BCCI considers Gavaskar’s advice about the ‘no-entertainment’ part in the remainder of the IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously considering Sunil Gavaskar’s advice of rejecting the entertainment part in the remainder of the IPL, resuming from 17th May. Gavaskar urged the BCCI to organize the remaining 17 matches without cheerleaders and DJs. According to a report from India Today, the BCCI is now seriously considering the suggestion made by Gavaskar. IPL 2025 was suspended for a week on 8th May amidst cross-border tensions with Pakistan following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The heinous attack claimed the lives of as many as 26 civilians. “The Indian cricket board will make a decision after Sunil Gavaskar urged the BCCI to stage the remaining 17 matches without cheerleaders and DJs,” the report said. As a gesture for those who died during the Pahalgam attack, Gavaskar felt that there should not be any entertainment (apart from the sport on display) in the remaining IPL matches. “What I would really like to see is these are the last few matches. I think we have had about 60 games or thereabouts. I think it will be around 15 or 16 matches in the remaining phase of the League. I would sincerely apologize for what has happened, and some families have lost their near and dear ones. I would like all the show-sha baji that goes with it not to be there. It should be just a game to be played. Let there be a crowd but no music. Let’s not have the DJs screaming in the middle of an over. None of that,” Gavaskar told Sports Today. He also stated, “Let’s just have a tournament, the balance of a tournament. No dancing girls, nothing. Just cricket would be a nice way to respect the sentiment of the families who have lost their near and dear ones.”
BCB wants Mustafizur to prioritize national commitment above IPL
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wants Mustafizur Rahman to put national commitment above IPL 2025 duties. The pacer was signed as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk by Delhi Capitals for the remainder of IPL 2025. However, Rahman boarded a flight to the UAE for the upcoming T20I series on the same day he signed with DC. As per Cricbuzz, a BCB director claimed that while the board has no problem in allowing Rahman to play for DC in IPL 2025, it wants him to prioritize national duties. “We are not saying that we won’t let Mustafizur play in the IPL for the Delhi Capitals, but at the same time, there is a thing called national commitment, and he needs to fulfill that,” a BCB director said. The official said that it would be unfair for Nahid Rana and Rishad Hossain, who were a part of PSL but are traveling to the UAE for the T20I series, if Rahman was given a NOC. The BCB director claimed that in that case, the other two would also have to be released from the squad. “Along with that, if we had released him in that case, what would we have done with the two cricketers who took part in PSL, as they could have asked why we were not releasing them?” he added. For the uninformed, the Bangladesh cricket team are set to play a 2-match T20I series against the UAE from May 17 to 19. Understanding that foreign players may not return, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to allow teams to use temporary replacements. And so, the Capitals paid Mustafizur Rs 6 crore to join them. The move made sense since Mitchell Starc might not return either. And having a like-for-like replacement for him seems like a sound decision.
Report says Rohit retired due to pressure from selectors, BCCI didn’t persuade Kohli
Former India cricket team Test captain Rohit Sharma was forced to retire as he was under pressure from the selectors, a Times of India report has revealed. The Hitman took everyone by surprise by abruptly retiring from the longest format of the game last week. In what was another blow to India, Virat Kohli also followed the former’s footsteps and decided to step away from Tests as well. According to TOI report, the selectors weren’t in favor of taking Rohit to England, which prompted him to announce his retirement. The report states that the selectors weren’t sure about his spot in the side after he informed them that he would only play a couple of Tests in the series. Brushing aside reports of the BCCI asking a former cricketer to convince Virat to reconsider his decision, the source claimed that no such move was made by the BCCI. Echoing earlier reports, the source claimed that Kohli’s move to retire abruptly was his decision alone. But despite their retirement from Test, both Rohit and Kohli will now only be active in ODIs. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the duo’s Grade+ contract will continue.
Amorim pays the ticket for 30 ManU backroom staff to watch the Europa League final after the club denies!
In a bid to continue the curtailment of its overall costs, Manchester United management is reportedly refusing to pay for the costs of club staff members’ friends and family to watch the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur. Amidst the quandary, club manager Ruben Amorim has stepped in and offered to bear the costs of 30 members of the backroom staff. Football clubs usually offer to pay for friends and family members of the backroom staff to attend big-ticket finals. But with United currently undertaking a raft of severe cost-cutting measures, the club has reportedly told their coaches, physiotherapists, and support staff that there will be no complimentary tickets for next week’s final at Estadio San Mamés. Instead, staff members were told they could purchase up to two tickets from the club’s allocation of 15,000 seats for the game. The New York Times reported that even Manchester United’s players have only been granted two complimentary tickets for their family members to attend the final. Earlier in the year, Manchester United cut jobs and shut down the staff canteen at Old Trafford. It had also stopped the free lunches being offered to staff and instead offered them fruit. At Manchester United’s Carrington training base, players receive lunch as gratis while staff members are now offered soup and bread. Manchester United’s drastic financial belt-tightening measures come after five straight years of financial losses for the club. Both United and Tottenham are looking at the Europa League final as a face-saver for a season of woe, where they are currently in 16th and 17th spots in the Premier League, just above the relegation spots. United has suffered more defeats this season than in any campaign since the Premier League was launched in 1992. The joint-record 20-time English champion is also certain to record its worst-ever points total in that period, as well as its lowest finish.
