ZEE5 has introduced a new weekly cricket-based show titled ‘Cricket Darbar’, bringing together humour, fan culture and match analysis in a format that attempts to reimagine how cricket conversations are presented on digital platforms. The show premiered on May 6 and is streaming in Hindi as part of the platform’s Free5 offering.

According to a ZEE5 press release, ‘Cricket Darbar’ is positioned as a first-of-its-kind format that blends satire, debate and storytelling within a royal court setting. The show is designed around the ongoing cricket season and aims to capture the pulse of weekly matches through a mix of expert insights and fan-driven reactions.

At the centre of the format is Shikhar Dhawan, who takes on the role of the ‘Maharaj’ or decision-maker. Each episode unfolds like a darbar, where the biggest talking points from the week — key performances, controversies and trending moments—are discussed and debated before Dhawan delivers a final verdict. The structure brings together contrasting viewpoints, combining emotional fan perspectives with more analytical takes.

The show also features appearances by special guests, referred to as ‘Royal Mehman,’ or royal guests with Adah Sharma appearing in the opening episode. Adding a lighter tone is RJ Kisna, known for his humorous digital persona, who contributes to the show’s comedic and satirical edge.

Produced by The Lallantop, ‘Cricket Darbar’ reflects a broader shift in content formats where sports coverage is increasingly shaped by internet culture, memes and real-time audience engagement. The show attempts to tap into this evolving consumption pattern by making cricket discussions more interactive and entertainment-driven rather than purely analytical.

ZEE5 said the format aligns with its strategy to expand free content offerings while experimenting with culturally resonant formats. Executives from the platform noted that modern cricket fandom is deeply participative, driven by conversation and community, and the show is built to reflect that behaviour.

Speaking about the concept, Dhawan said cricket in India has always gone beyond the game itself, becoming a space for debate, celebration and shared emotion. He added that ‘Cricket Darbar’ captures this spirit in a format that feels both fresh and engaging for viewers.