Ex-WWE Star Jinder Mahal To Attend India’s T20 World Cup Game Against Canada In Florida

Former WWE champion Jinder Mahal, also known as ‘The Maharaja’, is set to attend the ICC T20 World Cup match between India and Canada. The Group A fixture will take place at the Central Broward Regional Park in Florida on June 15. Cricket Canada shared the news of Mahal’s upcoming appearance at the cricket event through a social media post which read, “Former WWE Champion ‘The Maharaja’ (FKA Jinder Mahal) Raj Dhesi will be live in attendance for the India vs Canada T20 World Cup match on 15th June in Florida.” Mahal, who began his WWE career in 2011, was released by the company earlier in April. His no-compete clause with the wrestling promotion will expire on July 18.

Going up against India in an international game marks a great achievement for the Canadian cricket team. The country has made its debut in the T20 World Cup this year. Canada have already featured in three group-league games at the showpiece event. They had emerged victorious in the second game, beating Ireland by 12 runs. India, on the other hand, have already secured their berth in the Super 8 round by winning their first three matches.

Meanwhile, Mahal decided to feature in the independent circuit under a new ring name, “The Maharaja” Raj Dhesi, after his WWE contract was terminated. A few days ago, Black Label Pro announced that Mahal would make his debut for the company at Old Habits Die SCREAMING. The event will be hosted at the Logan Square Auditorium, Chicago on July 26.

“The Maharaja” has also been booked for a match at Wrestlecade in North Carolina over Thanksgiving weekend. The independent promotion posted on X, “WrestleCade Weekend returns with former WWE champion Raj Dhesi fka Jinder Mahal. Brought to you by our friends at Frizzle Promotions. Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, NC. Nov 29-30 & Dec 1.”

Mahal made his first appearance for WWE during an episode of SmackDown, with his first opponent being The Great Khali. The modern-day Maharaja formed a tag team with Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre and their alliance was known as 3MB.

Mahal was released by WWE in 2014 before rejoining the company two years later. He triumphed over Randy Orton at the 2017 Backlash to clinch the WWE Championship. He held the title for 170 days before losing it to AJ Styles. Mahal also won the United States Championship and became the 24/7 Champion two times.