ISL Likely to Be Limited to Four Venues
It seems all the clubs are in a competition to cut costs from their budget. As most of the clubs now prefer to play away matches instead of hosting games at home. This ruckus has, in turn, delayed the official announcement of the ISL fixture list. The most assumptive reason for this delay is apart from Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Punjab, Delhi, and Goa, most clubs are struggling to arrange suitable home venues. Hosting matches has become financially unviable for many teams under the current circumstances, which results in the schedule that was supposed to be released last week, but couldn’t be announced yet. With the league already running behind schedule, clubs have begun tightening their budgets. The cost of maintaining and operating a home ground is proving to be a major burden. As a result, teams like NorthEast United, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and Chennaiyin FC have expressed their preference to play away games. Mohammedan SC from Bengal has also joined this list. Meanwhile, Inter Kashi have secured a home ground but are reportedly unwilling to play there as well. They have informed the federation of their preference for away fixtures. This confusion has further complicated the fixture process for the AIFF.
Satadru Dutta Gets Bail After 37 Days of Judicial Custody
After almost 37 days, Satadru Dutta, the prime accused of the Messi controversy, was granted bail. Dutta was released on a personal bond of Rs. 10,000 along with two security bonds by Bidhannagar District Court. The Kolkata-based promoter was under judicial custody regarding the Lionel Messi controversy. Earlier this December, his bail plea was rejected by the same court. The bail came as a surprise after the prosecutors opposed his release. They tagged him as a ‘very influential’ individual, capable of fleeing if the bail was granted. While talking about his influence, the prosecutor, Bivas Chatterjee, stated, “The fact that Satadru arranged Lionel Messi’s tour speaks volumes about how influential he is. He could flee if granted bail.” The court subsequently rejected the bail plea and remanded Dutta to 14 days of judicial custody. The prosecution alleged large-scale mismanagement during the event, stating that nearly 35,000 tickets were sold, generating close to ₹19 crore in revenue. It further claimed that government property worth around ₹2 crore was damaged during the unrest, while Dutta allegedly made an unlawful gain of ₹20 lakh. Chatterjee also flagged violations of stadium regulations, alleging that potable water was permitted to be sold inside the venue. Dutta’s defence lawyer, Saumyajit Raha, tackled these claims, stating that Dutta is a promising figure organising major events. Recently, includes the successful Messi visit to Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai. He further clarified that the seating arrangements at the Salt Lake Stadium were inspected beforehand, and the organisers earned a no-objection certificate from Bidhannagar Police against it on 7th November. He argued that the situation escalated only after the event had concluded. He stated, “There was no violation on the organiser’s part.” Following the argument, he also expressed that the government constituted an enquiry committee after the event. The event on 13th December escalated quickly as many unauthorised individuals surrounded Messi, resulting in the rage of spectators. The Argentine footballer, visibly agitated, was escorted off the field by security personnel. The large sections of the crowd that couldn’t catch a glimpse of him triggered unrest. It declined further as spectators pelted water bottles and tore out seats. Dutta was arrested later that evening on charges of mismanagement and remained in custody until he was granted bail by the court on Monday.
Pakistan Team To Halt Their Practice To Support BCB’s Stance
The Pakistan men’s cricket team is halting their pre-departure practice session to support Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board under Mohsin Naqvi is on board with Bangladesh. Pakistan is scheduled to face Sri Lanka in three consecutive T20Is on 7th, 9th and 11th January, respectively, before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. PCB is allegedly halting their national team’s participation in the training camp ahead of their departure to Sri Lanka. This event followed after ICC had given BCB the ultimatum and deadline. According to the report published by Geo Super, the majority of Pakistan’s white-ball coaching staff, including head coach Mike Hesson, bowling coach Ashley Noffke, fielding coach Shane McDermott, physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon, and strength and conditioning coach Grant Luden, are supposed to meet the team in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh’s primary concern about travelling to India revolves around the safety and security of its players, support staff, fans, and media personnel. Previously, Pakistan has acknowledged that these concerns are not unfounded. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials now stated that if the issue is not resolved, Pakistan may also reconsider its participation in the tournament. It was revealed on Sunday that Bangladesh has sought both cricketing and administrative support from Pakistan. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has requested Pakistan to back its demands at the ICC. A source told NDTV, “The Bangladesh government has been in contact with the Pakistan Cricket Board. They have requested Pakistan to stand by them on the issue of participating in the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh has received a positive response so far. Pakistan has reportedly said that if Bangladesh’s concerns are not addressed, they themselves might consider pulling out of the World Cup.” Pakistan are set to play their matches in Sri Lanka due to the ongoing political conflict. It was evident from the beginning that Bangladesh was probing to schedule their fixture in the island country as well. However, now after the ICC ultimatum, the BCB is trying to pressurise the BCCI with the help of the PCB. On a geopolitical level, after Bangladesh’s revolt in 2024, their relation with Pakistan has taken a positive turn. Not more than a week ago, PCB chairman Naqvi conveyed his desire to organise Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup matches on Pakistani soil. Naqvi further assured that stadiums would be kept ready for the Bangladesh team along with necessary facilities. However, the PCB is yet to make any official statement on the matter so far.
ICC Ultimatum to BCB Over World Cup Venue Dispute
The ICC has now set a deadline for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for the T20 World Cup. The apex board has made it clear that Bangladesh must respond by 21st January. Failing to revert to this notice ICC has indicated that another team could replace them in this year’s T20 World Cup. ICC’s deadline swiftly shifted the focus towards BCB’s decision. Scotland might be the replacement option if Bangladesh withdraws from the tournament. BCB’s strong objections in playing in India followed after Mustafizur Rahman was released by KKR citing security concerns. Utilising the same argument, the Bangladesh board has now raised concerns about playing the World Cup on Indian soil. ICC amplified that these demands won’t be entertained. Previously, an ICC delegation visited Bangladesh and held discussions with BCB officials. After the meeting, the ICC firmly stated that Bangladesh’s matches cannot be shifted to any other country. The designated venues for Bangladesh’s World Cup fixtures are Eden Gardens and the Wankhede Stadium. However, the BCB has insisted that their matches be held outside India. They even proposed Pakistan as an alternative venue, but the ICC has flatly rejected the idea.
Gill Backs Sharma After ODI Loss Against New Zealand
Rohit’s subpar performance in the ODI series against the Kiwis is under fire. Indian skipper Shubman Gill was questioned about Hitman’s 11-run knock off 13 balls in the deciding match against the Black Caps while chasing a competitive target of 338 runs. Throughout these three innings, the veteran opener accumulated only 61 runs, failing to register a single half-century in any match. While speaking about this underwhelming performance, Gill backed Sharma in the post-match press conference: “I think Rohit Sharma is in terrific form, even right through from the Australia series, even in the South Africa series.” He further expressed, “I think, as I said, you won’t always be able to convert the starts that you get. And I think Rohit got some starts in this New Zealand series as well. As a batsman, you always want to convert those starts and make them count by turning them into hundreds. But it’s not possible to do it every time. At the same time, that’s something that you always strive to do.” The Black Caps secured a historic first-ever ODI win on Indian soil. This came just over a year after the Kiwis had whitewashed India in the Test series under Gambhir’s tenure.
