India Script World Record While Stunning Afganistan in U-19 World Cup
Aaron George produced a stunning century as India stormed into the ICC U-19 World Cup final with a record chase of 311 against Afghanistan in the second semi-final in Harare. Chasing a stiff target, George anchored the innings with a fluent 115 off 104 balls before falling in the 40th over. India completed the chase in just 41.1 overs and will now face England in Friday’s final. The chase was powered by an explosive start from Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He smashed 68 off just 33 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. His assault took India to 90 runs inside the first 10 overs and eased early pressure. Captain Ayush Mhatre played a calm and crucial role in the middle, scoring 62 to keep the chase on track. Earlier, Afghanistan posted a strong 310 for 4. Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada both struck commanding centuries, pushing India under pressure heading into the chase. After the match, Mhatre said, “Afghanistan started very well with the bat. Our bowlers did well in the middle overs, but they got away from us in the last ten. Our message was simple—play our natural game.” He added, “The wicket was very good, a flat surface. We knew that if we played naturally, the target was manageable.” Speaking about Suryavanshi’s impact, the skipper said, “He played a massive role. Getting 90 runs in the first 10 overs released all the pressure and made things easier for everyone else.” India’s 311 is their highest successful chase in U-19 World Cup history. While it was heartbreak for Afghanistan, reaching the semi-finals remains a significant milestone for a team that continues to rise at both senior and junior levels. India now face England in the final, with both sides unbeaten and chasing the U-19 world crown.
“Human life is the only thing we have”; Pep Guardiola Opens Up About the Violence Against Human
Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, recently spoke out against the human rights violence and injustice among the nations in a press conference. He further made a plea to halt this heinous injustice against human lives just months before the FIFA World Cup. The manager explored more than just football before Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final press conference. He made a remarkable and brave gesture, calling out the global tragedies and expressing his distress over the atrocious shooting of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota during an immigration enforcement operation. “Look what happened in the United States of America, Renee Good and Alex Pretti have been killed,” Guardiola stated. “Never, ever in the history of humanity have we had the information in front of our eyes watching more clearly than now.” The 55-year-old further explored the conflicts and streak of losing lives around the world. “The genocide in Palestine, what happened in Ukraine, what happened in Russia, what happened all around the world, in Sudan, everywhere,” he said, referring to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. “What happened in front of us? Do you want to see it? It’s our problems as human beings. It’s our problems.” Turning back to the Minnesota shootings, Guardiola asked how such acts could be justified. “Look what happened in the United States of America, Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed. Tell me how you can defend that,” he said. “When I see the images, I am sorry, it hurts. That is why in every position I can help speak up to be a better society, I will try and will be there. All the time. It is for my kids, my family, for you.” He also claimed that society is not perfect. However, the responsibility lay with everyone. “There is no perfect society, nowhere is perfect, I am not perfect, we have to work to be better.” Guardiola also pointed to Pretti’s profession to emphasize the human cost of the incident. “A nurse, NHS. Imagine the NHS. Five, six people around him, go on the grass and 10 shots,” he said, referring to Pretti, who worked as an intensive care nurse at a US Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. “Tell me how you can defend that?” The City manager’s remarks followed a question about refereeing decisions but extended well beyond football. They came just days after Guardiola attended a rally in Barcelona supporting Palestinian children. He was present at the event on Thursday night and did not attend a scheduled media conference in Manchester the following day, with assistant Pep Lijnders stepping in to fulfil media duties ahead of Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. Guardiola said he felt a personal responsibility to speak out. “Protecting the human being and human life is the only thing we have,” he said. “Not just in these parts of the world, but every part of the world. “What is happening right now, with the technologies and advances that we have, humanity is better than ever in terms of possibilities. We can reach the moon; we can do everything. But still, right now, we kill each other. For what? For what?” He concluded by reaffirming his resolve to use his platform to call for change. “When I see the images, I am sorry, it hurts me. That is why in every position I can help by speaking up to be a better society, I will try and will be there.”
Ananya Bangar, EX-Cricket’s Child To Undergo Gender-Affirming Surgery
Ananya Bangar, the former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar’s daughter, is heading towards a gender-affirming surgery in March. Ananya, who is also a cricketer, has publicly shared her transformation story. She has been a staunch trans-rights advocate and now expressed that she has the support of her parents. The coach will bear the cost of surgery. Ananya recently, in an interview with Times of India, stated, “I will be undergoing gender-affirming surgery (vaginoplasty) in March. Fashion designer Saisha Shinde and actress Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, who have also undergone the procedure, guided me. I’ll be having the surgery at the same clinic in Thailand, where I’ll need to stay for at least a month. After that, I’ll have to rest for a while. I won’t be able to play cricket for at least six months, but I’m glad this is finally happening.” “I’ve waited for this moment for five years. This is who I am. I never felt aligned with the gender I was born with. The decision to undergo the gender-affirming surgery came after years of therapy, medical evaluations and deep self-reflection. I went through extensive psychological and medical assessments to ensure I’m ready,” she added. “I’ve waited for this moment for five years. This is who I am. I never felt aligned with the gender I was born with. The decision to undergo the gender-affirming surgery came after years of therapy, medical evaluations and deep self-reflection. I went through extensive psychological and medical assessments to ensure I’m ready,” she added. Previously, she discussed with her father that she doesn’t see a future in cricket. However, she will continue her journey as an advocate for the inclusion of transgender athletes in the international stage of cricket. She expressed, “I received immense support from people and was in a better place financially, too. My father saw people taking pictures with me, standing by me and respecting me. Both my parents realised this wasn’t a phase. They saw that I was serious about my life and my choices.” “I believe that’s what led them to come around and offer me full support. My father is bearing the complete expenses of my surgery. At one point, I was completely on my own in the UK, and there is still a lot of stigma around LGBTQ+ people within families. I hope that by speaking out and by my family supporting me, it will help other trans women. It could make these conversations easier in someone else’s home. In a country where conversations around gender identity are still difficult within families, my parents’ support means everything.”
