Author: Barkha Roy

Ajit Agarkar’s appointment as the chief selector of India’s men’s cricket team marks a significant milestone for multiple reasons. The BCCI broke away from their long-standing tradition of selecting individuals from different zones to ensure equal representation. Instead, they focused on the player’s reputation rather than their regional affiliation, resulting in the selection of Agarkar despite the presence of another representative from the West Zone, Salil Ankola, in the committee. One of the primary reasons why renowned former cricketers were hesitant to join India’s senior selection committee was reportedly the subpar remuneration offered by the BCCI. While the chairperson of…

England batsman Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the 2023 Men’s Ashes series after he sustained a dislocated shoulder in the second Test match at Lord’s. The right-hander had suffered an injury prior to the third innings of the match, but still played in Australia’s second innings, after there was some confusion regarding the rules with respect to a substitute fielder taking his place. If reports are to be believed, Pope was not allowed a substitute in his place and was forced to take the field, which is believed to have aggravated his injury. England coach Brendon McCullum spoke…

Premier Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah has given a slight ray of hope in relation to his recovery in time for the World Cup, which will commence in October. It will be a huge World Cup for India, given that they will be the sole hosts of the event. The stakes will be ever so higher after their losses in the semifinals of the 2015 and 2019 editions of the World Cup following their famous triumph in 2011. India suffered two disappointing defeats in the two previous World Cups in almost identical circumstances, with their top order letting them down, resulting…

The ODI and Test squads for the upcoming West Indies tour were recently announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Team India are scheduled to play the two-time ODI World Cup champions in a multi-format series that includes two tests, three ODIs and five T20Is which is scheduled to begin from July 12. Sarfaraz was once again absent from the team when the BCCI announced the Test squad for the tour. The 25-year-old has been one of the most important players in domestic cricket and one of the highest run scorers while playing at the top of…

Veteran England pacer James Anderson believes that declaring the first innings at 393/8 late on Day 1 of the Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston was a ‘positive’ move by skipper Ben Stokes. Following the defeat, the skipper captain faced some criticism, with many believing that the hosts’ declaration had come back to haunt them. Anderson, on the other hand, opened up about his conversation with Stokes at the time of declaration. Here’s what Anderson had to say about Stokes’ decision to declare early in his Telegraph column: “I had my pads on waiting to bat when Ben declared. He said…

Mateo Kovacic, 29, has joined Manchester City for a fee of £25 million from Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano. The midfielder’s move to Manchester City was reported on Wednesday morning as Pep Guardiola and the Blues complete their first signing of the summer following a historic treble winning last term. Romano has outlined the specifics of the deal, which will see Man City give Chelsea a guaranteed £25 million, with the potential for an additional £5 million in bonuses. He has disclosed that these payments are dependent on the success of the team, not Kovacic. Kovacic has been a Chelsea…

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has indicated that he will not represent his country in its attempt to defend its World Cup title in 2026. “I think not. [Qatar] was my last World Cup. “I’ll see how things go, but as it is right now, no, I won’t go to the next World Cup,”he said to Chinese outlet Titan Sports (via ESPN’s Adriana Garcia) The 35-year-old admitted in February that his age would most likely be a barrier, but he left the door open for another World Cup run. Messi’s impending move to Inter Miami and the Major League Soccer also represents a…

India has risen to the top of the table after defeating Vanuatu 1-0 in the 2023 Intercontinental Cup. Vanuatu played a high-energy game and defended admirably until the 80th minute. India captain Sunil Chhetri was the right man at the right time when he discovered the internet and dedicated the goal to his soon-to-be-born child. Vanuatu’s defence stood tall, especially captain Brian, who was a tank in front of the goal. India’s attacking line performed admirably but was unable to capitalise on the opportunities they created. Both India and Igor Stimac will be pleased with the outcome of a game marked by numerous…

Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that he is interested in owning a football club after retiring from the game in “two to three years maximum.” The Portuguese international has a contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until June 2025, but he is already thinking about his next move. “I don’t rule out becoming a club owner,”the 38-year-old, told reporters during an event in Madrid for his new bottled water business venture. “It’s something I thought about a few years back. I probably would like to own a [football] club. I’m at the end of my career, two to three years…

Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall has signed a two-year contract with Odisha FC, and the club is thrilled to announce the news. Fall’s hiring by the team brings him back into contact with his old coach Sergio Lobera and bodes well for the defence of the team. The club’s desire to compete at the highest level is demonstrated by the acquisition of the Indian Siper League defender with the most goals scored, who has an impressive total of 17 goals. Fall has made incomparable contributions to the ISL after making an enduring impression while playing for FC Goa and Mumbai City FC in the past.…