East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan Supar Giants; Dedicate the victory to Mohammed Rashid
East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan Super Giants 2-1 in the Durand Cup quarterfinal to qualify for the semifinal at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. The Red-and-Gold Brigade dedicated the win to Mohammed Rashid, who had left for home after getting the news of his father’s demise, days before the match. Dimitrios Diamantakos stole the limelight on the day, scoring a brace in the 38th and 52nd minute, respectively, for the Oscar Bruzon-coached side. It was a new East Bengal squad consisting of new foreigners and new Indian footballers. Significantly, it was an ordeal for the club management, especially for the team’s think-tank, after a series of disastrous performances in the last couple of years. The whole East Bengal fraternity was waiting for the performance of the new batch of footballers, roped in this season. The think-tank of the team led by chief coach Oscar Bruzon and newly appointed Football Director Thangboi Shingto earned the pass mark, at least on the day against the fancied MBSG. Except for the last 20 minutes, it was the Red-and-Gold brigade that had domination over their opposition. Led by Brazilian midfielder Miguel Fereira in the midfield and buoyed by Mahesh and Bipin Singh’s agility down the flanks as well as a compact show by Rakip and Anwar Ali, East Bengal turned things around. Jubilant East Bengal fans might also be relieved of the newly roped-in Argentine defender Kevin Sibille’s show, who made a brilliant goal-line clearance in the 58th minute.
ISL clubs threaten to shut down permanently amidst the stand-off with AIFF!
Eleven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they “face the real possibility of shutting down entirely” if the ongoing impasse regarding the future of the top-tier domestic competition is not resolved soon. In a letter written to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the clubs have stated, ‘The crisis arising out of the non-renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the national federation and the ISL organizers has paralyzed professional football in India.’ “Over the past 11 years, through sustained investment and coordinated effort, clubs have built youth development systems, training infrastructure, community outreach programs, and professional teams that have elevated India’s football credibility both domestically and internationally,” the clubs wrote in the letter sent on Friday. “This progress is now in imminent danger of collapse. The current standstill has created immediate and severe consequences. With operations suspended and no certainty on league continuity, several clubs face the real possibility of shutting down entirely.” The crisis surfaced after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the ISL organizers as well as AIFF’s commercial partner, put the 2025-26 season “on hold” on 11th July due to uncertainty over the renewal of the MRA, prompting at least three clubs to either pause first-team operations or suspend player and staff salaries. “The 2025-26 ISL season is at risk of not taking place at all. This is not merely an administrative deadlock — it is an existential crisis for Indian football. We write to you in the gravest of circumstances,” the clubs wrote. “The trust painstakingly built with fans, sponsors, investors, and international football bodies over the past decade will be irreparably damaged if the league remains in limbo.” Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC, Mumbai City FC, and Mohammedan Sporting signed the letter. Kolkata heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not sign the letter.
Bumrah informs selectors he is ready to take part in the Asia Cup
The Ajit Agarkar-headed selection committee will pick the 15-member squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup on 19th August. The majority of the first-choice players are available for selection, and the selectors will have their task cut out during the meeting. The chief selector is likely to address a press conference along with the captain, Suryakumar Yadav, after the meeting. All eyes will be on whether Jasprit Bumrah is selected in the team or not. Bumrah’s back issues have seen him miss multiple series. Bumrah only played three Tests against England. The right-arm pacer hasn’t played a T20I since the 2024 World Cup final. The 2023 ODI World Cup final remains his last appearance in the 50-over format. According to a report published by The Indian Express, Bumrah spoke to selectors a few days ago to confirm his availability for the continental tournament. Bumrah’s availability is a big boost to Team India. Suryakumar Yadav, who underwent a sports hernia surgery in June, has cleared the fitness test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, and he will attend the selection meeting. The right-handed batsman won’t be playing the Duleep Trophy. Shubman Gill, who was appointed white-ball teams’ vice-captain, is likely to retain that position. He has not featured in a T-20 International match since July 2024. Gill is India’s present Test captain.
