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  • East Bengal Official Speaks Out Kolkata Football Match-Fixing Scandal

    East Bengal Official Speaks Out Kolkata Football Match-Fixing Scandal

    Once again, Kolkata football circle has been shaken by controversy. To combat match-fixing in the Maidan, Kolkata Police have been taking a series of strong actions. This time, police have arrested Sujay Bhowmik, a close associate of Khidderpore Club official Akash Das. He was taken into custody by Bowbazar Police on Wednesday.

    গড়াপেটার অভিযোগে গ্রেফতার আরও ১, মুখ খুললেন লাল-হলুদ শীর্ষ কর্তা

     

    Sources reveal that last Sunday, police arrested Akash Das in connection with a match-fixing case. During the investigation, Sujay Bhowmik’s name came up. Their close relationship and financial transactions drew the attention of the police. It is alleged that Sujay was involved in fixing several local football matches in Kolkata.

    According to police sources, the accused not only fixed matches in exchange for money but also misused technology in the process. Cases have been filed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, and both men were arrested by Belgharia Police. Investigators believe more names could surface as the inquiry continues.

    Officials of the “Big Three” Kolkata clubs have expressed satisfaction over the police action. Mohun Bagan secretary Srinjoy Bose said, “I think these arrests are completely justified. We had also heard about their involvement. The police acted at the right time—this is a good sign for football. The IFA should have increased monitoring earlier.”

    East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar said, “The first credit goes to the IFA, then to the Sports Minister. He wanted the matter to come to light. The Police Commissioner also deserves thanks. When match-fixing is destroying the integrity of football worldwide, Bengal has shown how to take a stand against it.”

    Police claim the investigation is still in its early stages. In the coming days, several other individuals associated with football organizations may be questioned. The police are determined to uncover the masterminds behind this “invisible game” that threatens the spirit of the sport.

  • Historic IPL 2025 Win RCB like Released 5 Players for IPL 2026

    Historic IPL 2025 Win RCB like Released 5 Players for IPL 2026

    After finally lifting their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are preparing for a strong title defense in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The defending champions have announced their list of released players, which includes some big and surprising names. This move aims to free up salary cap space ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction

    RCB Released Players for IPL 2026

    1. Liam Livingstone

    2. Mayank Agarwal

    3. Lungi Ngidi

    4. Rasikh Salam Dar

    5. Swapnil Singh

    Liam Livingstone

    The English all-rounder was one of RCB’s costliest signings at Rs 8.75 crore, but he failed to deliver. Livingstone managed just 112 runs in 10 matches at an average of 16.00, along with 2 wickets. After being dropped mid-season and returning only due to Tim David’s injury, his performances didn’t justify his hefty price tag.

    Mayank Agarwal

    Brought in as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, Mayank played 4 matches, scoring 94 runs at a strike rate of 148.43. Despite his decent form, Padikkal’s return next season makes Mayank surplus to requirements.

    Lungi Ngidi

    The South African pacer, bought for Rs 1 crore, featured in only 2 games. Though he took 4 wickets, his economy rate of 10.12 hurt his chances of staying with the team. RCB’s management preferred other pace options in the playing XI.

    Rasikh Salam Dar

    The Jammu & Kashmir speedster was signed for Rs 6 crore, but played just 2 matches throughout the season. With a strong pace lineup already in place, Rasikh found limited opportunities.

    Swapnil Singh

    The left-arm spinner didn’t feature in a single match during IPL 2025. Retained via RTM (Right To Match) for Rs 50 lakh, Swapnil’s release comes as no surprise given RCB’s focus on active contributors for 2026.

    RCB’s Strategy for IPL 2026

    After breaking their 18-year wait for an IPL title, RCB looks determined to rebuild strategically for 2026. With several underperforming players released, the franchise will now target fresh talent and experienced all-rounders in the mini-auction to strengthen their squad depth and balance.

  • Ranji Trophy 2025 : Bengal with Only 1 Point Against Tripura

    Ranji Trophy 2025 : Bengal with Only 1 Point Against Tripura

    In the Ranji Trophy 2025 match at Agartala against Tripura, the Bengal team had hoped to secure full points at least once, but in the end, they had to settle for a frustrating single point. Failing to take the lead in the first innings and dropping several catches cost Bengal what could have been a victory, and the match ended in a draw.

