East Bengal Signs Danish Striker Anton Søjberg as Sixth Foreign Player
East Benga FC has completed its sixth foreign signing just four days before the ISL begins. The club has officially signed Danish striker Anton Søjberg for the upcoming season. Søjberg is a 25-year-old talent who plays primarily as a centre-forward. He joined the Red & Gold Brigade from Monterey Bay FC in the American USL Championship. During his time in the USA, he played 26 matches and scored five goals. The signing formalities are already complete. The club has also initiated his visa application process. If all goes well, the Danish forward will arrive in Kolkata within a few days. Standing at 6’1″, Søjberg brings height and power to the attack. He is expected to partner with Youssef Ezzejjari upfront. Fans are excited to see this new European addition lead the line for the Red & Gold.
Mitchell Marsh Hopeful Even After The Big Three’s Absence
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh backed his side to deliver as they open their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday, despite a difficult build-up to the tournament. The defending champions arrive in Colombo after a 3-0 series loss in Pakistan. They are also without several key players due to injury. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will miss the opener. Steve Smith has also been left out, despite his strong recent form and success against spin. With spin expected to dominate at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Marsh asked his batters to keep things simple and clear. “We certainly want to be positive in the way we go about things,” Marsh said on the eve of the match. “In these conditions, it’s about being really clear on how you’re going to play and responding to what’s in front of you.” “Adaptability has been a big word in our meetings,” he added. “We need to adapt to the situation and get the job done.” Marsh confirmed that Nathan Ellis has recovered from injury and is available for selection. Tim David, however, will miss the match against Ireland. Australia will field a relatively inexperienced pace attack. Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis are both in the mix, with Dwarshuis drafted in as a late replacement for Cummins. Despite the changes, Marsh expressed confidence in the squad. “We’ve built a group of 18 to 20 players over the last year,” he said. “They’ve all had game time and faced different situations. Even if some haven’t played much for Australia, they’ve played plenty of cricket. We trust them to do the job.”
PCB Chief Naqvi Opens Up on India Match Boycott U-Turn
Pakistan Cricket Board chief Mohsin Naqvi faced an uncomfortable moment on Monday when questioned about Pakistan’s decision to withdraw its boycott threat against the India match at the T20 World Cup. A reporter asked Naqvi whether Pakistan had managed to persuade the ICC to meet any of its demands in return for dropping the boycott. The question was posed during the auction of the Pakistan Super League franchise Multan. Naqvi avoided addressing the issue directly. Instead, he repeatedly stressed that the discussions were held in Bangladesh’s interest. “You must have seen Bangladesh’s statement,” Naqvi said. “Bangladesh has requested that Pakistan play the match. Clearly, their issues have been resolved; that is why they made this request.” The meeting took place in Lahore on Sunday. It involved ICC officials, Naqvi, and Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam Bulbul. According to Naqvi, the outcome was always meant to benefit Bangladesh. When pressed further on whether Pakistan had gained anything from the talks, the PCB chief again deflected. “We took a stand for Bangladesh,” he said. “It was their matter. We didn’t do anything for ourselves.” The exchange came just hours before the Pakistan government officially confirmed that the boycott threat had been withdrawn. The senior men’s team was given clearance to face India in their scheduled T20 World Cup clash on 15th February. However, sources told India Today that Pakistan had raised as many as five demands during the meeting with ICC officials. The aim was to resolve the week-long deadlock over the India game. According to the report, the ICC rejected three of those demands. One of them was Pakistan’s push to resume bilateral cricket with India. Despite the denials from the PCB chief, the standoff has ended. Pakistan will now play India as scheduled at the World Cup. With that issue settled, Pakistan stepped back. The government cited the “spirit of cricket” for its decision. It also pointed to appeals from friendly nations such as Sri Lanka and the UAE. Publicly, the language was about sportsmanship. Privately, the numbers told a different story. Industry estimates suggested cancelling the match would have cost around USD 250 million in a single day. The financial hit was simply too big. For the PCB, the situation was stark. The loss from one boycotted game would have been almost seven times its annual operating budget. That made the decision unavoidable. By agreeing to play, Pakistan avoids financial isolation. The ICC, in turn, protects the commercial core of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
‘No Quorum, No Call’: AIFF Executive Meet Collapses Amid Churchill ISL Standoff
