Petersen’s advice helped nair to establish his mettle
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen backed Karun Nair to get a well-deserved and long-awaited half century on Day 1 of IND vs ENG 5th Test. Kevin Pietersen, who mentored Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, Pietersen wrote on X (formerly Twitter) “So happy for Karun and how he’s stabilised India’s batting yesterday. He’s a tremendously hard worker on his game and we spent many hours talking about batting in England during the IPL. I’m hoping he gets a wonderful 100 today” The duo worked together during the latter’s stint with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 where the former was DC’s batting coach. After enduring failures in six innings in the ongoing Test series in England, Nair finally managed to break free of the shackles and remained unbeaten on 52 runs at the end of play on Day 1. Nair started off his comeback on the worst possible note, getting dismissed for a duck in the IND vs ENG 1st Test in Leeds. It was then followed by scores of 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14. Karun was then dropped from the XI in the Manchester Test. However, he received probably what could be one last chance in the 5th Test as India decided to go ahead with an extra batter in the line-up. Karun didn’t squander the opportunity this time around as he displayed immense grit en route to his first half-century in over seven years. He now has the golden opportunity to cement his spot in India’s Test XI by getting to a triple-figure score on Day 2 of the IND vs ENG 5th Test in London. Nair made his way back into the IPL after 3 years as DC acquired his services for just Rs 50 lakhs in the mega auction. In 8 matches, he amassed 198 runs, including one half-century. Karun subsequently went on to earn a recall to the Indian Test team for the series against England after over a seven-year gap. Of course, it was his consistent performance in domestic cricket, apart from the IPL, that paved way for his return to India’s red-ball setup. The Bengaluru man, who now plays for Vidarbha, used his extensive experience of playing for English County Northamptonshire during his 24th first-class ton. Live England vs India, 5th Test at London, Jul 31 2025 India 224/10 England 18/0, (3 ov) Day 2 – Session 1: England trail by 206 runs.
Messi set to visit Wankhede along with delhi and kolkata
On December 14, Messi will make a special appearance at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium for a ticketed event, which has already received official approval from the Mumbai Cricket Association. The renowned event organizer Wizcraft is behind this occasion, and the event is anticipated to feature notable Indian cricketers as well. This visit is set to add a new chapter to the legendary moments witnessed at the Wankhede, which include the 2011 Cricket World Cup final. Messi is expected to visit India from December 13-15. The Inter Miami star will also travel to Delhi and Kolkata. This would be Messi’s second visit to India. He had earlier visited the country in 2011 when Argentina played a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. “Yes, Lionel Messi will be visiting the Wankhede Stadium on December 14. The finalisation of logistics is well and truly underway. There are plans for organising a cricket match with some of the biggest names in India. The complete schedule will be made public once there is confirmation on the logistics and schedule,” a top MCA official told HT, and if all goes according to plan, he might ditch his football boots for a bat and ball. Yes, you read that right. The organisers are working out logistics to possibly get Messi to play a cricket match against some of the biggest Indian superstars, such as Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar. As for whether Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni will make an appearance, your guess is as good as ours. Considering Rohit and Tendulkar live in Mumbai, the duo might make an appearance at the Wankhede for a meeting with Messi if their schedule allows. Sources within the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed to The Hindustan Times that Messi would indeed visit the iconic venue on December 14. Before Mumbai, Messi’s itinerary includes Kolkata on December 13. At Eden Gardens, he is scheduled to be felicitated in a ceremony attended by West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. During his stay in Kolkata, Messi will conduct a football workshop for children, inaugurate a football clinic, and launch a seven-a-side tournament named the “GOAT Cup” in his honor. On December 15, his tour concludes in Delhi, where he is expected to meet the Indian Prime Minister and visit a major sports venue, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium or Feroz Shah Kotla Ground. Both Delhi and Mumbai will also see additional grassroots youth football activities. Earlier, Kerala’s Sports Minister V Abdurahiman had revealed that Messi would be visiting the state with the rest of the Argentina football team for a friendly game in October. This was confirmed after the state government reached an agreement with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to host two games in Kerala. That seems unlikely at this stage that this plan will go ahead. Messi is one of the most popular football stars in India. The 38-year-old is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). He was part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in 2022 after his side defeated France in a thrilling final. “During his stay in Kolkata, Messi will conduct a football workshop for children and launch a football clinic. A seven-a-side tournament called the “GOAT CUP” will also be organised in his honour at the Eden Gardens.” the report added. Messi last visited India in 2011 when Argentina took on Venezuela. The tie between Argentina and Venezuela ended in a goalless draw
Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament, to be moved out of the M Chinnaswamy stadium to either KSCA Alur Stadium
The Bengaluru stadium witnessed a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory parade in early June, which claimed 11 lives. On July 11, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced, that the fourth edition of the annual franchise-based tournament will be a closed-door event. It is learnt that the city police are yet to give the tournament a go-ahead. Confirming this, a source told TOI that they’re looking at other venues. With police permission still elusive, Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament, scheduled from August 11 to 27 is likely to be moved out of the M Chinnaswamy stadium to either KSCA Alur Stadium, on Bengaluru’s outskirts, or the Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar ground in Mysuru. There have been questions raised on the infrastructure and safety measures at the 50-year-old stadium, which was further highlighted in the Justice D’Cunha report submitted to the state government last week. Although the event has been announced as a closed-door event, apprehensions remain. “…..Until such infrastructural changes are made, continuing to host high-attendance events at the current location poses unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility and emergency preparedness.” While KSCA president Raghuram Bhat was unavailable for comments, Bengaluru City police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh was non-committal: “We have received a proposal and the same has been sent to the jurisdiction police station for verification.” The fourth edition of the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 is all set to bowl off on August 11 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Gulbarga Mystics taking on Mangaluru Dragons in the tournament opener. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced the full schedule on Wednesday (July 23), confirming that all 34 matches of the two-week T20 competition will be hosted at a single venue. A blockbuster clash between defending champions Mysore Warriors and Bengaluru Blasters will headline the evening fixture on opening day, a rematch of last season’s final. With star-studded squads across all six franchises and high entertainment value guaranteed, the Maharaja Trophy 2025 is expected to build on the momentum of its successful previous edition, which reached over 39 million viewers via broadcast and streaming platforms. A franchise representative said, “KSCA has taken the franchises for granted. We are the major stakeholders, and they have to respect that. Barring one unofficial communication from a managing committee member, we have no other information from the association.” With premier hotels booked and logistics worked out, the franchises are now worried about the losses they will incur. “No hotel is going to give us a 100% refund. We’ve spent several lakhs to book almost two dozen rooms in a five-star hotel. This apart, if the tournament moves from here, it is going to be a logistical nightmare,” said a stakeholder from another franchise. The two venues being considered come with different challenges. The Alur facility, which is ideal cricket-wise, has no floodlights or spectator galleries. Which means the tournament will have to be held during the day, which makes it unsuitable for franchises and broadcasters. “We agreed to play closed door, but our sponsorship proposals were based on the live coverage on a national sports channel. There will be legal implications for us if the sponsors pull out, since Alur also does not have permanent broadcast facilities. It is a joke if we have to play Maharaja Trophy like local league matches,” lamented a team official.
Khalid Jamil appointed head coach of senior national team; Dronacharya says his student’s unyielding determination can bring success
After a span of 13 years, India’s senior football team is going to have an Indian head coach. Khalid Jamil, the most successful Indian coach in the ISL, has been unanimously appointed the chief national coach at an executive committee meeting held in New Delhi on Friday morning. Savio Medeira was the last chief coach of the senior national team in 2011-12. Khalid’s mentor, Dronacharya awardee Bimal Ghosh, while reacting to the selection, told Parallel Sports over the phone, “I believe Khalid has the ability to change the dilapidated senior national team. He was under my tutelage at the beginning of his career for four consecutive years. I noticed that time that one of the key weapons was tremendous determination to learn and adapt. After being a coach, he converted the quality into applying it to his footballers. That is why his unyielding endeavor inspires the footballers on the pitch also.” Jamil’s first test as India coach will be a steep one. The Blue Tigers face defending champion Iran and 2023 Asian Cup quarterfinalist Tajikistan later this month in the CAFA Nations Cup. Ghosh, however, admitted that the first assignment for Khalid is going to be tough. “Still, Khalid’s man-management skills and ability to instill zeal in the players are expected to bring some positive changes,” said Ghosh. Bhaichung Bhutia, who did not attend Friday’s executive committee meeting, also congratulated Khalid for his new assignment. Born in Kuwait, the 49-year-old has won India’s top division both as a player (with Mahindra United in 2005) and as a coach (with Aizawl FC in 2017). An AFC Pro License holder, Jamil has coached across I-League, I-League 2, and the Indian Super League (ISL). His I-League title run with underdog Aizawl, its first and only top-flight title, remains one of Indian football’s most storied achievements. Most recently, he took over Jamshedpur FC midway through the 2023–24 season, steering the team to the Super Cup semifinals and later to a runner-up finish and an ISL semifinal spot in the next.