    শামির খালি হাতে ত্রিপুরার বিরুদ্ধে মাত্র ১ পয়েন্ট বাংলার

     

    Bengal’s innings began patiently. Sudip scored 108 before being dismissed, followed by a valuable 95-run innings from Zakir Gandhi. However, Bengal’s pace attack became the center of attention when Mohammed Shami and his brother Mohammed Kaif came on to bowl. Kaif bowled with energy from the start, restricting Tripura to 53/5. After taking another wicket shortly after, Tripura’s score stood at 93/6. At this point, Bengal fans were hopeful that the team could secure extra bonus points.

    But a patient partnership between Hanuma Bihari and Vijay Shankar ended those hopes. By the end of the third day, Hanuma remained unbeaten on 121. He was eventually dismissed on the fourth day, with Tripura still just 16 runs behind. Bengal managed to take only two more wickets, falling short of the target. Captain Manishankar Murasing fought alone, remaining unbeaten on 102, and No. 10 batsman Rana Dutta added 27 runs, but the match ended in a draw.

    Among the two pacers, Shami did not take any wickets, while Kaif claimed 4. Additionally, Ishan Porel took 3 wickets, Rahul Prasad 2, and Shahbaz Ahmed completed the remaining dismissals. Rain affected much of the first two days, and a string of missed catches by Bengal captain Abhishek Porel added to the team’s disappointment.

    In the second innings, Bengal batted with a 49-run deficit, but the match was largely decided by then. In the end, Bengal scored 90 for 3 wickets, resulting in a draw. Bengal supporters praised the batsmen’s fight and Kaif’s bowling strategy, but Shami’s wicketless spell and several crucial dropped catches were significant setbacks.

    Now, Bengal’s focus turns to securing full points in the upcoming match. The team knows that patience and discipline will be key to learning from this frustrating draw and aiming for better results in the future.

  • IPL 2026: SRH Likely to Release ₹23 Crore Star Before Mini-Auction

    IPL 2026: SRH Likely to Release ₹23 Crore Star Before Mini-Auction

    Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are reportedly planning to release South African batter Heinrich Klaasen (IPL 2026), who was retained for a massive ₹23 crore ahead of IPL 2025. Klaasen had a solid season, scoring 487 runs at an impressive strike rate of 172.69, showcasing his explosive hitting ability. However, SRH’s sixth-place finish left both the management and fans disappointed.

    According to sources, SRH’s decision to release Klaasen has less to do with his performance and more with their need to rebalance the squad—particularly by improving their bowling attack ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

    Why SRH Might Release Heinrich Klaasen?

    SRH’s heavy investment in Klaasen has significantly impacted their overall budget. Despite his consistent performances, the team’s bowling department struggled throughout IPL 2025, and their middle order lacked depth. By releasing Klaasen, SRH could free up ₹23 crore—funds that could be used to sign multiple quality players and strengthen weaker areas of the team.

    The franchise management reportedly believes that team balance matters more than relying on individual brilliance. Last season, SRH depended too heavily on a few star players, which ultimately cost them a playoff spot.

    SRH’s Strategic Plan for Klaasen and IPL 2026

    There’s also a possibility that SRH might release Klaasen only to buy him back at a lower price during the mini-auction. The team could aim to re-sign him for around ₹15 crore, effectively saving ₹8 crore while still retaining his services.

    However, this move comes with risk—several other franchises are expected to pursue Klaasen if he enters the auction, potentially sparking a bidding war that could drive his price back up.

    Still, SRH’s approach appears to be part of a strategic reset aimed at building a more balanced and competitive squad for IPL 2026.

  • Dominant Performance in Ranji Trophy, Yet Hyderabad Not Releasing This Star!

    Dominant Performance in Ranji Trophy, Yet Hyderabad Not Releasing This Star!

    Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are reportedly making some bold decisions. Despite ongoing concerns about Mohammed Shami’s form and fitness, the franchise has decided not to release the veteran Indian pacer. In fact, SRH have rejected a ₹10 crore trade offer for him.

    বল হাতে রঞ্জিতে দাপুটে পারফরম্যান্স, এই তারকাকে ছাড়ছে হায়দরাবাদ!

     

    Shami joined Hyderabad in the 2025 mega auction for ₹10 crore. However, that season turned out to be a disappointing one for him, as injuries and inconsistent form plagued his campaign. He played only 9 matches, taking 6 wickets at an economy rate of 11.23 — far below his usual standards.

    Despite that, the SRH management has chosen to stand by him. They reportedly believe that Shami can regain his rhythm and perform like the match-winner he once was.

    According to team sources, captain Pat Cummins and the support staff made it clear that Shami’s presence in the dressing room is invaluable. “His experience and leadership qualities are an inspiration for the younger bowlers,” said an SRH official.

