Emmy-winning Queer Eye host Bobby Berk is coming up with a new cricket-centered comedy series starring him and co-creator-actor Dana Abraham. Bobby spoke to us about his new role, why he took it on, and why he thinks cricket is more than just a sport.
Bobby says, “Cricket is the second-biggest sport on the planet, yet till this point has been largely ignored by Hollywood. Strikers want to be the show to change that. I joined the show as a co-creator and talent for a few reasons – I love being part of something that hasn’t been done before, by focusing on the amazing game of cricket.”
Bobby says that despite being the second most popular sport in the world, “no one has ever written a show focused on the sport, and we wanted to change that. We wanted to show love to the fans who have been obsessed with the sport their whole lives, and expose a whole new demographic of fans.”
Bobby is the executive producer, co-creator and plays the role of a sports manager in the series. He says,”This is also the first time I’ve taken on a role like this (sports manager), so I’m super excited to challenge myself with this new experience.”

For Indians, Sri-Lankan, Australian, Caribbean, Brits, cricket represents a home away from home

Strikers is also about celebrating the power of collaboration, no matter where you come from, he shares. He says, “Strikers is more than just a comedy, It explores the myriad of people (Indian, Sri Lankan, Australian, Caribbean, British, etc.) who love cricket not just for the sport itself but because it represents a home away from home, reconnecting them with their roots and redefining Canadiana on both local and global scales.”
Does he have any favourite cricketers? Bobby shares, “Of course! I’m always so impressed with Virat Kohli! He’s such a great batsman!”
Talking about his visit to India last year, Bobby says, “I did indeed see some gully cricket being played when I was down in Kerala! It was so cool!”
Strikers is a six-episode, half-hour series set to begin production in summer 2025.
Talking about the storyline, Bobby shares, “Strikers is a half-hour sports comedy that explores cricket’s rise in North America through character-driven stories and barrier-breaking themes. Centred on rising baseball star Amar Farooqi (Dana Abraham), the first Bengali in the Major Leagues, who reaches the pinnacle of his career – only to snap his rotator cuff during the World Series. Losing all his Major League offers, Amar is left with only one option: joining the struggling Toronto – well, its little brother, Hamilton – the Steel City Strikers Cricket Club (S.C.C.). Brought in more as a publicity stunt, Amar is determined to prove he’s still got it. But first, he must earn his shot against a seasoned bowler, (win over) a skeptical coach, and do it all before time runs out for a team on the verge of bankruptcy.”
In the series, Amar finds an unexpected second chance at glory, guided by his struggling but well-connected manager Mickey (Bobby).