The All India Football Federation failed to hold a scheduled executive committee meeting on Monday due to lack of quorum. The meeting was called off after an insufficient number of members logged in. Notices for online attendance were sent barely 24 hours in advance. The request had come from three committee members over the Churchill Brothers FC issue. There are 22 members on the executive panel. At least 12 were required for quorum. Only 10 registered their presence. After waiting for nearly 25 minutes, the federation cancelled the meeting. Key agenda items were left untouched. These included discussions on ISL and I-League governance charters and the proposed rebranding of the I-League as the Indian Football League. All were pushed back. The uncertainty over Churchill Brothers’ demand to play in the ISL remains unresolved. This comes just five days before the league kicks off on February 14. “No quorum, so no meeting,” a source told News9 Sports. “AIFF may have to call another one.” No official reason was given for the absence of members. However, the situation has raised concerns internally. Vice-president NA Harris and treasurer Kipa Ajay were absent without prior notice. Two other members opted out after saying they would accept the majority decision. “This is unprecedented,” said a person familiar with AIFF meetings. “Not even during Covid did this happen. It shows disinterest or frustration.” Churchill push continues Churchill Brothers, runners-up in last season’s I-League, continue to push for ISL inclusion. This is despite losing their case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which confirmed Inter Kashi as champions and promoted them to the ISL. Churchill wrote to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey last week after meeting him in New Delhi. They claimed the matter is still sub judice and insisted on being included in the ISL. The club has reached out to ISL teams, executive committee members and political contacts to strengthen its position. This prompted three committee members to demand a meeting, forcing AIFF to act even after releasing ISL fixtures on February 7. Hours before the meeting, Inter Kashi objected strongly. The club said Churchill were misleading AIFF. “The CAS award is final and enforceable,” Kashi’s lawyers wrote. They pointed out that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court had already dismissed Churchill’s appeal and annulment plea. “There is no legal basis to provisionally include Churchill Brothers in the ISL,” the letter said. The Delhi High Court has also disposed of Churchill’s petition against AIFF. Despite this, a Churchill official remained defiant. “Only I can say, we are in ISL,” he said, without details. Churchill have skipped I-League meetings ahead of the February 21 season start. They are firm on one point. ISL football, or no football at all.
“Surya has made My Life Easier”; Gautam Gambhir remarks on Yadav’s Captaincy
Gautam Gambhir, the Indian head coach, lauded T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav on his leadership. He praised his eased captainship under pressure during the marquee tournament ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Gambhir demonstrated in a video clip shared by Star Sports how the skipper has transformed the greenroom atmosphere. He emphasised how his impact surpasses, “Surya has made my life a lot easier in this format. He is a phenomenal leader of men.” He further opened up about how Yadav’s strength lies in connecting with teammates. “Not by what he does on the field, not by how he is as a batsman… but the way he relates to the players, the way he talks to players, the way he spends time with players,” Gambhir explained. He further added how a relaxed presence can ensure a calm and composed situation under pressure, “any coach can dream of.” India kick-started their World Cup campaign, securing a 29-run win against the USA after an early collapse. “For me, I think Surya the player I can keep him aside but Surya the leader, for me, I think he has ticked every box. He is just a phenomenal leader…,” Gambhir stated. “It’s a great thing when you have someone like him leading the country because his heart is in the right place and he takes the right decision, especially when things are under pressure.” India will now prepare to face Namibia on Thursday.
“Surgery Done Right”; Harshit Rana Gives Massive Update after World Cup Heartbreak
Harshit Rana, the Indian pacer, recently shared his injury update on Monday. He was ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to his knee injury. Rana took to social media and posted his picture after the surgery. He wrote on his Instagram, “Surgery done right, now focused on recovery and getting back to what I love.” After Rana became unavailable for the tournament, Mohammed Siraj took his place in the squad. The pacer adorned the injury during the warm-up game against South Africa. While talking about it the skipper Suryakumar Yadav admitted that the injury did not look good. Later on, ICC’s official site informed through a press release on Friday that, “Siraj, who has played 45 Tests, 50 ODIs and 16 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Rana was ruled out with an injury to his right knee that was sustained during the warm-up game against South Africa on 4 February.”
India Clinch Tough Win From USA In T20 World Cup
India were made to work hard in their opening Group A match of the T20 World Cup. They eventually beat the USA by 29 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. Asked to bat first, India stumbled early. The top order collapsed to 46 for 4 inside the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck by Ali Khan. Shadley van Schalkwyk struck three times in the final over of the powerplay and kept the pressure on the hosts. Suryakumar Yadav held the innings together. He scored an unbeaten 84 off 49 balls. His knock lifted India to 161 for 9 on a tricky, two-paced surface. “I knew some day, it was going to come,” Suryakumar said after the match. “I was trying to hold the innings for the team.” He spoke about the mindset behind his knock. “I always felt there was a need for a batter to bat till the end,” he said. Suryakumar also read the conditions early. “It was not a 180 or 190 wicket. It was more like a 140 wicket,” he said. “I have played a lot of cricket here. I know how to bat on such wickets.” At one stage, India were in deep trouble. “From 77 for 6, one batter had to stay till the end,” he said. “I was just trying to play good shots.” Van Schalkwyk was the standout with the ball. He finished with figures of 4 for 25. USA captain Monank Patel had earlier won the toss and chose to bowl. In reply, the USA never really threatened. India’s bowlers kept things tight and restricted them to 132 for 8.
