In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood’s second-highest-paid actor, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, has appeared in a video ad promoting a cricket match. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been underway since October 16 and will present India vs Pakistan this Sunday. Cricket lovers have been eagerly waiting for this match, but now they are further elated by the unusual advertisement. Indian channel Star Sports uploaded the ad featuring the superstar inviting viewers to watch the greatest rivalry in cricket on October 23.
Dwayne Johnson Hypes Up India vs Pakistan Match
The video has been going viral on social media, with cricket fans amused by Johnson tapping into his old character of The Rock in WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). He was widely known for his ability to promote WWE programs with his mic skills and theatrics. ICC’s broadcast partner, Star Sports, may have realized the impact he could make in amplifying an already intense India vs Pakistan competition. Although the arrangement between the channel and the star is unclear, it can be seen in the video that Johnson’s upcoming movie ‘Black Adam’ is also being promoted. The logo appears in the background as the actor builds up the match and ends the statement with his signature eyebrow raise.
Greatest Rivalry in the History of Cricket
The ad may be out of the blue, but The Rock is correct about one thing. India vs Pakistan is the zenith of cricket rivalries. The heated matches between neighbouring countries induce countless emotions in viewers from sides. The confrontation leads the fans beyond cricket and goes through many geopolitical factors and an intertwined traumatic past. Both nations have also faced each other in battlegrounds other than the cricket pitch. It is why most of their matches are etched into the memory of spectators. Even tournament organizers try to make sure both of them are in the same group so viewers can see them fight more often.
India and Pakistan have played a total of 202 games since their first meeting in 1952. Pakistan has won 88 times and India 71. Out of 59 total Test matches, Pakistan claimed 12 while India was only able to win 9 and 38 were ruled as no result. Pakistan also leads India in 132 ODIs by having 73 victories. India won 55 ODIs, and 4 ended in a draw. India is ahead of Pakistan in 11 T20Is by having 7 victories over their rivals. Pakistan only won 3 times in T20Is with 1 draw.
India also has a better record than Pakistan in ICC world tournaments. India has played and won 7 World Cups, leaving Pakistan with 0. The green shirts were able to win T20 World Cup for the first time in 2021, in which Pakistani players dominated the ICC Awards. With a constantly changing dynamic, this rivalry even eclipses that of Australia vs England.
Black Adam Promotion
The advertisement featuring The Rock beside the Black Adam logo may have smashed two moles with one hammer. While promoting India vs Pakistan match, it also nodded to the upcoming movie. Warner Bros’ next film in DCEU, Black Adam, will be released on October 21. It features Johnson in the lead role of the anti-hero Black Adam, who is also the enemy of the superhero, Shazam. The film’s cast also includes Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Shahi, Aldis Hodge, Quintessa Swindel, Noah Centineo, Henry Cavill, Djimon Hounsou, and Zachary Levi.
