Preeti
Indora (Himachal Pradesh): The celebrity cricket match at Aarni University on February 1, 2026 was not just about a social cause — it was also packed with moments that surprised, thrilled and entertained the crowd gathered at the lush campus in Indora.
Playing under the banner of the Shining Star Team, celebrity singers of Himachal Pradesh displayed extraordinary sportsmanship, proving that their talent is not limited to the stage alone. From sharp fielding to disciplined batting, the celebrities matched the intensity of professional players, turning the match into a gripping contest.
One of the most talked-about moments came when singer Kumar Sahil stunned spectators with a spectacular rolling catch, diving fearlessly on the ground to stop the ball — a move that drew loud applause from the audience. His commitment on the field reflected the spirit of the match, which aimed to inspire youth through discipline and teamwork.
The match began around 1:00 PM on Sunday, with Santosh Toshi and Bansi Bobby walking in as opening batsmen for the Shining Star Team. Facing them was Educator 11, a determined team of teachers who had earlier posted a challenging total of 86 runs in 12 overs under the theme “Chitte Par Chot”, a symbolic strike against drug abuse.
Kumar Sahil contributed 16 runs off 14 balls before being clean-bowled by Suraj Dagotra of Government Senior Secondary School, Kangra — a moment that highlighted the strong cricketing skills of the educators as well. The crowd acknowledged the dismissal with sporting spirit, celebrating both effort and execution.
Team captain AC Bhardwaj led from the front, showcasing remarkable fitness and calm leadership on the ground. His presence kept the team motivated throughout the innings. Adding a special touch to the match, a female singer was also part of the playing squad, continuously cheering and energising the team from the field, reinforcing the inclusive spirit of the event.
Popular singer Ishan Bhardwaj impressed spectators with his agile movement and field awareness, while Raj Jerry also earned appreciation and honours for his cricketing skills during the match.
Though the educators eventually emerged victorious, the celebrities won hearts by embracing the cause with sincerity and sportsmanlike conduct. The match proved that when art, sports and social responsibility come together, the impact reaches far beyond the boundary line.
Set against the backdrop of Aarni University’s commitment to youth development and social awareness, the match became a memorable chapter in Himachal’s fight against drug abuse — where shining stars and educators stood together for a shared purpose.
