Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma comeback: BCCI in no hurry to take a call on future
"Obviously, if they (Rohit and Kohli) have something in mind, they would tell the BCCI brass like they did before the England Test tour. But from an Indian team's perspective, the next big assignment is the T20 World Cup in February and preparations before that. The immediate focus will be on sending the best team for the Asia Cup T20 tournament, hoping all players are fit and available," a BCCI source privy to the developments told PTI on conditions of anonymity.The BCCI never believes in taking decisions in haste and would always gauge the mood and public perceptions before taking a call, which is sensitive in nature considering the massive fan following of the two players.The last tournament that they played was the Champions Trophy in Dubai where Kohli scored a hundred in a successful chase against Pakistan at the group league stage while Rohit starred with a sublime half-century in the chase during the final.However, both have not played competitive cricket since the conclusion of the Indian Premier League.Kohli, who is now a resident of London, had recently posted an Instagram story after an indoor nets session, which is an indicator that he has started training.Rohit, who was also in the UK on a break post IPL, is recently back in Mumbai and would certainly be expected to start training in a few days.While there are some media reports about BCCI offering the duo a farewell game at Sydney on October 25, the BCCI source in the know of things said that as of now, no such discussions have taken place.As far as playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy is concerned, the source said that the national One-Day Championship starts on December 24, 2025 and even before that, there is another three-match ODI series at home against South Africa starting November 30."Even if they play Vijay Hazare, before that there would already be six ODIs that will be played. In between the Australia ODIs and the South Africa ODIs, there is an India A series against South Africa A where three List A games (50 overs) will be held at Rajkot on November 13, 16 and 19 respectively.advertisement"Now, will the duo want to play those three A games, or possibly two, before the South Africa series is the question. Even more important is whether Ajit Agarkar and his colleagues would want that," he said."Overlapping the Vijay Hazare Trophy (December 24, 2025 - January 18, 2025) will be the three ODIs between India and New Zealand (January 11, 14, 18). So even if they play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, it can't be for more than two to three games," he added.- EndsMust Watch
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Hindustan Times
17 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Mohammed Siraj enjoys his break after Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, pacer posts candid photos with stunning car
Fresh off his sensational performances in England during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Mohammed Siraj seems to be enjoying his time away from cricket. The Indian pacer was in dominant form in England and was their match-winner in the final Test, which saw the series end in a draw. Mohammed Siraj posted photos with his car.(X) The 31-year-old took to X on Saturday and shared some photos of himself having a nice time, as he posed next to one of his cars, a Range Rover. Here are the photos: He captioned the photos as, 'Grateful for the smiles and ride'. Siraj was the highest wicket-taker in the five-match Test series in England, taking 23 wickets in five fixtures. It is the highest tally for the pacer in a Test series in his career. He equalled Jasprit Bumrah for the record of taking the most wickets (23) for India in a Test series. Meanwhile, Siraj has also now taken four or more dismissals in an innings for India in England for the seventh time. He bowled 185.3 overs during the series, which is the most by him in a Test series in his career. In total, he bowled 1113 balls during the series. Speaking after the final Test vs England, he said, 'To be honest, it feels amazing. From Day 1 everyone fought hard and the result is there to see. Very happy. The plan was to keep it simple and hit a consistent spot. Not try too much and if I can get wickets from there it's a bonus and build pressure. When I woke up today I had the belief that I could do it, I had the belief system. I took a photo from Google which read I can do it and put it as my wallpaper. If I had taken that (Brook) catch properly probably we may not have had to come today.' 'It was a game-changing moment. But Brook played really well, hats off to him for playing attacking cricket. It was a heart-breaking moment (The Lord's loss). He (Jadeja) was just telling me to play with a straight bat and middle the ball. He told me to remember my Father and the hardwork he put in to get me here,' he added.