Marta breaks retirement; Recalled for Brazil before Japan friendly
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer Marta has been recalled to the squad for the first time since last year’s Olympic final for a pair of friendlies against Japan, coach Arthur Elias announced on Tuesday when naming the 39-year-old. Marta, widely regarded as one of the greatest women players of all time, had announced that she would retire from international duty following the 2024 Games in Paris, where the striker claimed a third Olympic silver medal. But the Orlando Pride player is back in the squad as Brazil prepare to defend their Copa America title this year. Marta extended her club career earlier in 2025 by signing a two-year contract extension with the NWSL team, scotching speculation she was set to hang up her boots for good. “I spoke with Marta recently. She said she is available to help the team while playing at a high level, as she is now,” Elias told reporters. “Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the American League champion. “Her presence in some call-ups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.” Marta will join Brazil regulars like Orlando Pride’s Angelina, Kansas City’s Debinha, and Manchester City’s Kerolin, while Elias also looks to rejuvenate his squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup by including rising talents like goalkeeper Claudia and defender Isa Haas.
Falopa says East Bengal need a supportive ambiance in the dressing room
Marcos Falopa, the 76-year-old Brazilian coach says East Bengal need a supportive ambiance in the dressing room to develop the spirit which will ultimately help the footballers to deliver and regain success. Falopa worked as the coach of East Bengal for only six months in 2013. The Brazilian coach, in a recent interview, expressed his intention to work as the chief coach of East Bengal again and explained, “I have watched them in the ISL. I feel they seem to have lost balance. The balance should be maintained between the players, the coaching staff, and the management. The dressing room atmosphere will get the reflection of this balance. A perfect dressing room ambiance will help the players perform their best and regain success.” The former Technical Director of the South African national team also welcomed Carlo Ancelotti, he first-ever foreign coach for the Brazil national team, joining at the end of this month. Falopa stated, “As a player, Ancelotti won the UEFA Cup twice, and as a manager, he won the UEFA Champions League five times. So, we should not doubt his coaching skills and huge experience. We were in Italy, in the same school for some time. His mentorship and style of guiding the players are outstanding. But I personally feel he needs to have an exclusive discussion with top Brazilian national footballers, especially with those who do not play under his coaching, like Rafinha and Neymar. I have a belief that Ancelotti can play a crucial role in the resurrection of Brazilian football.”
Nottingham Forest striker undergoes ‘urgent’ surgery after post-collision!
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi had to undergo an urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during last weekend’s Premier League match with Leicester, it was announced Tuesday. Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigeria international, 27, collided with the post in the 88th minute of the 2-2 draw at the City Ground as he attempted to get on the end of a cross from Anthony Elanga while under challenge from the Foxes’ Facundo Buonanotte. “The club can confirm Taiwo Awoniyi has undergone urgent surgery following an abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City,” said a Forest statement. “Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their best wishes to Taiwo. “The club will provide further updates when appropriate.” Awoniyi, who joined Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022, had only been on the pitch for five minutes, having come on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare. Awoniyi tried to play on following prolonged treatment on the field, but the full extent of his injury was only discovered by medical staff on Monday. The way Awoniyi’s injury was dealt with during the game was cited by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as the reason why he stormed onto the pitch after the full-time whistle to confront head coach Nuno Espirito Santo. With Forest chasing a late goal which would have bolstered their bid to quality for the Champions League, Awoniyi returned to action but was unable to move freely — and Marinakis was unhappy a substitution was not made. “Everybody — coaching staff, players, supporters, and including myself — we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s mis-judgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game,” said Marinakis in an Instagram post issued later Sunday.
