AIFF Governs ISL and I-League Under Completely Different Frameworks
ISL (Indian Super League) and the I-League both are under the jurisdiction of the AIFF. However, there is a stark contrast in how the two leagues are governed and operated. AIFF has maintained completely different rules for I-League. Extended from the exercise of veto power, the federation has adopted completely different frameworks for the two competitions. It has become more evident from the proposed governance structure for the I-League. At present, one of the most debated aspects of the ISL is the extensive veto power held by the AIFF across all major decisions. In contrast, the federation appears far more flexible when it comes to the I-League. In matters such as broadcasting, sponsorship, and commercial rights, I-League clubs will have a shared role alongside the federation. In the ISL, however, all such powers remain firmly with the AIFF. Financial responsibilities also differ sharply. In the I-League, clubs will bear a larger share of operational costs, with 60 percent of the funding coming from the clubs and only 40 percent from the federation. This is another point of divergence from the ISL model. The newly proposed I-League governance committee grants each club one voting right—something that ISL clubs do not enjoy in their governing council. Similarly, in revenue distribution, the total earnings will first be assessed before any allocation is made. In many ways, the I-League regulations appear to be the exact opposite of those of the ISL. Interestingly, while a governing council has been formed for the I-League, full control will still rest with the federation. In the ISL, on the other hand, the newly formed governing council will run the league.
‘I have never imagined this’; Harmanpreet Kaur Replaces Ladies’ Coach Icon on Mumbai Locals
Where do dreamers stop? Once taught to limit their dreams, they now hold posters on the primary travelled transportation in the bustling platforms in Mumbai. On Mumbai’s bustling platforms, where the air hums with the relentless announcement of arrivals and departures, something familiar is missing. The ubiquitous “lady” symbol that once marked women’s coaches has quietly disappeared. In its place now stands a striking poster of Harmanpreet Kaur. The symbol has been traded for a face, one that represents strength, defiance, and possibility. Where an icon once signalled separation, in that place a cricketer now commands attention, turning an everyday commute into a subtle statement of pride. Harmanpreet Kaur refused to let her dreams remain idle, and today she stands at the heart of aspirations in the city of dreams. In Mumbai’s local trains, the familiar symbol marking the ladies’ coach has been replaced by a poster of India’s women’s captain. While reflecting on this view, an overwhelmed Kaur stated, “I have travelled on Mumbai Locals for three years. Never thought that someday, there would be my poster on display in the local trains.” She further said, “I had a kitbag on my back while I ran for my designated train. I have never imagined this – so dreams do come true.” A recent video posted on the social media page of Mumbai Indians showcased the excitement of the women travellers. One excitedly stated, “I feel like I am travelling with Didi. It is very empowering and wholesome.” In the video many seemed excited and stated that they feel proud about this decision. It is a remarkable decision from Mumbai Railways.
ISL Clubs Breathe Easy as AFC Waives 24-Match Rule
ISL clubs have received major relief. As the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) approved the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) request to relax its regulations for the current season. Under the revised provision, ISL teams will not be required to meet the mandatory 24-match criterion to qualify for AFC competitions this year. However, this exemption will apply only for this season. As per the decision, this season’s Super Cup winners FC Goa and the eventual ISL champions will be eligible to compete in the ACL 2. The AFC officially communicated this development to the AIFF on Thursday. This was one of the key demands put forward by the ISL clubs, and it has now been accepted. On the hind side, ISL is set to be played in a single-leg format this season, the total number of matches will be significantly reduced. This was the primary reason why clubs had sought special permission to remain eligible for continental competitions. Following the announcement of the revised league format, the AIFF wrote to the AFC explaining the situation, and within two weeks, the continental body granted its approval. This effectively clears the path for the ISL champions to participate in the ACL Two without any hurdles. The federation is now expected to announce the league schedule soon. However, one issue remains unresolved. The clubs have raised objections to another clause in the federation’s framework, questioning the governing council’s veto power. Talks on this matter are ongoing, and once resolved, the schedule is likely to be released.
The Bangladesh Cricket Fall Into Chaos
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) seems to be put into halt. A mammoth controversy arose on Thursday as the match between Chattogram Royals and Noakhali Express saw the match referee standing alone at the ground without the captains. In Mirpur the match was delayed due to none of the team’s captains appearing at the field before the toss. Shipar Ahmed stood alone on the ground. He told ESPNcricinfo that, “We are standing in the middle of the ground. We don’t know what’s happening. The BPL technical committee can tell you better,” The toss that was supposed to take place at 12:30 PM local time, rescheduled for 30 minutes later. This comes after the cancellation of matches in the Dhaka Cricket League earlier in the day chased after a threat by the Cricketers Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB) to halt domestic cricket. The boycott was triggered by “objectionable comments” made by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) director M Nazmul Islam. He reportedly referred to former captain Tamim Iqbal as an “Indian agent.” The BCB has issued a show-cause notice to Nazmul, but the CWAB, led by president Mohammad Mithun, has called for a nationwide boycott of all forms of cricket. An emergency meeting between officials from both sides was held on Wednesday to ease tensions. Mithun, who also leads the BPL franchise Sylhet Stallions, is expected to address the media later today. Mithun is likely to demand Nazmul’s resignation on behalf of the CWAB. However, this move could lead to legal complications. According to BCB officials, their constitution makes it very difficult to remove a director unless they resign on their own. This means that if Nazmul refuses to step down, the boycott may continue for some time. The CWAB, meanwhile, is not expected to settle for anything less than his complete resignation.
