Mohun Bagan Take Step Against AIFF over Anwar Ali Dispute
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has already approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the Anwar Ali issue. Now, the club has also named the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in its list of respondents before CAS. Along with East Bengal and Delhi FC, now the elite club has included the AIFF to the list. Last year MBSG approached FIFA over alleged violations of transfer regulation as Anwar Ali moved from Mohun Bagan to East Bengal. The apex body instructed the federation to resolve the matter. However, AIFF failed to resolve the crisis so far. Following this, the green marron brigade has now moved CAS, holding East Bengal, Anwar Ali, Delhi FC, and the AIFF responsible in the case. The respondents have been given a 10-day window to appoint their respective arbitrators. Anwar Ali’s sudden transfer to East Bengal led to significant controversy. The development was even taken up by the federation’s appeals committee. However, no final decision has been announced so far. Meanwhile, a new committee has been formed within the federation. With confidence in the AIFF steadily eroding, the Mariners now sought help from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
‘India is up against history’, says Rohit before the T20 World Cup
Hitman reminded Indian players of T20 history for no consecutive wins. ICC has chosen Rohit Sharma as a brand ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The skipper with back-to-back World Cup triumphs was featured in a promotional campaign. In one such advertisement, he reflects on the history of the T20 World Cup while extending his best wishes to Team India. He has also been seen speaking emotionally about the tournament on the official broadcaster’s platform. In the video, Rohit stated, “Australia, England, and South Africa – apart from these teams, India will also be up against history this time. History says that no defending champion has ever won the T20 World Cup twice in a row. History says no team has won the trophy on home soil. History also says no team has lifted the trophy three times. But this is not a history class; it’s the cricket field. This time, we will defeat history and repeat history.” The video went viral like wildfire. As Rohit shared the advertisement on his Instagram account. One fan commented, “India’s king, Rohit Sharma.” Another wrote, “This is the Hitman class.” It is worth noting that Rohit Sharma has been immensely successful as a captain in limited-overs cricket. India narrowly missed out on the 2023 ODI World Cup. He led the team to glory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Hitman is also regarded as one of the greatest T20 batters of all time. Over the years he has secured a record six T20 international centuries, more than any other player. On another channel, Rohit stated, “Watching the T20 World Cup from home will be a strange experience. I have played in every T20 World Cup since the first edition. This time, I’ll be watching from the stands. It’s an unusual feeling. You truly understand what retirement means when you’re not part of a World Cup. Watching from the stadium will be completely different. It will definitely be a unique experience.”
Shashi Tharoor Lauds ‘Friend’ Gambhir Amidst ODI Loss Fire
The renowned Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded Gambhir after their meeting. He hailed him as “the man with the toughest job after the PM”. The coach later on thanked the politician for his words. Tweeting back to Tharoor’s post on X, Gambhir wrote, “Thanks a lot, Dr @ShashiTharoor! When the dust settles, truth & logic about a coach’s supposedly “unlimited authority” will become clear. Till then, I’m amused at being pitted against my own, who are the very best!” Tharoor recently took to his social media and described Gambhir as someone entrusted with a very demanding and crucial role for the country. Referring to the coach as his old friend, he stated, “In Nagpur, I enjoyed a good and frank discussion with my old friend Gautam Gambhir, the man with the hardest job in India after the PM!” Further expressing his scepticism about Gambhir’s position, he wrote, “He is being second-guessed by millions daily but stays calm and walks on undaunted.” He praised Gambhir’s composed approach under pressure. Tharoor, moreover, praised Gambhir for his leadership style, wishing him success in the long run. “A word of appreciation for his quiet determination and able leadership. Wishing him all success, starting today,” he added. The five-match T20I series against the Kiwis started on a good note. India leads the series 1-0 after securing a 48-run win in the opening fixture. As a key buildup to the T20 World Cup starting February 7, the series continues this Friday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
