Indian influencers in Australia for cricket share Qld with 50 million followers

Indian influencers have visited some of Queensland’s most stunning destinations as part of a move to cash in on the enormous interest in the blockbuster Test cricket series captivating two nations.

Zaheer Khan, Sara Tendulkar, Mini Mathur, Ishaan Khatter (back row) with Saiyami Kher and Kabir Khan at the first day of the Gabba Test. Picture: Picture: Richard Walker

Indian influencers have visited some of Queensland’s most stunning destinations as part of a move to cash in on the enormous interest in the blockbuster Test cricket series captivating two nations.

While Australia and India battle it out in the Third Test at the Gabba, more than a dozen Indian Bollywood celebrities and high-profile cricket personalities have been living it up around Queensland, with images and videos being beamed back to a combined fan base of more than 50 million followers.

Sara Tendulkar is the daughter of cricket great Sachin.

After spending a rain-soaked Saturday at the cricket, members of the group have been hosted by delegates from Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland, visiting such iconic attractions as Mossman Gorge, the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Zaheer Khan and Sara Tendulkar at the first day of the Gabba Test on Saturday. Picture: Richard Walker

Sara Tendulkar, the daughter of Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, posted photos of a Gabba corporate box on the weekend to her 7.3 million Instagram followers and will be visiting the exclusive Lizard Island on the reef before heading to the Gold Coast over the coming days.

Mini Mathur, a well-known Indian actress and former host of Indian Idol, shared footage of her time on a stand-up paddleboard exploring Mossman Gorge, calling it “an absolute must-do” for any Australian holiday.

Instagram image of Indian actress Mini Mathur

“We stopped just before the territory of saltwater crocodiles,” she told her Instagram followers.

Former Indian cricket fast bowler Zaheer Khan and his Bollywood star wife Sagarika Ghatge have enjoyed time on the Sunshine Coast, experiencing delights including a scenic helicopter tour and a Noosa Dreamboats Classic Boat Cruise along the Noosa River.

Mini Mathur tries paddleboarding in Far North Queensland. Picture: Instagram

Actor Ishaan Khatter shared video of him zooming around the Gold Coast Broadwater on a jetski and floating on a surfboard.

“Gold Coast you were gorgeous,” he wrote to his 1.9 million Instagram followers.

Instagram image of Indian actor Ishaan Khatter.

His posts attracted hundreds of comments, which is just the kind of audience engagement tourism leaders are banking on from the celebs who are worshipped in the world’s most populous nation.

Ishaan Khatter makes the most of a visit to the Gold Coast. Picture: Instagram

India has long been viewed as a sleeping giant for Queensland tourism due to the enormous potential of a market boasting more than 1 billion people, but so far India remains outside the Sunshine State’s top international markets.

It is hoped that is all about to change.

Originally published as Indian influencers in Australia for cricket share Qld with 50 million followers