AIFF plans to present Super Cup as season-opener; No specific decision on ISL
The All India Football Federation (AIFF), in its scheduled meeting with 13 ISL clubs and commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) on Wednesday, failed to reach a specific resolution regarding the commencement of the ISL this season. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president, Kalyan Chaubey, revealed that the ISL must take place, but without mentioning any specific time for the League. Rather, he asserted that in a bid to continue with the country’s domestic football, the AIFF is planning to reschedule the Super Cup as the season-opener this season! Eleven clubs sent their officials to New Delhi, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Odisha FC joined virtually. The club representatives also did not seem to have been convinced by the AIFF president’s promise, as it is learnt that they agreed to take part in the Super Cup, provided a specific announcement on the ISL. The clubs also demanded clarity and legal assurance about the top-tier league structure before committing fully to the tournament. “The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss how clubs can plan their year. Whatever the situation, the game must go on,” said AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey. “Clubs asked about the way forward with the transfer window ending on the 31st and pre-season training also coming up.” With legal uncertainties surrounding the top-tier league’s recognition, the AIFF said it will seek legal advice to explore interim solutions. This came after questions were raised about the delay in approaching the Supreme Court for urgent relief regarding the league’s status. “We may reschedule the Super Cup to before the season starts. The current agreement is up for renewal, and we have agreed to modify the tournament to reduce logistics. Some clubs have not started pre-season, so we need 6-8 weeks for preparation. We will meet again to decide the date of the Super Cup,” added Chaubey. Vice-President N.A. Haris acknowledged the legal roadblock, saying, “The decision lies with the Supreme Court, so we can’t do anything. We asked to get it fast, but it’s the Supreme Court’s decision.” Tensions had been simmering in recent weeks, culminating in a joint letter signed by eight ISL clubs — Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United, Odisha FC, and Punjab FC — seeking clarity on the upcoming season’s structure. The letter raised serious concerns over scheduling, financial planning, and the absence of a formal roadmap. Both the Super Cup and ISL are expected to take place this season, with the former likely kicking off first. A follow-up meeting is scheduled within the next 7–10 days to finalise the tournament’s structure, dates, and format. As things stand, Indian football remains at a crossroads, with the legal outcome yet to shape the final calendar. But Wednesday’s meeting offered a much-needed step toward clarity and collaboration between the country’s top governing body and its premier clubs.
Dhoni says Kohli is a proper entertainer, a full package
Former India captain MS Dhoni has heaped unexpected praise on Virat Kohli—not for his cricketing prowess, but for his off-field charisma. Speaking at an event, Dhoni spoke about that off the field, Kohli is a proper entertainer, a full package, who can dance and sing revealing a lighter side of the modern-day great that fans rarely get to see. “Virat is a very good singer, a very good dancer, great at mimicry, and very funny,” Dhoni said with a smile. “If he is in the mood, he is very, very entertaining.” The admiration between the two legends has always been mutual, with Kohli frequently crediting Dhoni for mentoring him during his early years in international cricket. Kohli has also revealed that Dhoni was the only person who messaged him after he unexpectedly stepped down as Test captain following the series loss in South Africa. “Let me tell you one thing: when I left the Test captaincy, I got a message from only one person I had played with previously, and that was MS Dhoni,” Kohli had said. “Many people have my number. On TV, they give lots of suggestions and have a lot to say. But none of the people who had my number sent me a message.” Kohli’s immense respect for his ‘first captain’ Dhoni was evident in his words. “That respect for Dhoni, that connection—when it’s genuine, it shows, because there is no insecurity between us. He doesn’t need anything from me, nor do I need anything from him. Neither of us suffers from insecurity. I can only say: if I truly want to say something to someone, I reach out to that person individually, especially if I want to help.” One of the defining moments of their bond came during the 2016 T20 World Cup against Australia, where Kohli played a masterclass innings and credited Dhoni’s presence for guiding him through the tense chase. Time and again, Kohli has spoken about Dhoni’s unwavering support, especially during phases when his form dipped or when he faced criticism. In return, Kohli showed immense loyalty and gratitude, famously saying, “He will always be my captain.” Even after Dhoni’s retirement, Kohli has continued to praise his former captain for shaping Indian cricket and setting high standards. Their relationship, built on trust, respect, and shared experiences, stands as a benchmark of leadership and teamwork, a rare and cherished bond in the world of competitive sports.
