MCG turns into a sea of white-and-red! England win after 14 years on Australian soil
The Melbourne Cricket Ground turned into a sea of white and red on Sunday as England fans, consisting of the ever-vocal Barmy Army, finally had a moment they had waited more than a decade for. Songs echoed across the stands, flags fluttered in every corner, and chants drowned out the home crowd as England sealed a long-overdue Test victory on Australian soil, after 14 years. The Barmy Army finally had reason to celebrate. England completed a four-wicket win in the fourth Test at Melbourne, chasing down a tricky target of 175 and triggering scenes of jubilation among travelling supporters at the MCG. For a fan base known for unwavering loyalty, this was catharsis. Across two days, more than 186,000 fans packed into the iconic venue, and while the crowd was largely Australian, England’s travelling support made itself heard at every crucial moment. The green-top wicket once again raised questions as Australia faced the music, failing to survive against the English bowlers on a bowlers’-friendly pitch. At the same time, England’s batters showed clarity and intent. Although the pitch already shown its volatility, England reached the total in just 32.2 overs, registering their first successful fourth-innings chase in Australia since 1962 and their first Test win in the country since 2011. The match ended inside two days, the second such finish of the series, with 36 wickets falling across the contest. With only 13 days of cricket played so far in the Ashes, pitch conditions have become a major talking point. England have at least avoided a whitewash. As the focus shifts to Sydney, Australia will aim to close out the series 4-1, while England, buoyed by belief and the voice of the Barmy Army, will look to finish the tour on a high.
Virat and Rohit’s earnings from the Vijay Hazare Trophy are nearly Rs 1 Lakh per match!
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy has added a fresh layer of interest to the domestic white-ball competition. The presence of the veteran duo, however, has seen fans’ interest peak in the structure of the tournament and the way it functions. Both Kohli and Rohit remain contracted players of the BCCI. According to a national media report, their earnings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy have been revealed. Although it cannot be compared to their earnings in the IPL, both the greats are earning nearly Rs 1 Lakh per match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The players’ salaries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy are fixed. The primary metric is the number of List-A matches (domestic one-day games) a player has featured in. The players who are in the senior category, having played more than 40 List-A matches, are paid Rs 60,000 per match. The cricketers who are in the reserve list of the respective squads get Rs 30,000 per match. In the current season, Kohli, representing Delhi, and Rohit, representing Mumbai, earn exactly the same as any other domestic veteran. Because both have surpassed the 40-match threshold, they receive Rs 60,000 per match. But, additionally, the cricketers can increase their earnings in the Vijay Hazare from daily allowance for travel, food, and accommodation during the tournament, and also from performance bonuses, while man-of-the-match awards usually carry a cash prize of Rs 10,000.
Amorim changes formation for the first time in 13 months! Manchester United earn a Christmas present
Manchester United coach Ruben made jokes in September that even Pope would not be able to persuade him to change the team’s style of play. But for the first time since he took charge 13 months ago, he fielded a back four and Manchester United earned a Christmas present with a 1-0 victory against Newcastle United to advance to the fifth position in the Premier League table. Patrick Dorgu struck the winner in the first half. The victory was achieved with 33.4% possession, their lowest share of possession in any game this season. It was United’s lowest percentage of possession in a victory since the 29.4% they had when beating Manchester City in January 2023. Despite the low possession, United managed nine shots at Old Trafford, while Newcastle recorded 16. The visitors also had 43 touches in United’s box, compared to Amorim’s men, who could manage only 15. The host has 29 points after 18 matches, with the rest of? The next matches are to be played on Saturday and Sunday, while Newcastle is 11th with 23 points. “Yes,” was the unequivocal reply when asked whether this was one of the most satisfying wins in his stressed 13 months as the chief coach of the team. He also explained, “The feeling is good. If you compare to other matches, we suffered so much more today, but in certain moments we put everything on the line. We are defending every cross. Especially if you see the second half, sometimes we managed to defend with a back six,” explained Amorim. He added, “We had many matches where we controlled the opponent much better, but it is a good feeling to have a clean sheet. We suffered together, and if we always have this spirit, we are going to win more matches.”
Sukhen Dey dies only at 35 on Friday!
