About Salil Ankola
Salil Ankola has the rare distinction of representing India in two very different careers: as a fast bowler at the 1996 Cricket World Cup and later as a television and film actor. Born in 1968 into a Konkani-speaking family with roots in the town of Ankola in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district, he played his cricket for Mumbai and has since returned to the game as a selector.
Career highlights
A right-arm fast-medium bowler, Salil regularly opened the bowling for Mumbai in first-class cricket. His consistency earned him a place on India’s 1989–90 tour of Pakistan, where he played his only Test in Karachi in the same match that marked Sachin Tendulkar’s debut. He went on to play 20 ODIs between 1989 and 1997 and was part of India’s squad at the 1996 World Cup.
At 28 he retired from international cricket to pursue acting and appeared in a number of Hindi television serials and films. He later returned to cricket administration, becoming chief selector of the Mumbai Cricket Association in 2020 and serving as a national selector from January 2023 to August 2024.
What audiences love about Salil
Salil’s story fascinates fans: few people have played in a World Cup and then built a second career on screen. Cricket followers remember him as a whole-hearted fast bowler, while television viewers know him from his acting work. His return to cricket as a selector shows his lasting love for the game.
He has also spoken openly about facing setbacks, including injuries that interrupted his cricket career, and about the courage it takes to start again in a new field.
Why brands work with Salil Ankola
Salil offers a unique combination of sporting credibility and on-camera experience. He is comfortable presenting, acting and speaking, which makes him effective in brand films, talks and events, particularly those about reinvention and second careers.
Campaigns that suit Salil Ankola
- Fitness, health and wellbeing
- Career change, upskilling and financial planning
- Cricket content, coaching clinics and corporate cricket
- Regional campaigns in Mumbai and coastal Karnataka
- Motivational talks and panel discussions
Planning a campaign with Salil
Salil suits story-led creative about resilience and reinvention. His acting experience means he handles scripted content comfortably. Marathi, Konkani, Hindi and English versions are possible.
Booking Salil Ankola through CelebrityHai
Share your brand, deliverables, dates, city and budget range. CelebrityHai checks interest and availability with Salil’s team and manages negotiation, contracts and coordination.
Quick answers
Did Salil Ankola play in a World Cup? Yes, he was part of India’s 1996 World Cup squad.
Is he also an actor? Yes, he has worked in television serials and films.
Was he a national selector? Yes, from 2023 to 2024.
Can he speak about career change? Yes, his move from cricket to acting and back makes him a compelling speaker on reinvention.
How is Salil Ankola’s fee decided? Fees are not published. They depend on the deliverables, shoot or appearance days, usage rights, platforms, territories, campaign length and any category exclusivity, and they are confirmed with Salil’s team for each brief.
Enquire for a campaign or event
Choose the format you are planning. These are enquiry options, not confirmed services; Salil Ankola’s team decides which briefs they accept.
- Brand endorsement
- Brand ambassador
- TV commercial
- Digital or social campaign
- Product launch
- Corporate event
- Public event or performance
- Commercial shoot or other
Fees are not published. They depend on deliverables, usage rights, duration and dates, and are confirmed with the talent’s team for your brief.
