Hyderabad FC to shift base in Delhi; Former internationals like Shabbir, Amalraj disappointed
Former ISL champions, Hyderabad FC, has decided to move over from the City to Delhi “to develop a professionally run football club that reflects the values and aspirations of a new generation of fans in Delhi and across India.” This was the message conveyed by the top brass of HFC to the All India Football Federation, according to an official of the Telangana Football Association. ‘It is disappointing, for sure, not to have a City-based team in the ISL. But again, these are things which are not in our control,” he informed ‘Telangana Today’. The ISL franchise has informed that they possessed “significant land in New Delhi which they have earmarked for and envision as the centre of operations and the future home of our football team and football in Delhi”. For the record, HFC finished 12th in the 13-team League with just four wins from 24 games, with stand-by coach Shameel Chembakath taking care of the team for most of the 2024-25 season after the chief coach Thanboi Singto parted ways in December. However, former India international and captain Shabbir Ali and another former India international Victor Amalraj were disappointed with the decision. Shabbir Ali, the 69-year-old former striker who is the first Indian footballer to have received the prestigious Dhyanchand award, commented, “This will be a big blow for the youngsters. With HFC there the young generation were playing the game to fulfil their dream of becoming professional footballers in the future. HFC and Sreenidi Deccan were an inspiration to them. Now that is shattered.” Amalraj also feels that even though HFC did not have any local footballer HFC created an impact in Hyderabad football through it presence. Now the football lovers, especially the young footballers of this state will have difficulty to identify themselves in the mainstream of Indian football.”
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.