    The team already has other Indian pacers like Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat, but Shami’s experience and skill with the new ball still make him indispensable.

    While 2025 was a forgettable year for Shami, 2024 told a completely different story. That year, he won the Purple Cap with 28 wickets, marking one of the best seasons of his IPL career. SRH remains hopeful that, based on his recent performances in domestic cricket and his strong Ranji Trophy comeback, they will see the old Shami return in the next season.

    So far, Shami has played 119 IPL matches, taking 133 wickets — a testament to his consistency and longevity. However, at 36 years old, his injury concerns and fluctuating form continue to pose challenges for Hyderabad. Still, SRH’s faith in experience over short-term form might just pay off this time.

  • Kerala Blasters Strengthen Semifinal Hopes with 3–0 Win Over Sporting Delhi

    Kerala Blasters Strengthen Semifinal Hopes with 3–0 Win Over Sporting Delhi

    Kerala Blasters FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sporting Delhi 3–0 in their second Group D match of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday, November 3, 2025. All three goals came in the first half.

    A brace from Koldo Obieta (17’, 23’) and a superb acrobatic strike from Korou Singh Thingujam (34’) sealed a comfortable win for the Blasters. With this result, Kerala Blasters moved to the top of Group D with six points from two matches, while SC Delhi were knocked out of the tournament.

    The Blasters, coached by David Català, were disciplined in defense, creative in midfield, and ruthless in attack. From the opening whistle, they dominated possession, pressed high up the pitch, and stretched SC Delhi’s five-man defense.

    The tone was set early when Adrián Luna’s corner found Juan Rodríguez, whose header struck the crossbar. Noah Sadaoui looked sharp in attack, while Nihal Sudheesh’s pace constantly troubled the Delhi backline.

    Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 17th minute after a costly mistake from Delhi. A misplaced back pass by Ayush Adhikari was intercepted by Obieta, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Vishal Yadav despite his attempt to save.

    Just six minutes later, Obieta struck again. A slick passing move involving Korou, Nihal, and Obieta ended with the Spanish forward weaving through the defense and calmly finishing into the bottom corner to make it 2–0.

    The third goal arrived in the 34th minute and was arguably the best of the night. Captain Luna floated a delightful scooped pass into the box, which Korou Singh met with an acrobatic right-footed volley that flew into the far corner — a goal that perfectly captured the Blasters’ flair and confidence.

    SC Delhi failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and struggled to cope with Kerala Blasters’ tempo and movement. Though they improved slightly after the break, the damage was already done.

    Their best chance came in the 88th minute, when Augustine Lalrochana forced a fine save from Nora Fernandes, who preserved the Blasters’ clean sheet.

    With this emphatic victory, Kerala Blasters reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for a Super Cup semifinal spot, while SC Delhi bowed out after another disappointing result.

  • Steven Dias Reflects on Jamshedpur FC Super Cup Campaign Finale

    Steven Dias Reflects on Jamshedpur FC Super Cup Campaign Finale

    Jamshedpur FC concluded their Super Cup campaign on a high note with a convincing victory over Inter Kashi, showcasing the team’s growth and resilience throughout the tournament.

    In a post-match interview, Head Coach Steven Dias shared his thoughts on his first win at the helm of Jamshedpur FC, reflecting on the team’s journey and the lessons learned. According to Dias, the win highlighted the team’s progress, with players delivering increasingly strong performances in each match.

    “We’ve been improving game by game, and that showed in our final match,” Dias said. “The boys played high-intensity football, and I’m very pleased with their efforts.”

    Dias also praised the squad’s unity and cohesion, which he said were key to their success. “I saw excellent teamwork in both defense and attack. Our plan worked, and the boys gave everything on the pitch,” he added.

    The Super Cup provided valuable learning experiences for the team. Dias noted, “I’ve personally learned a lot from this tournament. Now we have a clear understanding of our strengths and areas we need to improve, and we can work on them.”

    Looking ahead, Dias emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and building on this performance. “We need to keep performing at this level in every match,” he said, underlining the value of team unity.

    He concluded with a message to the fans: “We’re all working extremely hard and giving our all. Keep faith in us and continue supporting the team, as you always have.”