News18
26 minutes ago
- News18
Understanding Mohammed Siraj: 'There Was A Time He Had Nothing, So Cricket Became Life And Death'
Last Updated: We visited Hussaini Alam in Hyderabad to speak to Mohammad Mahboob Ahmed, the man who gave Mohammed Siraj his first breakthrough, to understand the enigma that is the pacer. What if you put together a team combining India's batting and spin with Pakistan's fast bowlers? Who would beat that? There will never be a right time or way to say this, but Mohammed Siraj, with his skills, has come the closest to answering this perverse question that has dominated a lot of post-partition discourse in the sub-continent. When India was divided around this time, 79 years ago, the most naturally gifted fast bowlers went to the other side of the border. They became idols, set a culture, and kickstarted an identity that's more deeply ingrained in Pakistan than anything else. For decades, the Indian identity was in complete contrast to it. It was stunning and world-beating in its ways, but it did lack that one maniac of an out-and-out pacer – one as skilful with his wrists as with his natural and sometimes, scary fitness. Someone who wasn't captaincy material but a loose cannon, a captain's greatest weapon against stacked odds. Someone who'd not just win you a few Tests, but would turn around a series and in such a way that the only words you'd have are 'passion', 'force' and 'what does this guy even eat?' He showed he has ferocious arm speed, enough to throw a rock as fast as a tennis ball, can make both the old and new ball move both ways, can lead attacks in India and abroad, and is special enough to stand out like a bright bulb in the shadow of the genius that is Jasprit Bumrah. All with a unique repeatability and consistency. Understanding Siraj thoroughly will take time, and perhaps he'll only be truly understood once he's not with the team anymore. But, there's no better place to start than the narrow lanes of Old Hyderabad, via Mohammad Mahboob Ahmed, the man who gave Siraj his first break. 'Cricket is life and death for Mohammed Siraj' The following is an edited account from Mohammad Mahboob Ahmed, the secretary of Charminar Cricket Club, as told to News18 CricketNext at his residence in Hussaini Alam. He had a friend, Mohammed Kaleem, a vegetable vendor. He introduced me to Siraj and said that this boy is a very good bowler, he is getting very famous, you should help him and support him. I went to the ground near pillar no. 290 at Attapur Ring Road to watch a tennis ball game. I was delighted to see that this boy had a good physique, good height, and he was bowling very well with the tennis ball. I immediately asked him to come play for my club and promised to support him for professional cricket, whatever he needed. Siraj refused. The reason – I had to ask him forcefully – was that he could not afford it. So I took care of the travel and apparel expenses via a stipend for every game, and Siraj was in the system. I told him that I will provide you with the travelling expenses, with the dress you want, and the shoes you want. The first game was against Balaji CC. It was the first time he bowled with a leather ball. It was also the first time he wore spikes. He took five wickets! In the second game, which had two innings, he took 13 wickets. Over the season, Siraj's tally amounted to around 40 wickets, but he was still not selected for the Hyderabad Under-23 team, which we were expecting. The Hyderabad Cricket Association board president at that time was Mr. Arshad Ayub. I spoke to him and saw that the selectors are making a mistake here. After a lot of fighting with them, they included the kid in the team. He took 43 wickets in the season, which was the best all-India performance for an under-23. On that basis, he got into the Ranji Trophy. I remember, I got a call from Arshad Ayub, he said Miyan, your boy has been selected in the Ranji Trophy. It is great news for you; you supported and got him to this level. He asked if I was not going to distribute sweets! So I took a basket of Jalebi, and when I was distributing it to people — it was a Friday, I remember — I was wearing a kurta pyjama, which got soaked with sugar, and I didn't even realise. I was out of my mind with happiness. It still gives me goosebumps thinking that I brought that child to this level. I have never been so happy or so successful. It was the biggest achievement for me. It wasn't always easy. I remember vividly that there was a camp for the HCA. That camp was also in the period of Arshad Ayub and John Manoj. The director was Bobby sir. He had given Siraj a letter for indiscipline and said he was not fit for cricket and banned him from HCA. The reason? He wasn't coming to practice. I went and told them that he wasn't educated enough and that I would speak to Siraj. I begged them to give him a chance. I apologised profusely, too. Arshad Ayub permitted me and gave me a second chance, but told me that he needed serious correction, or it would be his last opportunity. I went to Siraj's house and his father and mother were there too. I told them all that their whole family had never seen as much money as Siraj would earn from cricket if he fulfils his potential. That has now proven true. After that, I would wake him up at 5.30 in the morning daily. From then on, things changed, and he grew as a professional cricketer. People talk about his fitness. It is natural. Siraj used to do a part-time job of making Roomali Rotis in Hyderabad. He has been a hard worker from the beginning. He is such a player that since he was selected in SRH, till now, he has never been injured, sick, or unfit. He doesn't eat any junk and is always careful about his fitness and sleep. He's an inspiration. In Hyderabad, we tell everyone khelenge koodenge toh honge nawab. We tell everyone to sleep on time, eat on time. What do the boys say? 'Yes, sir, I will,' but they don't, and remain busy with their phones. Siraj has known from the start how he's supposed to bowl and bring consistency into the nets. When you give him some extra responsibility, he adjusts his game accordingly. top videos View all Cricket is his bread and butter. Cricket is his life. It's life and death for him. So there is no other option. He has spent a lot of time playing cricket, and he has worked hard from a very young age, elevating himself from so many problems. There was a time he had nothing; today, he has got everything from cricket. We want Siraj to go to the top and progress, and he should get a lot of success in his personal life as well. Along with that, I would also like to say that he should look after those who were his friends. Not financially – financially doesn't matter – but people just yearn for love. You should give them some time, keep them in mind. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : England cricket team From the press box India vs England 2025 Indian cricket team jasprit bumrah Mohammed Siraj view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 16, 2025, 21:50 IST News cricket Understanding Mohammed Siraj: 'There Was A Time He Had Nothing, So Cricket Became Life And Death' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
41 minutes ago
- News18
ISL Clubs Warn AIFF Of Possible Shutdown If Impasse Continues: 'Over Past 11 Years...'
