Stand-up sensation Zakir Khan turns ‘Chief Journey Officer’ to unveil Nayar’s appointment through a nostalgic and witty campaign
Mumbai, July 25, 2025: Capri Sports-owned UP Warriorz have redefined cricket storytelling by bringing in popular stand-up comedian Zakir Khan as their “Chief Journey Officer” for a unique campaign, ‘Coach ki Khoj,’ to announce the team’s new head coach for Women’s Premier League (WPL) Season 4.
In a first-of-its-kind fan engagement initiative, Zakir Khan was tasked with scouting the new head coach while infusing humor, nostalgia, and a personal touch to the journey. The campaign culminated in the appointment of former cricketer Abhishek Nayar as UP Warriorz’s Head Coach, revealed in a playful, heartwarming announcement at Bombay Scottish School—Nayar’s alma mater.
Zakir, cheekily calling himself the “Chief Jugaad Officer,” visited the iconic school, interacting with children and recreating moments of Nayar’s formative years. The video unveiled a mix of Zakir’s trademark humor, cricketing nostalgia, and emotional storytelling, engaging fans and creating buzz ahead of the WPL season.
This campaign continues UP Warriorz’s trendsetting marketing legacy, following initiatives like “Papa Ki Warriorz,” the eco-driven “Trash Talk Cleanup” with Navya Nanda, and pop-culture collaborations with stars like Katrina Kaif, Ali Fazal, and Shweta Tripathi.
Jinisha Sharma, Director of Capri Sports, shared,
> “This wasn’t just a campaign, it was a full-circle moment. Both Abhishek and I went to Bombay Scottish—though at different times—so going back to school to announce him as Head Coach felt incredibly special. Zakir was the perfect choice as he’s a brilliant storyteller, a die-hard cricket fan, and someone who connects deeply with audiences. He brought heart, humor, and nostalgia to this reveal.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Zakir Khan said,
> “It was truly fun taking on the ‘Coach ki Khoj’ for the UP Warriorz. Interacting with Abhishek Nayar and the team management during this journey was a memorable experience. I’m excited to continue collaborating with the Warriorz and creating moments that will stay with fans forever.”
With this creative unveiling, UP Warriorz have once again blended cricket, entertainment, and culture, setting a benchmark for fan engagement in the WPL ecosystem.
About Capri Sports & UP Warriorz
Capri Sports is a leading sports management company focused on empowering women’s sports and driving community engagement through innovative campaigns and partnerships. UP Warriorz, one of the founding teams of the Women’s Premier League, continues to build a strong legacy of cricketing excellence and cultural relevance both on and off the field.
Link:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMhqRO7om30/?igsh=bDI4empvMHpzdXQx