Sukhen Dey, a left-back who earned prominence, wearing Prayag United SC (Now United Sports) in 2011 and played regularly for the team for three consecutive seasons, died of a massive heart attack on Friday on duty at his Eastern Railway office. His age was only 35 years! Sukhen made his debut in the I-League against Sporting Clube De Goa in 2011, and then he did not look back. In the next three seasons, the defender participated in 26 first-class matches for the team. Then Sukhen switched over to Mohun Bagan’s I-League-winning squad in 2014-2015. They had played under the guidance of Sanjoy Sen in both United SC and Mohun Bagan in 2014-15. The grief-stricken coach, while remembering Dey, said on Friday, “I am stunned. He was very thin, not at all like a typical defender in appearance. But under my guidance in United SC, Sukhen had a tremendous performance against East Bengal in a match. The Australian forward, Tolgey Ozbey, was made ‘completely disabled’ by Sukhen. He stopped Tolgey’s down-the-flanks run. Sukhen had an excellent sense of the game.” Nabab Bhattacharya, also stunned with the news, said, “He played for us from the youth level. He was scouted by late Subhas Bhowmick. We were amazed to have seen his football sense despite lacking a typical defender’s physique.”
Borja Herrera leaves FC Goa due to uncertainty over ISL
Borja Herrera Gonzalez announced his exit from Goa’s ISL club FC Goa on Friday. The Spanish midfielder spent two-and-a-half seasons with the club. Borja, also the club captain, said the situation has become too anxious for him and his family, and the people in charge have pushed him to make this decision, clearly hinting at the dire straits Indian football finds itself in and the uncertainty over the Indian Super League (ISL).’ ‘Before I leave, I want to thank each and every person at this club, my wonderful teammates who are more than that—they’re my friends—and all the fans who have always shown me their support and respect,” Borja said in an Instagram post. “I’m leaving with a heavy heart because I’ve enjoyed these last two years immensely, through the good times and the bad, like these last few months where I’ve truly seen what it means to have a team that’s like a family, and who, despite the problems, have tried to come to training every day with a smile. “My family and I have been very happy, and we’re taking away many unforgettable memories of Goa. All that’s left for me to say is thank you again, and I’ll always carry you in my heart,” Borja added.
Resumption of the ISL sees a ray of hope as AIFF floats 20-year proposal to ISL clubs
The AIFF has designed a 20-season plan for the Indian Super League (ISL), in which competing clubs must pay a Rs 1 Crore participation fee under an ‘open model’, inclusive of promotion and relegation. AIFF, as well as the clubs, feel this framework could be strong and can protect the interests of both parties. Though owned and operated by AIFF as mandated in its Supreme Court-approved constitution, governance of the league would rest on a board formed with approval from its general body that would enjoy “certain operational autonomy over commercial matters”, addressing concerns over financial viability and salability. “The jurisdiction of the board would be limited to the utilization of unrestricted funds within the yearly operational budget earmarked for the same,” it was written in the AIFF document shared with clubs. Clubs displayed no reservations on the idea of a governing board, details of which would be worked out in due course. In a meeting attended by all 13 ISL clubs for the first year, the operational budget is estimated at approximately Rs 70 crore, with AIFF’s fixed revenue share being 10 per cent, with a yearly contribution of Rs 7 crore, which they will invest in their youth leagues. Clubs are entitled to 50 per cent of shares, contributing Rs 35 crore to the general revenue pool, while the commercial partner will commit Rs 21 crore. The remaining 10 per cent share is earmarked for club allocation for ‘fixed revenue share’, amounting to Rs 7 crore, which will proceed towards the general revenue pool. Clubs are willing to consider it and would engage in internal discussions to go through the nitty-gritty of operational expenses, salary cap, and protection of investment before engaging with AIFF again on December 29 to iron out the details. They would also meet a day before to finalise one among the condensed models that AIFF has presented for the stalled 2025-26 edition. In that case, the tentative kick-off of the ISL this season might take place on 5th February. Clubs had earlier proposed to AIFF a cumulative Rs 10 crore per year for perpetual ownership of the League, which was turned down by its general body after AIFF had sought discussions on joint-organisation. If hand-shakes between the clubs and the AIFF happen finally happen on December 29, AIFF needs to get it ratified in its general meeting then place the proposal before the ministry for approval from the Court, possibly on 5th January when it resumes after the winter break., clubs had a good feeling when they spoke to AIFF’s three-member committee specifically formed to find a way through on 24th December.
Virat dominates in second-match also in VHT, misses second consecutive ton!
