Quetta Gladiators’ brand ambassador Maya Ali became the centre of attention during the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 match against Karachi Kings on April 18, 2025, at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
A viral social media video captured her emotional rollercoaster as Captain Saud Shakeel dropped a crucial catch, sparking widespread discussion among fans.
In the 19th over, Mohammad Nabi lofted a catchable shot off Sean Abbott’s bowling, with Shakeel positioned at mid-off. Maya, visibly excited, stood up alongside fans, anticipating a game-changing wicket. However, Shakeel fumbled the catch, letting the ball slip through his hands.
@zhcricket890 Maya ali reaction on catch drop karachi kings vs Quetta Gladiator #psl10 #quettagladiators #karachikings #zhcricket2 ♬ original sound – 𝙻𝚈𝚁𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻 𝙱𝙾𝚈 シ︎
The video shared widely on X showed Maya’s joy turning to frustration, reflecting the disappointment of Quetta supporters. Nabi capitalised on the reprieve by hitting two sixes off Mohammad Amir in the final over before his dismissal.
Maya’s expressive reaction resonated online, with posts like “Maya Ali felt that drop!” going viral, though the broader sentiment remains inconclusive without a wider consensus. Dawn noted that her emotional investment as Quetta’s ambassador highlighted celebrities’ passion for PSL.
Maya Ali’s Role and PSL Context
Maya Ali, a renowned Pakistani actor known for roles in Mann Mayal and Pehli Si Muhabbat, has been a vocal supporter of Quetta Gladiators, engaging fans with her presence at matches. The PSL 2025 match, part of the league’s 10th season, saw intense competition, with Quetta’s campaign bolstered by stars like Nabi. The dropped catch was crucial but did not diminish the team’s efforts; however, Maya’s reaction turned into a memorable moment that heightened the drama of the match.
The viral clip underscores the intersection of celebrity culture and cricket in Pakistan, where ambassadors like Maya Ali enhance the PSL’s appeal. Her authentic reaction, captured in a high-stakes moment, connected with fans, reflecting the sport’s emotional highs and lows. As Express Tribune reported, such moments boost the league’s social media engagement, drawing millions of views and reinforcing the PSL’s status as a cultural phenomenon.