Ranjit Bajaj demands Kalyan Chaube’s resignation after India’s loss to Hong Kong
Ranjit Bajaj, owner of I-League club Delhi FC and also the owner of the country’s premier football school Minerva Academy has sought immediate resignation of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaube after India conceded a disappointing loss to Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Bajaj, speaking to the Parallel Sports YouTube channel on Wednesday slammed the AIFF president for the senior national team’s disastrous show stating, “The AIFF president should be solely responsible for the senior national team’s consistent failure since Manolo Marquez took over charge of the national team in last July. Manolo is being criticized now. But despite being aware of his engagement with FC Goa why did the AIFF president appoint him as the coach of senior national team?” Bajaj, raising his voice for Indian coaches in the context, added, “Why Khalid Jamil, the country’s most successful Indian coach was not chosen as the senior national coach? There are a few more Indian coaches who could be selected as the national coach. Why is the AIFF president so unwilling to appoint Indian coaches? Unless Chaube resigns Indian football will not grow.” However, at the same time, Bajaj is seeking specific clarification about AIFF’s proper investment in the youth development program. “Where is the money AIFF has been gaining from the ISL being used? I want to know specifically how much investment is being made for a proper youth development program. Do we have a quality national under-14 team? Unless we are placed in the top four in the AFC under-14 we cannot qualify for the under-17 World Cup and all these disasters are due to one man, Kalyan Chaube,” claimed Ranjit Bajaj.
Missed chances force 127th-ranked India to surrender to 157th-ranked Hong Kong! Parth Jindal raises his voice against the system
A 94th-minute spot-kick guided Hong Kong to a 1-0 win against India in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Tuesday. Ashley Westwood’s team goes top of Group C with four points in two matches while India are languishing at the bottom of the table with two points from two matches. Manolo Marquez’s wait for his first competitive win with India continues. Hong Kong obtained the spot-kick after Vishal Kaith fouled Udebuluzor as both came to catch the ball, and the referee pointed to the spot. Pereira shoots low to Kaith’s right. Kaith goes the wrong way as the ball hits the inside of the net. Despite playing against strong home support, India were able to create some scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. But as usual, finishing let the Blue Tigers down. Both teams registered two shots on target in the first-half. The scenario in the second session was almost the same with India failing to utilize opportunities and struggling to defend opposition counter-attacks. Ashique Kuruniyan’s name should be mentioned in particular who squandered the golden sitter in the second half. Sunil Chhetri substituted Ashique Kuruniyan in the 56th minute but failed to impress. Significantly, founder of JSW Sports and owner of Bengaluru FC Parth Jindal, disappointed with the senior national team’s performance choose social media to express his frustration. He has written in his post, ‘This is completely unacceptable @Indianfootball-just not good enough under any circumstances – deep introspection needed by the AIFF – this is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard-earned money and effort to witness – get a manager and a system that works – it’s high time – there is too much effort to see a result like this. India’s experienced defender Sandesh Jinghan however still has hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup! In a post-match media interaction, he said, “There are still four more matches. I have trust in this team. I believe in my boys and we will give our best and finally, if god wishes then we will be in the Asian Cup.”