India Claim SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship Stunning Bangladesh
India thrashed Bangladesh with 4-0 win to reclaim the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship title in Nepal. The breakthrough came early when skipper Julan Nongmaithen found the net, latching onto a through ball from Pritika Barman and finishing with assurance. Alva Devi Senjam played a key role in the move and troubled the defence throughout the match. Soon after the hour mark, Senjam won a penalty. Elizabed Lakra stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 2-0. Bangladesh looked shaken after the goal. India then struck again through high pressing. Pearl Fernandes, one of the tournament’s top scorers, dispossessed goalkeeper Mst Yearzan Begum and slotted the ball into the net. The pressure continued until the final whistle. Late in the game, Senjam delivered a low cross into the box. Anwita Raghuraman guided it home to complete the scoring. India fielded an under-17 squad in the under-19 tournament. The decision was part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup under new head coach Pamela Conti. Earlier, India beat Nepal 1-0 and thrashed Bhutan 8-0 in the group stage. The title win came after two years. It also served as revenge for the earlier 0-2 defeat to Bangladesh in the tournament.
Manchester United Speculated to Bid For RCB Franchise
Manchester United, the elite Premier League club might bid to buy the Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). According to reports United co-owner Avram Glazer has placed bid for RCB. The move comes at a crucial moment for RCB. The franchise finally lifted its maiden IPL trophy in 2025. The win ended a long wait. It also sent the brand’s valuation soaring. Reports say Avram Glazer has placed a bid worth $1.8 billion, around ₹16,300 crore. The offer was made through his investment firm, Lancer Capital. It has instantly put him among the frontrunners in the ownership race. The contest is now drawing global attention, not just interest from India. RCB’s existing owners, Diageo, through United Spirits Ltd, are believed to have explored a sale in November. This came only months after the historic title win. Several parties have shown interest since then. The list reportedly includes up to nine bidders, with Indian pharma tycoon Adar Poonawala among the prominent names. RCB’s long-awaited IPL title in 2025 triggered a strategic rethink at the ownership level. Diageo is believed to have seen the post-title phase as the ideal moment to test the market. With the trophy finally secured, RCB’s brand value has peaked. The franchise now sits at the centre of intense demand. IPL teams are no longer just sporting entities. They are high-value business assets. RCB, with its massive fan base and global appeal, ranks among the league’s most valuable properties. At this stage, Glazer’s proposal is said to be non-binding, with no deal formally sealed. Even so, his bid has reportedly made the cut. It is one of five offers that have been shortlisted. That places Glazer firmly in the next round of talks as the sale process gathers pace.
Pakistan Reconsidering India-Pakistan Match Boycott
The Pakistan Cricket Board is set to consult its government once again over the proposed boycott of the 15th February T20 World Cup match against India in Colombo. The move follows a formal request from Sri Lanka Cricket, which has asked Pakistan to reconsider its stance. The Pakistan government has cleared the national team to take part in the T20 World Cup. However, it has barred the side from playing India. The India–Pakistan clash is the most lucrative fixture for the ICC and broadcasters. Its absence would have major commercial implications. Sri Lanka Cricket has warned that scrapping the marquee match would lead to heavy financial losses. Gate receipts, hospitality revenue, and sponsorship value would all take a hit. SLC has also expressed concern that the tournament’s image in Sri Lanka would suffer, as the island nation is co-hosting the event with India. Pakistan are scheduled to play all their matches in Sri Lanka. Their campaign begins on Saturday against the Netherlands. Other games are split between Colombo and Pallekele. The PCB has acknowledged the importance of Sri Lanka’s appeal. The two countries share strong ties at both government and cricketing levels. For that reason, the request is being treated seriously and not dismissed outright. SLC has directly reached out to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The Sri Lankan board has stressed that it needs Pakistan’s support at this stage. Without matches involving either India or Pakistan, Sri Lanka stands to lose significant additional income from the tournament. Naqvi has indicated that he will place the matter before the Pakistani government. Reports claiming that Pakistan has already rejected Sri Lanka’s request have been denied. The PCB chairman has been travelling and only recently returned to the country. He is expected to brief the Prime Minister on the issue. A final decision on whether to lift the boycott is likely by Monday. The matter also carries recent context. In November, the Sri Lankan government strongly backed Pakistan during a bilateral tour. Despite security concerns raised by some players, Sri Lanka ensured the team completed its white-ball in Pakistan.
