Inter Kashi Announce Three Footballers
Inter Kashi are set to make their ISL debut this season and the club is leaving no stone unturned to make a strong first impression. They now signed three experienced Indian stars Nishu Kumar, Jayesh Rane and Seimenlen Doungel. Needless to say, the team is determined not to compromise on performance in their maiden campaign. Inter Kashi have already begun shaping their squad in earnest while the ISL fixture list is yet to be announced . Both Nishu Kumar and Jayesh Rane bring considerable ISL experience to the table. Nishu was part of Bengaluru FC’s title-winning squad. Previously, has also represented big names like East Bengal and Kerala Blasters. Inter Kashi have now roped him in to add solidity and leadership to their setup. Jayesh Rane, meanwhile, has won the ISL title with clubs such as Mumbai City FC, ATK, and Chennaiyin FC. Inter Kashi are keen to tap into that winning mentality as they prepare for their debut season. The signings of these three players have already created a buzz in the footballing circuit. While the club is also in the process of scouting and finalising their foreign recruits. Inter Kashi are expected to announce the names of their overseas signings in the coming days.
‘Unreasonable and Unrealistic’; Bangladesh Controversy Takes A New Turn
The controversy surrounding Bangladesh’s participation in the T20 World Cup is intensifying with each passing day. In a recent interview, Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, when asked about their stance on the ‘deadline and potential replacement’, he expressed grimly that the country will not budge from their decision. In a recent press conference, Nazrul stated, “We can’t be forced to play in India with unreasonable and unrealistic pressure. Haven’t heard formally that they will exclude us and take Scotland instead. If ICC bows to BCCI and puts pressure on us, if they put unrealistic demands, we will not accept. There have been examples where India has refused to travel to Pakistan, and the ICC changed the venue. We have asked for a venue change for a logical reason. They can’t force us to play in India by exerting undue and unreasonable pressure”. The ICC, after a few rounds of discussion, has given Bangladesh a deadline of “21st January” to finalise its decision. The situation further escalated when a few reports suggested that the team could be excluded by ICC while Scotland could potentially replace them in the tournament. The apex body has given an ultimatum to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to find their final stature for the tournament. It is rumoured that if Bangladesh refuses to play in India, the ICC is likely to name a replacement for the team, as per the current ranking chart, Scotland has the highest possibility. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on 7th February. Bangladesh is scheduled to start their campaign on 7th against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Ro-Ko To Face a Grade B Drop After BCCI’s Central Contract Revamp
Virat and Rohit may face a significant financial loss after a major overhaul of the BCCI contract system. The apex body of cricket is making headlines for another groundbreaking decision after their ODI loss against the Kiwis. As reported by ANI, India’s selection committee head, Ajit Agarkar, recently proposed rescinding the A+ category designation. The A+ categories will be effectively merged into the broader A category. If the Apex Council approves of this proposal, the new structure will be introduced with only three tiers, A, B and C, respectively. This decision will come with a dismissal note for the Rs 7 Crore bracket of the Indian team, which is enjoyed by Kohli, Rohit, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. With this revamped framework, Kohli and Rohit are expected to transition to Grade B. A strategic implication stemming from the cricketer’s shift to being ODI-exclusive players following their departure from Test cricket. The apex board is yet to discuss the final meeting on this financial slab. The current slab remains unchanged, with a static structure of Rs 5 crore for Category A, Rs 3 crore for Category B, and Rs 1 crore for Category C, excluding match fees. Usually, BCCI proposes the contract change around February or March; the process will be a little advanced this year after the tragic defeats in the ODI and Test Series. According to the reports, the model promotes flexibility. It opened windows for the promotions. Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, most certainly will be placed in the top tier. Also, the multi-format cricketers like Arshdeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel and Harshit Rana will be open for growth as well. On the other hand, the two Bengal bowlers, Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar, might be excluded from the BCCI 2025-26 central contract. As Shami hasn’t appeared donning a blue jersey since March, while Mukesh’s last match was in July 2024.
Nation’s Top Pole Vaulters Dislodged From Train for ‘Unauthorised Luggage’
The nation’s elite pole vaulters, Dev Meena and Kuldeep Yadav, were dislodged from a train and stranded for hours after for carrying ‘authorised luggage’ at Panvel Railway Station. India aims to host the 2036 Olympics while their own athletes face distress and insult every step off the field. While travelling to Bhopal following the All India Inter-University Athletics Championships in Bengaluru, the duo encountered an issue. A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) flagged their pole vault poles, which are specialised, five-metre-long equipment costing nearly Rs 2 lakh each, deeming the essential gear “unauthorised luggage”. This incident following the fragile sports equipment sparked outrage among people, questioning their readiness to host elite events like the 2036 Olympics. At the station the athletes were dislodged while their clarifications and pleas to talk to senior officers remained dead to the ears. The offer to pay an immediate fine was dismissed as well. In a video shared by NNIS Sports, Dev Meena, the national record holder, sagely stated, “We have been kept waiting here for four to five hours. If this is happening to us, what should I expect for my juniors?” Their impasse lasted long enough to miss the connecting train. While eventually, through thorough negotiation, the athletes were allowed to board a train, it came with serious conditions. They were admonished that even a single complaint from the passengers could cause serious action for them. It goes without saying, a pole is non-negotiable for the pole vaulters. Unlike a bat or racquet, a pole is custom-made for the athlete’s weight and jump height. The gold winner in Bengaluru, Kuldeep Yadav, conveyed his frustrations, stating, “The same problem occurs in flights, the same problem occurs in trains. Where will the athlete go? We need space to travel. Even if it costs us money, we will pay for it, but our equipment must be carried properly.” Meena further stated, “Everyone expects us to qualify for the Asian Games,” Meena noted. “But we have finished the game now. We are just sitting here waiting to see if anyone can help us.” The incident further exposed the glaring apathetic condition of the athletes in this country. While the elite sports enjoy all the limelight, these voices die out of trend.
