East Bengal Drop Points at Home as Winless Kerala Blasters Snatch Late Draw
Even at home, East Bengal FC could not hold on to their lead. The Red and Gold brigade were forced to share points with Kerala Blasters FC, a side that had not won a single match this season. It was another frustrating night for head coach Óscar Bruzón. Before kickoff, players and officials observed a minute’s silence in memory of former Kushal Das, the ex-All India Football Federation General Secretary. When the match began, East Bengal struggled to find rhythm. In the first half, the players looked out of sync. Passes lacked accuracy. Movements were not coordinated. The team failed to build sustained attacks. Still, East Bengal managed to take an early lead. In the 9th minute, Edmund Lalrindika entered the box and squared the ball to Youssef Ezzejjari. The striker was brought down before he could tap the ball in. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. A minute later, Ezzejjari stepped up and calmly converted the penalty. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give East Bengal a 1–0 lead. Kerala Blasters responded soon after. In the 18th minute, Bipin Singh whipped in a low cross towards Ezzejjari. But Hormipam Ruivah did well to put the striker under pressure. The ball fell to Saúl Crespo outside the box, but his effort sailed over the bar. East Bengal had another chance in the second half. In the 54th minute, Ezzejjari played a clever ball down the line for Miguel Figueira. The Brazilian cut inside the box and attempted a curling shot, but the Kerala defence managed to block it. The match grew tense in the closing stages. In the 87th minute, Kerala defender Fallou Diagne pushed Miguel during a tussle and was shown a yellow card. Just when it seemed East Bengal would secure all three points, the game turned dramatically. In stoppage time (90+2′), Ajsal Ashraf rose inside the box and headed the ball past goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill. The East Bengal defence had switched off, allowing the Kerala player a free header. The late goal meant East Bengal had to settle for a 1–1 draw. For Bruzón’s side, it was another missed opportunity. Even at their home ground, they could not secure full points against a team still searching for its first victory of the season.
Binny, Dravid and Mithali to Receive Lifetime Honour at BCCI Naman Awards
The Board of Control for Cricket in India will celebrate the best of Indian cricket at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 on Sunday in New Delhi. The biggest highlight of the ceremony will be the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honour given by the BCCI. Former BCCI president Roger Binny and former India captain and coach Rahul Dravid will receive the award this year. Former India women’s captain Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women. The BCCI confirmed the honours in an official statement. “At this year’s ceremony, Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will be bestowed with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the BCCI’s highest honour recognising outstanding service to Indian cricket.” The board also highlighted Mithali Raj’s contribution to women’s cricket. “Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the growth and global stature of women’s cricket in India.” The Naman Awards will also mark a historic moment for Indian cricket. The BCCI will honour five Indian teams that have won ICC trophies in recent years. These include the senior men’s team for winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The senior women’s team will be recognised for their victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The men’s Under-19 team will also be honoured for winning the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, while the women’s Under-19 team will be recognised for their title win in 2025. Roger Binny’s honour recognises a long journey in Indian cricket. He was a key member of India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup winning team. Binny was the leading wicket-taker in that tournament and played a crucial role in India’s historic victory. After retiring from playing, he continued serving Indian cricket. He coached the India Under-19 team and guided them to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup title in 2000. He also worked as a national selector between 2012 and 2016. Rahul Dravid will also be honoured for his massive contribution to Indian cricket. After retiring, he played a major role in developing young players. As head of the National Cricket Academy, he strengthened India’s talent pipeline. Dravid later became head coach of the national team. Under his leadership, India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Mithali Raj’s award recognises her legendary career in women’s cricket. She is the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs with 7805 runs. Her leadership also helped India reach two ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup finals. Apart from the lifetime honours, the Naman Awards will also recognise top performers of the 2024-25 season. India captain Shubman Gill will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men). “India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024-25 season for the second time.” Smriti Mandhana will win the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time. In domestic cricket, Ira Jadhav of Mumbai cricket team will receive the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Domestic). Shafali Verma will be honoured as the Best Woman Cricketer in Senior Domestic One-Day competitions. Among men’s domestic players, Ayush Mhatre will receive the Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder in domestic limited-overs tournaments. Harsh Dubey of Vidarbha cricket team will receive the award for Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy. The Mumbai Cricket Association will also be recognised for its outstanding domestic season after winning four trophies and finishing runner-up in two tournaments.