Mahesh says one goal will change the scenario; Not worried about Hong Kong’s ‘foreign-born’ players
Sudeep Pakrashi: Mahesh Gawli, the senior national assistant coach who has been involved with the senior national team for the last three years believes that one goal will change the Indian national team’s recent depressing scenario. The senior national team have been able to earn one win only in a friendly out of the seven overall they took part in after Manolo Marquez took charge of the senior national team in July last year. The depression of the Indian football fraternity increased after the senior national team’s last 2-0 loss to Thailand in a friendly match. Gawli still believes the team’s performance in the last couple of matches was not below satisfactory level. But they lacked only in converting opportunities. “We need the goal. One goal will change the scenario. We created more opportunities than Thailand in the match. But we lacked the finishing. Once it starts, the players will regain confidence. They will have a different body-language and deliver their best,” asserted Gawli while speaking to Parallel Sports from Hong Kong. India and Hong Kong, China’s meeting on Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on June 10 is billed as the highest-stakes clash of Group C as they are the top two ranked sides in the four-team group, and are aiming for the first win of their campaign. Placed in Pot 1 for the qualifiers, India, ranked 127th, got off to a slow start with a draw against Bangladesh in March. Meanwhile, Pot 2 side Hong Kong, ranked 153, could also only manage a point in Singapore. For Hong Kong, June 10 will be a historic date. The game is not only a crucial qualifier in their search for only a second AFC Asian Cup berth in 59 years but also the inaugural football match at the 50,000 seater Kai Tak Stadium, part of the Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports complex in Hong Kong. The previous meeting in 2022 is still fresh in the memories of many — a 4-0 drubbing in a rain-lashed Asian Cup qualifier in Kolkata. The 45-year-old former India international is aware of Hong Kong’s present strength. He explained, “After arriving here we watched Hong Kong’s one preparatory match against Nepal. The team have changed a lot compared to the approach and style we watched four years ago in Kolkata. Additionally, they have several foreign-born footballers and players who ply their trade in the Chinese Super League. But I do not feel it will be the key factor as our footballers are now accustomed to competing against quality foreigners in the ISL.” Hong Kong’s squad also features many new naturalized and foreign-born players. Among them are forwards Juninho and Stefan Pereira, midfielder Fernando, and defender Dudu — all born in Brazil. Spain-born forward Manolo Bleda and Japan-born midfielder Sohgo Ichikawa also made their Hong Kong debuts recently. Among the experienced lot are goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai, who has over a century of caps, defenders Sun Ming Him, Yue Tze Nam, and Tsui Wang Kit, all of whom ply their trade in the Chinese Super League, and midfielder Tan Chun Lok. The majority of the squad, however, plays their club football in the Hong Kong Premier League for Kitchee SC, Southern District, Lee Man FC, Eastern FC, and current champions Tai Po FC. Meanwhile, it is believed that Manolo Marquez has planned to quit from chief national coach’s post after Tuesday match although the Spanish coach has not yet given any clear indication about his decision.
Ishfaq says East Bengal should utilize Ramsanga; Explains proper planning needed for the senior national team’s progress
Sudeep Pakrashi: Ishfaq Ahmed admits 2024-25 has been the most impressive season for him in his last 10 years of coaching career. Under his tutelage, Real Kashmir had almost ensured their maiden I-League title, finally finishing in second place with 37 points from 22 matches. Ishfaq bears the frustration opining, “We would have had the last laugh even if we had won our concluding match.” But despite the disappointment, the 42-year-old coach feels proud of the fact that Real Kashmir have been able to produce a footballer today who can get an offer from ISL teams. “Lalramsanga is joining East Bengal. Mohammed Inam, who was brilliant in the League this season, had already received a three-year offer from Bengaluru FC, but he refused and decided to continue with Real Kashmir for another season. Then our goalkeeper received an offer from Punjab FC. One of our defenders is already among the ongoing under-23 national preparatory camp. The scenario was not there even a few years ago. As a coach I am proud that nowadays Real Kashmir have been producing footballers who are getting offers from ISL teams and that was my mission primarily when I took over the charge of this club,” said Ishfaq while speaking to Parallel Sports. When asked whether Ramsanga’s prospect with such a popular team like East Bengal, the former under-17 national coach commented, “East Bengal, though a big team, should utilize Ramsanga’s ability. He is calm and technically sound. As a footballer, he is very effective and can deliver his best as even number 8. However, it will depend on the coach that how he utilizes Ramsanga’s ability.” Significantly, Real Kashmir does not keep any transfer fee clause in its agreement with the footballers. The club had sole mission to promote talented Kashmiri footballers and they have been doing that. But in the future, Real Kashmir might add the clause of transfer fee for their footballers who will be receiving offers from ISL teams. However, when asked about the senior national team’s recent failure at the Asian level, Ishfaq explained, “I believe we need proper planning and intensity in scouting and promoting the potential generation of footballers. We have a bundle of talents. So, the pool of national footballers during the preparatory camps should have at least 50 potential footballers. I can give an example of Lalrinzuala. He is superb, becoming the top scorer in the I-League consistently for the last three seasons. So, did not he deserve to be in the national camp?” He made one important advice stating, “You have to start planning and perfect scouting from the age-group level if you want success with the senior national team. You have to follow the model Jordan and Uzbekistan have made.” His contract with Real Kashmir expired on 31st May although the club has already asked him to renew contract. Ishfaq divulged one of his dreams saying, “If I am with the I-League club, then my mission will be to shape more potential Indian footballers. I will try to instill belief among them that they are equally competitive with the foreigners who are playing in our country.”