‘I Didn’t Expect That Defeat’: Yui Susaki Opens Up About Her Defeat Against Vinesh Phogat
Every Indian vividly remembers the picture of the Paris Olympics 2024, with Vinesh Phogat crying tears of joy while donning her blue jersey. But do we remember the four-time world champion and the defending Olympic champion opposite her? Yes, the Japanese wrestler, Yui Susaki, came to India, and shrugging off her heavy memories, she light-heartedly exclaimed, “I am a challenger now.” She discussed her defeat two years ago. Susaki, in her “not-so-good” English, stated, “I respect her. I heard she had a baby, no?” the Japanese remember. “I don’t know if I will meet her here. Tell her many hellos. I wish her health and a happy family. I am happy for her. If I meet Vinesh, I want to wrestle her again,” she says to TOI. Susaki is one of those rare athletes whose greatness isn’t immediately obvious. Among the spectators, few would guess that she is a four-time world champion, a reigning Olympic gold medallist, and someone who entered the Paris Olympics 50 kg category. That is until she came up against Vinesh. However, in contrast to her looking like a stunned, tearful figure the world saw after that defeat two years ago. She appears calm and unburdened, almost like a newly arrived Japanese tourist. She looks ready for a stroll through Delhi without a mask, untouched by the city’s haze and pollution. When asked about her plans in her free time, she merely shakes her head. “No. Only wrestle, wrestle, wrestle,” she laughingly stated. While asked about her defeat, she stated, “I didn’t expect that defeat,” she began somberly. “That day, I couldn’t believe it happened. It was really disappointing for me.” She added, “It was a shocking experience, but that experience was important to me.” Yui was awarded gold in Tokyo without dropping a single point. Her record was cemented by not losing to a foreign player, with an astonishing 82–0 record. But that day she was 2-0 against Vinesh. However, the defeat couldn’t touch her sportsperson spree. “Maybe that experience made me realise what I was lacking,” she claimed. “That defeat prompted me to confront myself even more and allowed me to grow in all aspects. It was a frustrating experience, but I see it as a necessary experience for me.” “Because I want to win gold at the Los Angeles Olympics and Brisbane, I will use the defeat to Vinesh to my advantage,” she nods sagely. Much like in heavyweight boxing, a crushing defeat can plunge even the greatest athletes into a phase of deep darkness and self-doubt. The question is: how does a champion come to terms with such a moment? “This was the most painful and demoralising experience of my life,” she said. “But I want to rise again. I want to prove—to myself and to everyone else—that I can be a Japanese champion, a world champion, and an Olympic champion. More than that, I want my journey to give others courage and hope.”
World’s No. 3 Withdraws From India Open, Citing Delhi’s ‘Unhealthy’ Condition
Delhi’s extreme pollution is now affecting the India Open. Anders Antonsen, the world’s No. 3 badminton player, withdrew his name from the India Open, citing the suffocating situation due to dense smog and pollution. Before the withdrawal, world No. 2 badminton star Mia Blichfeldt had staunchly criticized the unhealthy, unsanitary, and polluted environment at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in the capital city. Antonsen’s move towards the withdrawal resulted in a fine of USD 5,000. The Danish badminton star took to Instagram to state the decision to withdraw. In a detailed post he stated, “Many people may ask why I have withdrawn from the India Open three times in a row. I believe the tournament should not be held there at all because the environment is extremely unhealthy and pollution levels are far too high. When the World Championships take place in summer, the conditions will be much better. Withdrawing from the India Open has cost me nearly 4.5 million Indian rupees in fines.” Not even a day before this announcement, Denmark star Mia Blichfeldt raised her concerns about Delhi’s unhealthy conditions after she reached the India Open. The World No. 2 further urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to intervene in this matter. She stated, “The environment here is extremely unclean and unhealthy for players. That’s why many athletes are practicing while wearing gloves, caps, and extra layers of clothing. This is far from ideal, as players need freedom of movement on the court.” She further emphasised that the birds were flying inside the stadium during practice sessions; the defecations were found on the courts as well. She, along with Canada’s Michelle Li and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon, made serious allegations about the condition of Delhi. They emphasised the absence of basic amenities in the stadium, like heaters. While amongst these issues, Delhi’s pollution took the central stage of discussion.