Star India batter Virat Kohli missed a second consecutive century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. He was dismissed for 77 off 61 deliveries against Gujarat on Friday at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru. Kohli had entered the match following a solid hundred in the first match against Andhra. Kohli walked to the crease early as opener Priyansh Arya got dismissed in the second over by CT Gaja. He did not take time to settle and was seen in a scintillating mood, flashing his willow all round, and started his innings with a flurry of boundaries. He moves to 30s off just 16 balls, striking at over 190. Kohli brought up his half-century in just 29 deliveries as Arpit Rana struggled at the other end. However, as wickets fell at the other end with Arpit (10) and Nitish Rana (12 off 22) departing cheaply, Kohli had to bide his time at the crease. As a result, he had to slow down after completing his fifty, as Delhi desperately needed him to stay at the crease. He was eventually dismissed for 77 (61), losing his wicket against CT Gaja. Kohli smashed 13 fours and a six during his entertaining innings, leaving everyone at the ground enthralled.
Rohit Sharma departs for a golden duck in the second match after 100 against Sikkim!
Former India cricket team captain Rohit Sharma had to return to the pavilion with a golden duck in Mumbai’s second round match in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, against Uttarakhand on Friday. The Hitman, who announced his return to the domestic 50-over tournament after over a decade earlier this week, lasted for just one delivery before he was sent packing. Uttarakhand won the toss and opted to field first in the game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday. Opening the innings for Mumbai, Rohit was caught out by Jagmohan Nagarkoti off Bora in the final delivery of the very first over. The Hitman was dismissed while attempting his favorite pull shot off the bowler. Fans, who had queued up at the stadium since 6 AM on Friday, were left disappointed by his early dismissal. In the first round match against Sikkim, Rohit Sharma showed his dominance, scoring 155 off only 94 deliveries, delighting the crowd at SMS in Jaipur. As a result, the target of 237 runs was chased down in just 30.3 overs. The former Indian captain hammered bowlers with utter disdain, slamming 18 fours and 9 huge sixes.
Sreebhumi FC take sweet revenge, defeating Gokulam Kerala FC in their IWL opener
Shreebhumi FC started their campaign in their second edition of the Indian Women’s League (IWL) in style, trouncing Gokulam Kerala FC 4-0 at Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday. Grace Dangmei struck twice while Rimpa Halder and Anju Chanu scored one each for the winners. Shreebhumi lost to Gokulam Kerala FC in their opening match of the IWL last season. The team’s Technical Director, Shukla Dutta, however, said, “First match is always a tough game for any team. Considering the perspective, our performance today was satisfactory, although we missed more chances. Rimpa was consistent throughout.” The club is now waiting for its two Ghanaian footballers, a striker and a defender, who can bolster the team in their forthcoming matches. The foreigners are expected to arrive within a couple of days and join the team before their next match on 27th December. In another match of the day, NITA FA humbled debutant SESA FA 6-1. India international Pyari Xaxa, who joined the team only three days ago, struck the hat-trick while Amiratu scored twice and Bhumika scored one for the winners.
Uncertainty may force City Football Group to leave the Mumbai franchise!
Amidst the uncertainty looming over the resumption of the ISL this season, City Football Group, a global conglomerate that owns EPL club Manchester City and ISL, is reportedly planning to leave Mumbai City FC, according to a report from Khel Now. According to reports, once the process is completed, Mumbai City FC will return to full ownership under Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and businessman Bimal Parekh. It is learnt that City Football Group (CFG) is withdrawing from Mumbai City FC due to ongoing uncertainty in Indian football. CFG’s decision to step away is another major blow to Indian football at a time when the ISL’s future itself remains unclear. With no confirmed league calendar, unresolved commercial arrangements, and continued governance deadlock, the exit of one of the world’s most influential football ownership groups sends a worrying message to investors, sponsors, and clubs alike. City Football Group entered Indian football in November 2019 after acquiring a 65 percent stake in Mumbai City FC. Their arrival marked a clear shift in ambition and structure at the club. Under CFG, Mumbai City adopted a more professional, data-driven approach to recruitment and operations. The results were immediate. In the 2020–21 season, Mumbai City created history by winning both the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup, the first club to achieve the double in a single season. City Football Group entered Indian football in November 2019 after acquiring a 65 percent stake in Mumbai City FC. Their arrival marked a clear shift in ambition and structure at the club. Under CFG, Mumbai City adopted a more professional, data-driven approach to recruitment and operations. The results were immediate. In the 2020–21 season, Mumbai City created history by winning both the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup, the first club to achieve the double in a single season. The success did not stop there. Mumbai City lifted another League Winners’ Shield in the 2022–23 season after an unprecedented 18-match unbeaten run. On the continental stage, the club also became the first Indian team to win the AFC Champions League match, a landmark moment for Indian club football.