Shubman becomes the fifth-youngest Test captain for India; Shami ignored
Shubman Gill will become the fifth-youngest player to captain India’s Test team when he leads the side against England at Leeds on 20th June. The Punjab batsman, aged 25 years and 285 days, was named captain for the five-match series following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket earlier this month. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi remains India’s youngest Test captain, having led the team at 21 years and 77 days in 1962 against the West Indies. Meanwhile, Pacer Mohammed Shami was not picked in India’s squad for the five-match Test series. Shami, whose last Test was the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in June 2023, made a comeback to the national side earlier this year after undergoing an ankle surgery in February 2024. Abhimanyu Easwaran, however has cracked into the side following his impressive performance in the domestic cricket last season. But it is to be seen whether he gets opportunity to play in Tests. However, after eight long years, Karun Nair has returned to the India Test squad for the five-match series against England, beginning June 20. Nair last played for India in 2017, in a Test against Australia in Dharamsala. He has featured in six Tests, scoring 374 runs at an impressive average of 67. Notably, he became only the second Indian batter after Virender Sehwag to score a Test triple century. Along with Sai Sudarshan, Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has also earned his maiden Test call-up for the upcoming five-match series in England. Arshdeep’s County Championship stint with Kent last year saw him take 13 wickets in five Division 1 matches at an average of 41.76, with best figures of 3/58. In first-class cricket, he’s claimed 39 wickets in 12 matches for Punjab at an average of 28.05. Arshdeep also leads India’s T20I bowling charts with 99 wickets. “Arshdeep is a quality bowler, he has played county cricket, and domestic cricket. We have watched him over the last couple of years. There is no other reason,” said chief selector Ajit Agarkar while announcing the test squad. India’s squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav. Test series will commence on June 20th in Leeds before the action moves to Birmingham for the second Test. The Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the third Test, beginning on July 10, 2025. Old Trafford and Kennington Oval will host the fourth and fifth Tests of the series respectively.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi gets call from Team India for England tour after IPL heroics
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Team India’s Under 19 squad for the upcoming England tour. The teams will face each other in a 50-over warm-up match, followed by a five-match Youth One-Day seriesandtwo Multi-Day matches, scheduled fromJune 24 to July 23, 2025. Vaibhav Suryabangshi who came into the limelight after smashing a century in his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, also made cut to the team.Ayush Mhatre who showcased an impressive performance for the Chennai Super Kings has been named as the captain. Abhigyan Kundu is named a vice-captain. “The Junior Cricket Committee has picked India’s U19 for the upcoming tour of England,” BCCI announced in a release. Significantly, Vaibhav’s mobile phone found nearly 500 ‘missed calls’ as he switched off his phone for the last five days. He said, “I have been preparing for 3-4 years. And I saw the results too. Whatever was missing, I was able to work on it. All the things that once looked tough, became easy. I have realized that it’s important to stay focused. There’s no such thing as a natural game. You only have to play according to what the team needs. And not try to do too many extra things at this level. I have to stay in my strong zone and make the team win,” he said. Vaibhav also revealed, “I received over 500 missed calls, but I had kept my phone switched off. A lot of people were approaching him after I scored the century. But I don’t like having too many people. I try to stay away. I had kept my phone off for 4 days; I told you that. I like to be around my people at home and a few friends.” However, Rajasthan Royals chief coach Rahul Dravid has warned the team’s sensational find-out that he will have to go under intense scrutiny before the next IPL, especially by the opposition bowlers. So, according to Dravid, touring England should give Vaibhav valuable learning.
