England football star Jude Bellingham attended Birmingham Phoenix's The Hundred match against Welsh Fire at Edgbaston on Saturday. The Birmingham Phoenix co-owner enjoyed the action from the stands and also spent time interacting with Pakistan cricketers Usman Tariq and Fatima Sana during his visit.
Bellingham recently starred for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before returning home during the off-season. After receiving a warm welcome at Birmingham City, he visited Edgbaston to support Birmingham Phoenix. Bellingham has previously said that cricket is his favourite sport to watch outside football.
Jude Bellingham Meets Pakistan Cricketers Usman Tariq and Fatima Sana
The official tournament broadcaster shared a video of Jude Bellingham. Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq bowled to the England midfielder before the pair shared a warm hug. Bellingham also enjoyed swinging the bat during the light-hearted cross-sport interaction.
Bellingham also met Pakistan women's captain Fatima Sana during the double-header at Edgbaston. Fatima Sana posed for a picture with the Real Madrid star. Usman Tariq and Fatima Sana currently represent Birmingham Phoenix in the men's and women's competitions respectively.
The interactions quickly attracted attention on social media, with fans enjoying the meeting between the football star and the Pakistan cricketers. Bellingham spent time with players from both Birmingham Phoenix teams during his visit to the venue.
Fatima Sana with Jude Bellingham. pic.twitter.com/av7UmFa3BN
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) August 1, 2026
We absolutely love this link up…
— Birmingham Phoenix (@BPhoenixUpdates) August 1, 2026
Usman Tariq x Jude Bellingham 🔥#BirminghamPhoenix | #TheHundred | #TogetherWeRise pic.twitter.com/PEpcLONSZv
Real Madrid Star Jude Bellingham Takes Part in Toss Ceremony
Bellingham bought a 1.2% stake in Birmingham Phoenix earlier this year, strengthening his connection with his hometown. Birmingham Phoenix is jointly owned by Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital, the investment group that also owns Birmingham City Football Club.
Bellingham said he wanted to give something back to the city. He said, "I feel like I owe the city something. And this feels like a good way."
Before the men's match against Welsh Fire, Bellingham walked onto the field and handed the match coin to Birmingham Phoenix captain Donovan Ferreira for the toss. He later watched the women's team beat Welsh Fire with one ball remaining before the men's side suffered another home defeat.
Welsh Fire chased 137 in the men's match with four balls to spare. England Test captain Joe Root sealed the win with a reverse-scoop boundary off Saqib Mahmood. Birmingham Phoenix suffered their third straight defeat of this season's The Hundred.
Jude Bellingham Enjoys Break After Record World Cup Campaign
Jude Bellingham arrived at Edgbaston after an outstanding FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with England. He scored seven goals and provided one assist in eight matches, becoming England's highest scorer in a single World Cup as the team finished third.
The England midfielder also entered an exclusive group during the knockout stages. He became only the fifth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in consecutive knockout matches, joining Pele, Diego Maradona, Garrincha, and Sandor Kocsis.
Bellingham grew up in nearby Stourbridge and often played cricket with his brother Jobe during childhood. He is currently enjoying a short break in England before returning to Spain to join Real Madrid for pre-season ahead of the new La Liga campaign.
