks,” she said, “it often means he’s overcompensating for something — usually an affair.”

According to Javeria, such “picture-perfect” relationships are sometimes built on guilt rather than genuine affection. She added that she has seen this pattern not just among celebrities but also in ordinary families. “Whenever there’s too much perfection, there’s usually something fishy,” she remarked, and with her signature humor, she even joked about her own husband, “If Saud suddenly becomes extra nice, I ask him what he’s done this time — because there’s always a reason for such behavior!”

The actress’s statement instantly sparked debate online. Some fans praised her for speaking the uncomfortable truth, while others found her take too cynical about marriage.

Read more: Javeria Abbasi Shares Details About Her ‘Dual Nikah’