AIFF Governs ISL and I-League Under Completely Different Frameworks
ISL (Indian Super League) and the I-League both are under the jurisdiction of the AIFF. However, there is a stark contrast in how the two leagues are governed and operated. AIFF has maintained completely different rules for I-League. Extended from the exercise of veto power, the federation has adopted completely different frameworks for the two competitions. It has become more evident from the proposed governance structure for the I-League. At present, one of the most debated aspects of the ISL is the extensive veto power held by the AIFF across all major decisions. In contrast, the federation appears far more flexible when it comes to the I-League. In matters such as broadcasting, sponsorship, and commercial rights, I-League clubs will have a shared role alongside the federation. In the ISL, however, all such powers remain firmly with the AIFF. Financial responsibilities also differ sharply. In the I-League, clubs will bear a larger share of operational costs, with 60 percent of the funding coming from the clubs and only 40 percent from the federation. This is another point of divergence from the ISL model. The newly proposed I-League governance committee grants each club one voting right—something that ISL clubs do not enjoy in their governing council. Similarly, in revenue distribution, the total earnings will first be assessed before any allocation is made. In many ways, the I-League regulations appear to be the exact opposite of those of the ISL. Interestingly, while a governing council has been formed for the I-League, full control will still rest with the federation. In the ISL, on the other hand, the newly formed governing council will run the league.
Ashwin Fumes over Arshdeep’s Exclusion from Playing XI under Gambhir
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly questioned the team management after Arshdeep Singh was left out of the playing XI for the first two ODIs against New Zealand in Vadodara and Rajkot. While the left-arm pacer is part of the squad for the three-match series, Arshdeep is yet to feature, a decision that has clearly not gone down well with Ashwin. The competition to join the Indian cricket squad is high. However, the fraternity raises its voice when they find something alarming, quite like that the former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin strongly questioned the team management. The former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his rage at management’s decision to bench Arshdeep Singh. He criticised the management after the left-arm pacer was seen warming the bench in the first two ODIs against New Zealand in Vadodara and Rajkot. The former spinner previously voiced his concern for Arshdeep’s frequent dismissal from the playing squad. He urged the think tank to be more considerate about the player’s mental health and confidence. He, while highlighting the constant mental toll on the bowlers, stated on his YouTube channel, “What must he be thinking right now? He has done so much, yet he is still fighting for his spot. Whenever he plays next, he will be rusty. No matter what you say, this is a game of confidence. Why does this happen to the bowlers at all times? It never happens with the batters.” Arshdeep, even though being one of the leading wicket takers in T20Is, struggled to find a spot in the playing squad. He cemented 22 wickets in the 14 ODIs he played. However, the management has preferred Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna as the three frontline pacers against the Kiwis in the first two matches. Ashwin took to his YouTube channel and highlighted the strategic planning taken up by the management, but he also talked about Arshadeep’s situation, which is often ignored. “The contest is between the bowlers. For South Africa, you need a hit-the-deck bowler. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana both need match experience, so I can understand the thinking. But no one is thinking about Arshdeep Singh, who will stand in his shoes and think? This is not about how much he has played and how much he hasn’t played,” Ashwin said. The former spinner added that Arshdeep has proven himself deserving of automatic selection, citing his past performances, and drew on similar experiences from his own international career. “I have been in this position, so I know how it is. This is why I am fighting for Arshdeep Singh. Whenever you have given him the ball, he has performed for you. Allow him to walk into the playing XI with his head held high. He deserves this boss,” Ashwin said. There is speculation that Arshdeep might appear in the finals. Ashwin, focusing on that, stated, “Now people are saying he will play the third ODI. What is the point? He didn’t play the first two ODIs, and why did that happen? What will that do to his confidence?” The Kiwis have already levelled the series. Now the final is scheduled to begin on Sunday, 18th January.
‘I have never imagined this’; Harmanpreet Kaur Replaces Ladies’ Coach Icon on Mumbai Locals
Where do dreamers stop? Once taught to limit their dreams, they now hold posters on the primary travelled transportation in the bustling platforms in Mumbai. On Mumbai’s bustling platforms, where the air hums with the relentless announcement of arrivals and departures, something familiar is missing. The ubiquitous “lady” symbol that once marked women’s coaches has quietly disappeared. In its place now stands a striking poster of Harmanpreet Kaur. The symbol has been traded for a face, one that represents strength, defiance, and possibility. Where an icon once signalled separation, in that place a cricketer now commands attention, turning an everyday commute into a subtle statement of pride. Harmanpreet Kaur refused to let her dreams remain idle, and today she stands at the heart of aspirations in the city of dreams. In Mumbai’s local trains, the familiar symbol marking the ladies’ coach has been replaced by a poster of India’s women’s captain. While reflecting on this view, an overwhelmed Kaur stated, “I have travelled on Mumbai Locals for three years. Never thought that someday, there would be my poster on display in the local trains.” She further said, “I had a kitbag on my back while I ran for my designated train. I have never imagined this – so dreams do come true.” A recent video posted on the social media page of Mumbai Indians showcased the excitement of the women travellers. One excitedly stated, “I feel like I am travelling with Didi. It is very empowering and wholesome.” In the video many seemed excited and stated that they feel proud about this decision. It is a remarkable decision from Mumbai Railways.
ICC to Visit Dhaka as Bangladesh Refuses to Play in India
The controversy regarding Bangladesh’s appearance in the T20 World Cup 2026 persists indefinitely. Now, marking a development, the ICC delegation might travel to Dhaka for a face-to-face discussion. While the tournament is scheduled to begin in barely three weeks timezone in India and Sri Lanka, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), along with the ministry, is determined about their decision to not play on Indian soil. Asif Nazrul, the Bangladesh sports adviser, affirmed this visit on Thursday. He further asserted that the nation’s decision was non-negotiable. While conversing with Dhaka’s reporters, he stated, “Mr Aminul Islam informed me that an ICC team is likely to come to Bangladesh for discussions. There is no chance of us changing our stance. We are eager to play in the World Cup, particularly in Sri Lanka, and I strongly believe that organising this is not impossible. ”. A senior officer of the BCB official also confirmed this visit. The official stated, “A delegation is set to arrive, but the exact date has not been determined. We are in communication, but the time is not fixed.” The cricket crisis has been continuing since the beginning of last week after the video discussion with the ICC and BCB officials. The apex body, while insisting on rethinking BCB’s decision, clarified that the tournament itinerary was finalised, but the Bangladesh board remained adamant about shifting the fixture to Sri Lanka. BCB, following the video conference, stated that the decision was finalised based on the safety concerns. However, the apex body asked them to reconsider. “The board’s position remains unchanged. Discussions will continue to explore possible solutions while ensuring the safety of players, officials, and staff,” the statement said. Relations between the two boards have further deteriorated. After the BCCI requested the release of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL by Kolkata Knight Riders. Both the Bangladesh government and the BCB are now pushing for all four of Bangladesh’s scheduled group matches. In the fixture there are three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai to be relocated to Sri Lanka.