Ex Bengal star arises question on team selection of Bengal Cricket Team
Pratyusha Jana For the last two cricket seasons, winning has seemed like a far cry for the Bengal cricket team. The continuous deterioration, while evident, has been distressing for both spectators and professionals alike. Over these last two seasons, the team has failed to secure any major domestic cricket trophy. In the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy, Bengal produced mixed results and could not secure a place in the knockouts. The tournament also saw a humiliating defeat for Bengal against Haryana by 283 runs. Reflecting on this situation, former cricketer and coach Sambaran Banerjee spoke exclusively to Parallel Sports. He highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the Bengal team during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and also shared his views on the Ranji season. While discussing the team’s shortcomings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he pointed out the absence of an aggressive batter in the middle order. He said, “I must say, there were a few inadequacies in the player selection for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Bengal needs a player at No. 5 or No. 6 who can hit freely—someone who can score quickly, use fewer balls, and still contribute valuable runs to the team. A player who can make something like 42 off 20 balls.” Reflecting on the Ranji Trophy loss, Banerjee stated, “We need unity within the team while performing in a major tournament. Maybe the lack of unity has affected the team. The players should focus more on collective strength rather than individual stance.” He also emphasized the positive aspects of the team’s performance in this year’s Ranji Trophy. He stated, “We have almost the Indian bowling lineup in our team.” He further praised Shahbaz Ahmed, saying, “One player who has been consistent throughout the tournaments is Shahbaz. He has been a driving force for the team, and we need more players like him.” With the Ranji Trophy just around the corner, Banerjee, despite all the odds, chose to believe in the squad. He remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. He concluded, “We know there are a few shortcomings, but we shouldn’t lose faith in our team. I think they will deliver a good result in this tournament.”
The Confederation of African Football starts investigation after the post-Nigeria-Algeria match violence
The Confederation of African Football said Monday it had opened an investigation and warned of possible disciplinary action after “potentially unacceptable behavior” as players clashed on the pitch at the end of the Cup of Nations quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria. “CAF has referred the matters to the disciplinary board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing,” said African football’s governing body in a statement. Tensions spilled over on the pitch at the end of Saturday’s game in Marrakesh, which Nigeria won 2-0 thanks to second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Any disciplinary action could have an impact on the Super Eagles as they prepare for their semi-final showdown on Wednesday against Morocco. However, CAF said it was also investigating incidents in Friday’s last-eight tie between the hosts and Cameroon. Morocco won that game 2-0 in Rabat, and the Indomitable Lions were notably unhappy at the officiating, in particular the refusal to award them a penalty for a challenge on Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo in the second half.
Odisha FC confirms participation; Four Clubs reportedly plan to select a neutral venue!
Odisha FC has confirmed its participation in the ISL this season, which means all the 14 clubs have given consent to take part in the shorter format of the League. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already announced that the ISL will start on 14th February. It has also been heard that now the clubs that have given consent are in a discussion process on venues. A few clubs want to play away, while some clubs are reportedly preferring to play home venues only. Mohammedan Sporting has confirmed Kishore Bharati Krirangan as their home venue, but it remains to be seen how many matches they will actually play there. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants have already confirmed that they want to play at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Four clubs that have given consents have reportedly revealed in the last meeting that they lack proper venues to play home matches. It is heard that these four clubs will be choosing a neutral venue to take part in their home matches. It is believed that the debutant in the ISL, Inter Kashi, has chosen Kalyani Stadium or Barasat Stadium as the venue to play their home matches.
Saeed Ajmal criticizes ICC, calling its role completely biased!
Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that the world cricket’s ruling body risks becoming ineffective if it fails to address the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) influence on its operations. Speaking to the media at a function in Karachi, Ajmal said that if the ICC cannot take “unbiased and principled decisions in the overall interest of world cricket, it should shut down its operations. “If the ICC can’t enforce its decisions on the Indian board, then its very existence is unnecessary,” he said. Ajmal asserted that a majority of Test-playing nations agreed with this sentiment but would not go public with their stance. He said the ICC agreeing to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, even in global competitions, is a prime example of the world body’s “helplessness. “There is no logical reason for India not to play in Pakistan, but the ICC is helpless because it is dominated by Indians now,” he alleged. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan is rooted in security concerns and the Indian government’s refusal to approve bilateral sports between the two countries. As a result, India-Pakistan cricket, which has been limited to ICC white-ball events, is being conducted only in neutral venues. Last year, the India-Pakistan bilateral ties hit rock bottom after the Pahalgam terror attack, which was followed by a brief military showdown.