Last Updated: Eleven ISL clubs warned AIFF of potential shutdowns due to the unresolved Master Rights Agreement with FSDL, impacting Indian football, livelihoods, and international readiness. Eleven Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have warned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that they 'face the real possibility of shutting down entirely" if the ongoing impasse regarding the future of the top-tier domestic competition is not resolved soon. In a letter written to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, the clubs stated that the crisis arising from the non-renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the national federation and the ISL organisers, FSDL, has 'paralysed professional football in India". What Did ISL Clubs Write In Letter To AIFF? 'Over past 11 years, through sustained investment and coordinated effort, clubs have built youth development systems, training infrastructure, community outreach programmes, and professional teams that have elevated India's footballing credibility both domestically and internationally," the clubs wrote in the letter sent on Friday. 'This progress is now in imminent danger of collapse. The current standstill has created immediate and severe consequences. With operations suspended and no certainty on league continuity, several clubs face the real possibility of shutting down entirely." The crisis surfaced after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the ISL organisers as well as AIFF's commercial partner, put the 2025-26 season 'on hold" on July 11 due to uncertainty over the renewal of the MRA, prompting at least three clubs to either pause first-team operations or suspend player and staff salaries. 'The 2025-26 ISL season is at risk of not taking place at all. This is not merely an administrative deadlock — it is an existential crisis for Indian football. We write to you in the gravest of circumstances," the clubs wrote. 'The trust painstakingly built with fans, sponsors, investors, and international footballing bodies over the past decade will be irreparably damaged if the league remains in limbo." The letter was signed by Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC, Mumbai City FC, and Mohammedan Sporting. Kolkata heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal did not sign the letter. Detailing the risk of club closures and livelihood loss, the letter stated, 'More than 2,000 direct livelihoods — players, coaches, medical staff, analysts, kit managers, groundsmen, administrative staff — hang in the balance, alongside countless indirect livelihoods dependent on the league. 'Clubs face a season where revenue from tickets, merchandise and other avenues will be reduced to zero. Potential sponsors have already started backing out, looking at the scenario that the ISL is in. 'This is a huge financial blow that clubs will not recover from this year and it will affect payout of salaries to players and staff in the immediate future, besides making several stakeholders contemplate a complete and permanent shut-down of their respective clubs." The clubs said the impasse will also impact India's readiness for international matches, stating 'without a functioning league, our national team will be severely disadvantaged in upcoming AFC and FIFA tournaments". They also mentioned that without the ISL, they will not be able to play a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions, thereby risking suspension of Indian clubs from AFC tournaments. 'The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) mandates a minimum number of competitive matches for participation in continental competitions. Without ISL, this requirement cannot be met, putting India at risk of suspension from all AFC and FIFA tournaments," the clubs said. 'FIFPRO, the global players' union, has already apprised FIFA of the situation, increasing the likelihood of external scrutiny and possible sanctions." On Thursday, the AIFF agreed to mention the ongoing issue concerning the ISL before the Supreme Court on Monday. The apex court has reserved its judgement in the case relating to the draft constitution of the AIFF. The decision to apprise the SC of the crisis situation was taken after a meeting of the legal representatives of the clubs and the AIFF. A reliable source said that the AIFF is willing to file a written application if the Supreme Court asks for one. 'We fully appreciate that related matters are before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. However, from the record of recent hearings, it appears that the immediacy and scale of the crisis have not been clearly conveyed to the Hon'ble Court," the clubs said. 'The human cost, the threat of clubs folding, the risk of losing our place in AFC/FIFA competitions, and the reputational harm to India's footballing image demand urgent action on our part. 'We therefore respectfully request the AIFF, as the regulator of Indian football, to urgently mention this matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court on Monday, 18 August 2025, and to append this letter to present the unified concerns of all ISL clubs before the Hon'ble Court." The clubs said they are ready to support the AIFF in the case through their counsels, though they are not parties to the proceedings before the SC. 'Immediate collective action is the only way to preserve Indian football's future, safeguard livelihoods, and protect the country's standing in the global football community. We remain committed to working alongside the AIFF to achieve a resolution." (With inputs from PTI) About the Author Sports Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : aiff indian super league view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 16, 2025, 21:32 IST News sports ISL Clubs Warn AIFF Of Possible Shutdown If Impasse Continues: 'Over Past 11 Years...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