Ronaldo Might Walk Away From Al Nassr Over Financial Issue
Cristiano Ronaldo, is reportedly rethinking his future in Saudi Arabia amid concerns over the level of financial support Al Nassr receive compared to rival clubs in the Saudi Pro League. A Sky Sports News report claims the star forward is dissatisfied with the club’s management. A situation that led to him missing Al Nassr’s match against Al Riyadh. The striker allegedly feels Al Nassr are at a disadvantage and doesn’t receive the same financial backing as its rivals. Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad are all owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF. The 40-year-old striker believes that his club is not receiving the same financial backing as the other three clubs, which are owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, including Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad. The striker is also frustrated by Al Hilal’s transfer activity. He is unsatisfied with Al Hilal signing Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad. In contrast, Al Nassr made only one signing in the January window. They brought in Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem. Al Hilal currently lead the Saudi Pro League by just one point over Al Nassr. Ronaldo wants to win the Saudi title for the first time. He had hoped his club would strengthen the squad during the transfer window. The report adds that Ronaldo believes PIF prioritises its other clubs. Saudi football is now open to private investors. Notably, Benzema’s move to Al Hilal was not funded by the SPL or PIF. The transfer was backed by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. Senior Saudi officials have urged Cristiano Ronaldo to end his strike and return to action for Al Nassr, expressing surprise at his unhappiness despite earning around £500,000 per day. They are keen for him to play in the key title clash against Al Ittihad. Ronaldo still has 18 months left on his contract, which includes a £43 million release clause, and he continues to enjoy full backing from Saudi Arabia. The report adds that Al Nassr were inactive in the January transfer window after already spending close to £100 million this season.
Mizoram Govt. To Help Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC For I-League
The Mizoram government has stepped in to support Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC for the 2025–26 I-League. Both clubs were unable to meet the participation fee deadline on their own. They have informed the All India Football Federation and sought an extension to complete the payment process. Eligible clubs were asked to deposit around ₹20 lakh by February 2. Ten clubs have confirmed their participation. Eight of them have already paid the required amount. Last season’s runners-up Churchill Brothers have not confirmed participation. Churchill Brothers continue to maintain that they deserve promotion to the Indian Super League. This is despite losing their case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The verdict awarded the I-League title and promotion to Inter Kashi. Churchill have made it clear they will not play in the second division. Chanmari president Vanlalruatfamkima expressed this to AIFF deputy secretary general Satyanarayan M. “We are writing to confirm our participation in this season’s I-League, with our participation fee to be paid by the State Government of Mizoram,” It further stated, “We are pleased to inform you that we have successfully secured the commitment of our Honourable Sports Minister, Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar, who has agreed to pay the participation fee on behalf of our club through the State Government.” Aizawl FC and Chanmari FC had earlier informed AIFF about their financial difficulties. On the deadline day, they approached the Mizoram government for support. The state government gave verbal assurance of financial assistance. The matter was communicated to AIFF. The federation accepted the request for an extended timeline. The delay was allowed due to standard government administrative procedures. Both clubs are expected to receive similar financial assistance. The amount is likely to be between ₹20 lakh and ₹25 lakh each. The support is expected to be a one-time measure. It is not intended to set a precedent. This will be the first time two clubs from Mizoram will compete in the I-League. The move is aimed at ensuring Mizo players continue to get national-level exposure. Clubs will still have to manage other expenses. The upcoming season will not offer the usual subsidy of around ₹50 lakh. The delayed start has increased the financial burden. The league is expected to kick off on February 21. Mizoram had 47 players in the I-League last season. This accounted for nearly 15 percent of the total Indian player pool. The number was expected to rise significantly this season with the addition of Chanmari FC. The state also contributed 37 players to the ISL in 2024–25. It supplied around 34 players to I-League 2 last season. Mizoram continues to be a major talent hub for Indian football. The I-League will be played in a single-leg home-and-away format. AIFF is also considering a new club-oriented ownership structure. A proposal to rebrand the competition as the Indian Football League is under discussion. AIFF is yet to decide on relegation from the previous season. The disciplinary committee has not taken a final call on the matter.