Brendan Taylor breaks 21st century record with comeback in Test after 4 years
Zimbabwe cricketer, Brendan Taylor, made a successful comeback at the international level after four years in the ongoing second Test of the series between the hosts, Zimbabwe, and the visitors, New Zealand. Taylor served a three-and-a-half-year ban given by the ICC, and the veteran marked his return for the first time since 2021. Taylor was suspended by the ICC on corruption charges, and the former Zimbabwe captain marked his return in the crucial game for the hosts, who lost the first Test in a one-sided battle. With his long-awaited return, Taylor also broke a massive record. He is now the earliest Test debutant amongst all the active cricketers. He first played a Test match in 2004 against Sri Lanka, and has served his nation for almost 21 years. Appearing in his 35th Test, Taylor surpassed England pace legend James Anderson for the longest Test career (in terms of years) among all cricketers who have debuted in the 21st century. Since 1989, only India legend Sachin Tendulkar has recorded a longer Test career than Taylor, having appeared in 200 Test spanning across 24 years and 1 day. Opening the batting for the first time since 2005, Taylor registered his first runs with a boundary off New Zealand seamer Jacob Duffy after the hosts opted to bat first.
MS Dhoni hints about his future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
MS Dhoni has once again dropped a massive hint about his future with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and his potential availability for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. MS Dhoni turned 44 last month. It’s been now five years since he called time on his international career. However, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter continues to play in IPL for Chennai Super Kings, a franchise that won all of their five trophies under the maverick cricketer’s captaincy. In 2024, he stepped down from CSK captaincy and passed the baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. They missed out on a playoffs spot by a whisker, but the last season was a forgettable affair as they endured a historic low – for the first time, CSK finished bottom of the standings. “I have always said that there is a lot of time for me to decide, but if you are asking about coming back in a yellow jersey I will always be in a yellow jersey, whether I am playing or not, is a different matter.” “Me and CSK, we are together,” Dhoni said during an event recently. “You know, even for the next 15-20 years (crowd cheers). I hope they don’t think I’ll be playing for another 15-20 years.” His playing days could be numbered but Dhoni has cleared that he will continue to be in CSK’s camp. “It’s not about one year or two years. I will always be sitting in a yellow jersey. You know whether I’ll be playing or not in a while, but yeah, you know yourself,” Dhoni said. Dhoni noted CSK’s role in shaping his career and helping him grow as a person. “I feel the relationship over the years has grown. It helped me improve as a person. It helped me improve as a cricketer. CSK just happened. I think it’s good for Chennai. So, today it’s good for me also,” he said. Earlier this year, Dhoni had remarked that playing in the IPL is the next best thing to representing the Indian team. “It’s a very good feeling, and I’ve always said it’s a big thank-you from the fans. That’s what I believe—for whatever years I keep playing, it’s their way of saying, ‘Thank you very much for everything you’ve done.’ And it’s amazing. “Especially when you play a sport, what you want is the appreciation of the fans. And when it comes to cricket, India is the place to play,” Dhoni said in an interview with Star Sports. “Being part of the Indian cricket team is one of the biggest things. I’m not playing international cricket anymore, so IPL is the next best thing. “I don’t get goosebumps, but it’s a special kind of feeling—every time you walk in, everyone’s excited. They’re waiting for you. They want you to do well. “Even when you’re playing against the team they support, they still want you to perform, contribute—whatever it may be. So yeah, it’s an amazing feeling,” he added. It was a forgettable season for CSK in IPL 2025 as they finished last in the points table. Dhoni opened up about the season and said that they need to learn from their mistakes. “Yes, the last couple of years have not been good for us. We have not been up to the mark. But what is important is for you to see the learnings. Yes, you had a bad season. But what went wrong? And that was the question for us last year also,” Dhoni concluded.
Woakes against ‘injury replacements’: asks for a new way as an alternative
England seamer Chris Woakes does not seem willing to have injury replacements in Test cricket. The pacer, who came out to bat on the fifth day at the Oval Test, despite dislocating his shoulder, has supported his captain Ben Stokes on the matter. Speaking to The Guardian after the conclusion of the Test series, Woakes said that in case a replacement is allowed for injuries, the team would use the loopholes around the law to extract every bit of advantage. The debate on injury replacements took centre stage midway through the series after Rishabh Pant fractured his foot at Lord’s. Pant, after going off the field in a medical cart, returned to the field, given India’s precarious position with the bat. “I’m with Stokesy, to be honest. Having played for 18 years, the game is what it is: you lose a player and as a team you have to find a way. It makes you more resilient and the team stronger. I do understand why people might think it’s needed for freak injuries like mine, but there would be too many grey areas or loopholes,” Woakes told The Guardian in an interview after the series. Asked about his reception as a national hero on the final day at Oval, Woakes said that he was not keen on being remembered that way. “I mean, it’s not the way you want to be front-page news, you’d sooner it was for five wickets or a century. There have been a lot of ups and downs since, but yeah, the love from the public has helped,” Woakes said. “It is so weird to go from the start of a Test week, thinking ‘one last push’, to ending up on a physiotherapist’s table wondering what the future holds,” he concluded. The England seamer is now focused on his recovery and hopes to attain full fitness before the Ashes. Alongside Woakes, his captain Ben Stokes will also be hoping to return to full fitness after recovering from his shoulder injury, sustained during the 4th Test match in Manchester.