Biker Boral now wants to reach the highest mountain pass on a ‘moped’! Urges the renowned company to come forward
Sudeep Pakrashi: Subrata Boral is not a new name in the adventure sport especially in the world of bikers. He has conquered more than 30 high-altitude passes across the Himalayas and even in Tibet riding on a two-wheeler in his 30 years’ of journey. Now the 54-year-old biker wants to add another feather in his crown. That is climbing the country’s highest motorable road, Umling La, at 19 thousand feet on a ‘moped’! While speaking to Parallel Sports Boral, who hails from Rajarhat area, Kolkata, revealed, “The expenditure in driving a moped on rough terrains will be lesser in comparison to bikes. Nowadays, many youngsters who are joining this adventure sport, trying to climb the mountains, ride on bikes. But many of them may not have the financial capacity to buy expensive bikes. Less expensive mopeds can be their alternative. I want to inspire them by riding on moped.” This includes the visit of the Khardung La, situated in Ladakh on 18 thousand feet. His achievements also include reaching Everest Base Camp along with co-bikers from North Kolkata Disha Motorcycle Club in 2000, the first-ever in the country. Boral also received the recognition of his passion. The feat he and his club achieved, climbing consistently more than 17,200 feet, was honored by the Limca Book of Records. The recognition from Limka Book of Records motivated Boral and his mates and they added another laurel in their kitty, traveling to the Chang Chemno Range Pass, situated at a height of 20,488 feet in Aksi Chin and ventured close to the Line of Actual Control in 2008. The experience was awesome. Boral expressed thankfulness to ITBP for their support and their journey to the highest motorable pass was finally honored by Guiness World Records. Boral also expressed gratitude to the state’s previous Left-front-led government for initiating a fund of Rs 13 lakh in total for him and his mates from North Kolkata Disha Motorcycle Club before their journey to Everest Base Camp. Now, the biker is planning to appeal to ‘TVS’, the famous moped company for a new two-wheeler. “A new moped will help me to ride smoothly. I will be thankful if company like TVS comes forward, providing a new moped and financial support for me,” said Boral. For his upcoming adventure on a moped, among the passes Boral targets to reach are Umling La (19,300ft), Marsimik La (18,313ft), Photi La (18,124ft), and Chang La (17,586ft). Boral had initially planned to embark on the journey by 16th June this year. However, the present tensions across the border may delay his trip.
Kohli forced to retire from Tests? Former Team India selector drops a shocker
Former Team India selector and Delhi’s Ranji Trophy coach Sarandeep Singh has dropped a bombshell: He claims that Virat Kohli had no plans to retire from Test cricket and was aiming to score at least three to four hundreds in the upcoming Test tour of England! Was Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket forced? We may never know what happened behind the scenes, but Delhi’s Ranji Trophy coach and former Team India selector Sarandeep has confirmed that Kohli has no plans to retire until at least February. Sarandeep, who expressed shock to have heard about Virat’s retirement, claimed during their conversation at the time, Kohli confirmed plans to play for India ‘A’ team in England to prepare for the five-match Test series that starts on 20 June. “Only he knows the reason (for his retirement). Everyone is shocked,” Sarandeep said while speaking to Star Sports. He added, “There was no sign of it. Neither did I hear from anyone else about this. Look at the way he is performing in the IPL. He is in good form. The Delhi coach was shocked because Kohli has been in sublime form in the Indian Premier League (2025), scoring over 500 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 143.47. Sarandeep further revealed that the last time he had a conversation with Kohli, he was keen on doing well on the England tour. He had laid out a plan to succeed in the upcoming Test series.” Sarandeep continued, “He wanted to play a couple of India A matches to get ready for this all-important series. “I asked him if he would play a couple of County Cricket matches before the England tour. He said, ‘No Paaji, I am looking to play India A matches. Two India A matches where I will prepare for the Test series.’ He had a settled plan. Suddenly, seeing him end his red-ball career is surprising. He doesn’t have any fitness issues, no form issues,” he revealed.
Rajkumar Sharma’s emotional tribute to Virat Kohli after Test retirement
As the cricketing world comes to terms with the end of an era following Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, heartfelt tributes have poured in from every corner. Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, who played a pivotal role in shaping the cricketer’s early years, penned an emotional message. Sharma posted on Instagram, reflecting on Kohli’s journey from a spirited young boy to one of the finest Test players of the modern era. ‘From a young boy with dreams in his eyes to a legend who conquered the red-ball arena — your journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, Virat. Watching you grow, fight, lead, and inspire has been the greatest joy of my life. You redefined passion and dedication. Test cricket will miss your fire, but your legacy will live forever. Grateful for every moment shared in this incredible journey.’ In his Test career, the 36-year-old made 123 appearances in white clothing, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India’s fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs). He ended last year with just 382 runs in 10 Tests at a shocking average of 22.47, with just one century and fifty in 19 innings. His last Test outing was the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia from November-January, where he made just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, with his century at Perth being a highlight. That century was his first since July 2023, when he hit a ton against the West Indies at Port of Spain in 2023. Also, his last century at home came against Australia in early 2023 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Ahmadabad.