BCCI yet to take decision about withdrawal from the Asia Cup
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said any matter related to participation in events of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not come up for discussion at any level, adding that any news or report around is purely speculative and imaginary. On Monday, various reports emerged about the BCCI informing the ACC about its decision to withdraw from the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the Men’s Asia Cup, which will be held in June and September, respectively, citing the continuing tensions between India and Pakistan. It is to be noted that the ACC is currently headed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Interior Minister in the country’s central government. Since this morning, it has come to our notice that some news items about BCCI’s decision not to participate in the Asia Cup and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup, both ACC’s events. Such news is devoid of any truth as BCCI has not even discussed or taken any such steps regarding the ensuing ACC events, let alone writing anything to the ACC. At this stage, our prime focus is on the ongoing IPL and subsequent England series, both men’s and women. “The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary. It may be said that BCCI, as and when any discussion on any ACC events takes place and any important decision is reached, the same will be announced through the media,” said Saikia in a statement issued to IANS. India does have the hosting rights for the Men’s Asia Cup, set to happen in September this year in T20 format. Apart from India and Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman are supposed to be a part of the tournament. India is the defending champion of the Men’s Asia Cup, after beating Sri Lanka in the 2023 final held in the 50-over format in Colombo. That event was also affected by India-Pakistan tensions. Originally set to be hosted entirely by Pakistan, the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup was held in a hybrid model after India refused to travel there and had all its matches shifted to Sri Lanka.
India’s men compound team clinch gold in Archery World Cup Stage-2
India’s men’s compound team won gold in the archery stage World Cup stage-2 in Shanghai on Saturday. India’s men’d team comprising Abhishek Verma, Ojas Deotale and young promising archer Rishabh Yadav delivered a perfect performance, defeating Mexico with a score of 232- 228 to ensure the gold medal in a thrilling encounter. In the women’s compound category Indian women, despite exhibiting a spirited show lost to Mexico and had to be content with a silver finally. Meanwhile Indian mixed team despite losing the match for reaching final, bounced back and secured a bronze medal trouncing Malaysia to make a podium finish. India have already won four medals in the Archery stage-1 world cup..
Drone damages Rawalpindi stadium hours before Pakistan Super League match: Sources
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was hit by a drone hours before a match of the Pakistan Super League scheduled at 8 pm today, sources told India Today TV on Thursday. A match between PSL teams Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings was scheduled for today at the stadium. The development came hours after Islamabad attempted to strike 15 military targets in India, and in response, India destroyed the air defense radar systems in Lahore on Thursday. Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry earlier claimed that some drones were neutralised in Lahore, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, Karachi, Chhor, Rawalpindi, and Attock, news agency PTI reported. According to sources, Pakistan’s HQ-9 missile defence system units, developed by China, were hit by Israeli-made HAROP drones, effectively rendering the Pakistani army defenceless in Lahore. In a statement on India foiling Pakistan’s bid to escalate tensions, the Army said, “India’s response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan.” According to the Army, Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sunil remains, but Gurpreet out of the probables for the Thailand friendly and the Asian Cup qualifier; Suhail Bhat gets maiden call
India head coach Manolo Márquez announced a 28-member probables’ squad for the national camp in Kolkata on 18th May before the June FIFA International window. Mohun Bagan Super Giants striker Suhail Ahmad Bhat has received a maiden call-up for his impressive performance in the Super Cup, while the country’s leading custodian, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, remains out of the side. He last played for India in a friendly against Malaysia last year, where his blunder gifted a goal to the opponent in a 1-1 draw. He was kept out of the squad for India’s first two games of 2025, a friendly against the Maldives and the Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, with Vishal Kaith replacing him between the sticks. However, in a bid to regain his form Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has gone back to his former Norweian club Stabæk Fotball, which currently plays in the Norwegian first division league, which is the second tier in the country to undergo an intense training with the first eleven. He posted on the social media recently that he got permission to train only with the club’s first eleven for around two months. The Bengaluru FC shot-stopper would be training under his former goalkeeping coach, Espen Granli. India is currently eyeing three consecutive qualifications in the AFC Asian Cup, and is drawn in Group C with Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, and Singapore in the third round of qualifiers. The Blue Tigers’ next big competitive fixtures will be against Hong Kong, which they will play away on 10th June at the Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon City. The first two qualifiers in Group C, between India and Bangladesh in Shillong, and between Singapore and Hong Kong, China, in Singapore, ended in stalemates, leaving all four teams with a point apiece. As part of its preparations for the qualifier, India will have a 10-day training camp in Kolkata, followed by a friendly against Thailand on 4th June.
