Padel, a racquet sport, has become immense popularity across the world - and Pakistan is no exception, with the country's port city Karachi fast becoming a bustling hub for the sport.

Padel is now the biggest crowd-puller in Karachi, a city where the sport was virtually unheard of until a year ago. As Pakistan's padel boom sweeps the country, old hockey stadiums are being repurposed for padel courts.

Typically played in doubles, the padel court is about three-quarters the size of a tennis court and features glass walls on all sides, allowing players to hit the ball off the walls after it bounces, adding an exciting layer of complexity.

The craze has taken further shape as the sport offers extensive health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, weight management, flexibility, and mental well-being.

Star Australian cricketer David Warner became the latest celebrity enthusiast to join the padel boom along with Pakistan Shan Masood by hitting padel courts at Karachi's Legends Arena for an action-packed session.

Warner, who is currently playing for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League, was seen playing with a carbon-fibre paddle alongside Masood. "Pakistan Super League stars in action off the pitch! Karachi Kings’ David Warner, Shan Masood and the squad hit the padel courts at Legends Arena for a power-packed session!" Legends Arena posted on Instagram.

The left-handed batter was seen enjoying hitting underarm diagonal shots inside the enclosed court with his right hand, accompanied by a tennis player-like grunts. Warner moved swiftly on the court as he executed his shots perfectly, making the ball bounce and then hitting it at waist height. It was a fun and satisfying experience for the cricketer, and he was often heard saying, "Nice."

Warner, however, failed to fire with the willow during Karachi Kings' PSL game against Lahore Qalandars. He was dismissed for a duck by Shaheen Afridi as the Kings suffered a 65-run defeat.

Padel in Pakistan has become hugely popular. Even during the month of Ramadan, people took to the padel courts in the evening to enjoy the latest sport.

But why has padel become so popular in Pakistan?

Although padel has become immensely popular in Pakistan, it remains a sport for the rich. The sport is strictly played in defence colonies and elite gym clubs. However, it is steadily making progress as a mass sport, with people picking it up as it is easy to play and does not require prior training.

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