Bollywood stars and politicians are set to clash on the cricket field in a high-profile match aimed at raising awareness about India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis (TB). The much-anticipated showdown between Neta XI and Abhineta XI will take place at MCA Cricket Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, on Saturday, March 22, at 5:30 PM.
Anurag Thakur Announces TB Mukt Bharat Awareness Match
Former Union Sports Minister and BJP Lok Sabha member Anurag Thakur took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the big announcement. As a former Ranji Trophy player for Himachal Pradesh, Thakur might lead the Neta XI squad.
He passionately stated:
“TB will lose, the country will win! Stalwarts from politics and cinema will step onto the cricket pitch to make Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji’s vision of a ‘TB-free India’ a reality. Don’t forget to watch!”
In his Hindi post, he echoed the same message, urging people to tune in to the game that brings together two of India’s most influential industries—politics and entertainment.
Suniel Shetty Leads the Bollywood Brigade
Representing Bollywood’s team, Suniel Shetty expressed his excitement about participating in this unique initiative.
“Cricket is more than just a game in India. It unites, inspires, and amplifies powerful messages. This time, it carries an even greater purpose—a TB Mukt Bharat. We are echoing the vision of our Honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji. Led by MP Anurag Thakur, a global champion for TB awareness, this match brings together leaders from politics and entertainment to send a strong message. The fight against TB needs all of us. If our collective voice can spread awareness, encourage early detection, and break the stigma, then every ball bowled and every run scored will be a step toward a healthier, TB-free India.”
A Star-Studded Lineup
The event boasts an impressive lineup of over 50 celebrities from the entertainment world, making it one of the most high-profile awareness campaigns in recent memory.
Some of the biggest names set to participate include Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Sunny Deol, Hrithik Roshan, Jackie Shroff, Saif Ali Khan, Kartik Aaryan, Tiger Shroff, Sidharth Malhotra, Abhishek Bachchan, Rohit Shetty, Shahid Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, Randeep Hooda, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Arjun Kapoor.
The list of special guests is equally dazzling, featuring Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Guru Randhawa, Mika, Himesh Reshammiya, Sooraj Pancholi, Pankaj Tripathi, Arbaaz Khan, Rohit Roy, Vikrant Massey, Dino Morea, Arjun Rampal, Sunil Grover, Ahan Shetty, Vijay Varma, Anupam Kher, Harshvardhan Rane, and Arshad Warsi.
With cricket, Bollywood, and politics coming together for a noble cause, this match promises to be more than just entertainment—it’s a movement toward a healthier, TB-free India.