Who will be the ISL league commissioner? Still no answer
The Indian Super League is set to start on 14th February. The definitive timetable is about to be revealed. The name of the broadcaster has been revealed, but who will serve as the league commissioner? Three names have been circulating. Chirag Tanna, Sunando Dhar, and Anil Kumar are the individuals. Despite the fact that all three are dodging this question.However, it’s been learned that All India Football Federation had planned to propose Anil Kumar for this role. Once Anil Kumar became the general secretary of AIFF, the Delhi High Court stayed the appointment that time. But this time again his name is on board. Is this a coincidence or is something else going on inside the federation? However, Anil Kumar denies this. He says, “It’s all rumors; there will be nothing happening like this. I did not receive any proposal like this. Everyone will be informed of the name within a few days. I am busy with other work now.” On the other hand, the same story is for Chirag Tanna and Sunando Dhar. It’s been heard that AIFF asked them for this post. Chirag Tanna and Sunando Dhar both of them got the same proposal for ISL League Commissioner Position. But both of them rejected this. When we contacted Chirg Tanna, he straightforwardly denied all the matter. He also says there is no proposal from the federation. Chirag Tanna says, “These are all rumors. I won’t get anything like this, and I also have not applied for anything. Rumors are spreading.” Now the question is who will be the ISL league commissioner. As the league will start on 14th of this month. It means there is only 10 days in hand. Everyone is waiting for this moment.
Bengal’s Santosh Trophy Title Defence Ends in Quarterfinal Heartbreak
Bengal’s Santosh Trophy campaign ended in disappointment as the defending champions were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Services on penalties. Sanjoy Sen’s side went down 3–2 in the tie-breaker after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time. It was a night marked by poor finishing, sloppy football, and missed chances problems that ultimately proved fatal. Even two crucial saves by substitute goalkeeper Gaurab Shaw in the shootout could not prevent Bengal’s exit. Sanjoy Sen had anticipated a tough contest. Services had scraped through the group stage and then stunned Kerala to reach the quarterfinals. A team that survives like that often becomes dangerous—and Bengal found that out the hard way. From the opening minutes, Services pressed aggressively and unsettled Bengal. Bengal’s first real chance arrived in the 19th minute through a move down the left flank, but it failed to produce a goal. In midfield, Tanmay Das and Chaku Mandi struggled to assert control. Loose passes and poor ball retention repeatedly handed momentum to Services. Just before halftime, Services found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The first half ended scoreless, though Bengal looked far from comfortable. In the second half, Sen brought on Bijoy Murmu in place of Akash Hembrom to inject pace on the wings. While that change brought some movement, Services stayed compact at the back. Ravi looked increasingly isolated up front. Bengal stayed in the game largely because of goalkeeper Somnath Dutta, who made several timely interventions off his line. However, the moment that summed up Bengal’s night came in the dying minutes of regulation time. Ravi’s low cross from the right beat the entire Services defence. Sayan Bandyopadhyay arrived unmarked at the far post, with the goal wide open. Shockingly, he blasted the ball over the bar. Extra time followed the same pattern. Services attacked relentlessly, and Bengal survived through desperate defending. At the 100-minute mark, Chaku Mandi made a crucial goal-line clearance that could have ended the contest. Services’ poor finishing, combined with Bengal’s last-ditch defence, kept the score level. Ahead of the shootout, Bengal replaced Somnath with Gaurab Shaw. The move nearly paid off. Gaurab saved two penalties. But Bengal’s shooters failed him. Chaku Mandi and Karan Rai missed early, and when Narhari Shrestha failed to convert the final kick, the outcome was sealed. Services won the tie-breaker 3–2. Bengal’s dream of defending the Santosh Trophy was over undone by missed chances, lack of composure, and a night when nothing went right in front of goal.
PCB Fails To Accumulate Support Over India Dispute
Pakistan’s attempt to boycott the February 15 World Cup match against India has collapsed. No international cricket board has supported the move. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now stands isolated. Despite public statements from the Pakistan government, the PCB has not formally approached the ICC. It has quietly reached out to other boards instead. The response has been blunt. Not one board has backed Pakistan. The consensus is clear. Pakistan has no legal standing to boycott the match. The move, framed as solidarity with Bangladesh, is being seen as a manufactured crisis. The PCB’s position is further weakened by contradictions. Pakistan’s Under-19 team recently played India in the U19 World Cup. There was no protest. No boycott. More tellingly, the Pakistan Women’s A team is still scheduled to play India A on 15th February. The match will take place in Bangkok during the Rising Stars Asia Cup. There are no plans to withdraw. Security arguments have also failed. The men’s World Cup match will be played in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is a neutral venue. Bangladesh’s security concerns about travelling to India do not apply here. The PCB now has no allies. The ICC has already warned of long-term sanctions. Other boards have reminded Pakistan that selective participation goes against the spirit of global sport. If the boycott goes ahead, the cost will be heavy. Financial penalties could cross $38 million. World Cup points could be forfeited. Suspension is also possible. There is still time to step back. But without a course correction, Pakistan cricket risks serious and lasting damage.
