NEW YORK – New York’s newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn attention on social media after a video from his election campaign revealed his admiration for former Pakistani Test cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja.
The 34-year-old mayor, who recently won the city’s mayoral election, can be seen in the viral video addressing his campaign team and quoting one of Ramiz Raja’s most famous cricketing lines:
“The ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.”
The phrase, often used humorously by Raja to describe Pakistan’s unpredictable performances in cricket, sparked amusement among Mamdani’s team and has since been widely shared online.
Many congratulations Mr Mamdani And thank you for being a commentary enthusiast !You played with a straight bat and exposed the ones who “were not playing cricket” so proud of you ! #zohranfornyc pic.twitter.com/1U6syTLCe7
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) November 5, 2025
Following the video’s circulation, Ramiz Raja responded by sharing the clip on his own social media account, congratulating Zohran Mamdani on his election win and expressing delight at the unexpected reference.
Zohran Mamdani, aged 34, is known for his progressive political stance and grassroots activism. His election as New York’s mayor has been hailed as a milestone, reflecting the city’s growing diversity and representation of new-generation leadership.
The viral moment has since become a talking point among cricket fans and political observers alike, highlighting the cultural influence of South Asian cricketing figures even in global political spaces.