Visa cardholders to get first shot at tickets for 2026 Fifa World Cup
The football fans across the world, possessing Visa cards will have an exclusive opportunity to apply for the Fifa 2026 World Cup tickets in the first phase through a program named Visa Presale Draw. The program will take place between 10th and 19th September, thanks to FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner. To participate in the Visa Presale Draw, Visa cardholders must log in to their FIFA.com/tickets account using their FIFA ID and complete the application form at any time during the ten-day application period to secure their chance to purchase tickets. Following a random selection process, FIFA will notify successful Visa cardholders by email beginning no earlier than 30 September. These Visa cardholders will be assigned a date and time slot in October during which they will be able to visit FIFA.com/tickets to purchase tickets (subject to availability). As FIFA’s exclusive payment provider during the first ticket sales phase, Visa ensures a fast, secure, and seamless checkout experience for sports fans around the world. “Excitement for the FIFA World Cup 26 is building fast, and 10th September is a date every football fan should have marked in their calendar,” said FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai. “We’re delighted to once again partner with Visa to give fans the very first opportunity to secure their place at the greatest show on earth. A ticket to the FIFA World Cup isn’t just a ticket – it’s a gateway to the most inclusive and spectacular tournament in our history. Everyone will want to be part of this moment, so make sure you’ve created your FIFA ID and have your Visa card ready.” “We’re reaching a fever pitch with just months to go until kick-off, and Visa is proud to be leading the charge from midfield – connecting fans to the action and empowering local businesses to play their strongest game,” said Frank Cooper, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa. “This isn’t just about early access to tickets – it’s about unlocking opportunities across North America, fuelling the passion of the global football community and ensuring the economic impact of the tournament reaches far beyond the final whistle.”
Chris Woakes’ shoulder injury raises questions again for mid-Test injury replacements
The never-ending tale of injuries continues to plague both England and India at the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as the latest entrant to the long list of injured players sees English fast-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes being escorted off the field during the first day of the fifth and final Test at the Oval in London on Thursday. Woakes, who has been integral in England’s bowling attack, landed awkwardly on his shoulder while chasing after the ball at the boundary line in the 57th over. The 36-year-old had to be taken off the field with his left shoulder wrapped in his sweater. Woakes’ teammate Gus Atkinson provided an update, which England would be dreading as he said: “It doesn’t look great. I will be surprised if he participates in the game. It’s a big shame when anyone gets injured. I’m hoping it’s not too bad, but whatever it is, he’ll get the full support from everyone,” said Atkinson after the day’s play.” Woakes’ injury has reignited the conversation around the injury replacements, as this has been a major talking point during this season after Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant also had to miss out due to a toe injury he picked up during the fourth Test. Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik is in favour of an injury replacement and said,” For the second time in this series, on day one of a Test match, an injury has happened where you get the feeling that the player couldn’t participate in the Test match anymore,” Karthik said to Sky Sports.
Eshwaran’s father slams BCCI selectors
Abhimanyu Eshwaran’s father, RP Easwaran, slammed BCCI selectors and coach Gautam Gambhir for ignoring his son Abhimanyu continuously just because he does not have an IPL contract like others. He said, “I’m not keeping a count of the number of days that Abhimanyu has been waiting for his test debut. I am counting the years; it has been three years now. What is the job of a player? It is to score runs. He has done that. People said he didn’t perform in two India-A matches during the last tour of Australia and didn’t get into the team, which is fair enough. But Karun Nair wasn’t in the team during the period when Abhimanyu performed before the BGT. Karun wasn’t picked for the Duleep Trophy or the Irani Trophy. He further said, “Abhimanyu scored close to 864 runs if you consider the period from last year to the current year, then how do they compare? I don’t understand. They gave a chance to Karun Nair. Fair enough, he scored 800-plus runs. The selectors have put faith in him. He added, “My son looks a little depressed, but that is bound to happen. Some players jump the gun based on IPL performances, which earn them a spot in the test team. IPL performances should not be counted while selecting the team for the longest format. Ranji trophy, Duleep trophy, and Irani trophy should be the basis for test selection.