  • Punjab FC cruise past Mohammedan SC with 3–0 win in Super Cup 2025

    Punjab FC cruise past Mohammedan SC with 3–0 win in Super Cup 2025

    Score: Mohammedan SC – 0 | Punjab FC – 3 (Ninthoi 27’, Zeljkovic 43’, M. Kipgen 73’)

    Punjab FC registered a commanding 3–0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their Group C encounter of the AIFF Indian Super Cup 2025 at the GMC Athletic Stadium. This was Punjab’s second consecutive win, taking them to six points from two matches and moving them a step closer to the semifinals. The goals came from Ninthoinganba Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Manglenthang Kipgen.

    Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made just one change to Punjab’s starting lineup, bringing in Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez in place of Princeton Rebello, who had scored in the previous game. Mohammedan SC’s coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo fielded an unchanged eleven from their last outing, where they lost to Bengaluru FC.

    The first major chance fell to Mohammedan’s Bijoy Varghese, whose header from a corner went narrowly wide. Soon after, goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee produced a fine save to deny Ninthoi.

    Sudip–Shakir’s brilliance takes Bengal to 336, yet worries remain!

    Punjab’s attacking quartet of Dani Ramirez, Kipgen, Ninthoi, and Muhammad Suhail constantly troubled the Mohammedan defence. Their fluid combination play led to the opener in the 27th minute — Kipgen’s precise through ball found Ninthoi making a clever run, and the winger calmly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper.

    The pressure continued, and Punjab doubled their lead just before halftime. Right-back Khaiminthang Lhungdim delivered a deep cross that Ninthoi headed back across goal, where new signing Samir Zeljkovic was waiting unmarked. His left-footed shot may not have been perfectly struck, but it had enough power to find the bottom corner.

    Punjab controlled the tempo after the break, dominating possession and creating chances. Mohammedan, meanwhile, struggled to threaten, with Yash Chickro’s long-range effort being their closest attempt.

    In the 72nd minute, substitute Leon Augustine set up Kipgen inside the box, and the forward calmly finished to make it 3–0. Punjab continued to press for more, with new signing Nsungusi Effiong creating opportunities but failing to convert. Mohammedan managed their first shot on target only in stoppage time, which goalkeeper Muheet Shabir dealt with comfortably.

    With this convincing win, Punjab FC recorded their second straight victory. They will face Bengaluru FC in their final group game on November 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda — a match likely to decide the Group C winners.

  • Sudip–Shakir’s brilliance takes Bengal to 336, yet worries remain!

    Sudip–Shakir’s brilliance takes Bengal to 336, yet worries remain!

    In the third match of the Ranji Trophy 2025, Bengal lost their advantage due to rain after a strong start with the bat. Despite Sudip Gharami’s century and Shakir Habib Gandhi’s 95-run knock, Abhishek Porel’s team ended Day 2 in a tricky position at 336/9.

    সুদীপ-শাকিবের দাপটে ৩৩৬, তবুও চিন্তার ভাঁজ বাংলার!

     

    Play was interrupted by bad light on the first day. Bengal resumed Day 2 from 171/1, with Shakir and Sudip steadily building the innings. Shakir, however, fell for 95, just five runs short of a well-deserved century. At the other end, Sudip remained composed, bringing up a fine 108 off 250 balls, studded with 15 boundaries.

    But once Sudip departed, Bengal’s batting collapsed. Veteran Anustup Majumdar (6), skipper Abhishek Porel (11), and Sumanta Gupta (5) fell cheaply, leaving Bengal struggling at 262/6.

    Shahbaz Ahmed and Rahul Prasad then steadied the innings, adding 61 runs for the seventh wicket. Rahul scored 35, while Shahbaz continued to fight alone as wickets tumbled at the other end — Kaif went for a duck, and Shami for just 5.

    Rain forced an early end to play, leaving Bengal on 336/9. For Tripura, Rana Dutta claimed three wickets, while Bikramkumar Das and Manishankar Murasingh took two apiece. Abhijit Sarkar and Swapnil Singh shared the remaining two.

    After such a promising start, the collapse has left Bengal’s dressing room tense. With rain still a threat, Tripura will aim to grab the last wicket quickly and make a solid start with the bat on Day 3. Meanwhile, Bengal will hope Shahbaz can add a few more crucial runs to their total.

  • End of an Era, Star Cricketer Retires from T20s

    End of an Era, Star Cricketer Retires from T20s

    In a surprising move, New Zealand cricket shining star Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 cricket, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world just four months ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The 35-year-old Williamson has had an outstanding career in 93 T20 internationals, establishing himself as New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer with 2,575 runs at an average of 33, including 18 half-centuries.

    সকলকে চমকে দিয়ে টি-টোয়েন্টিকে ‘Good Bye’ তারকা ক্রিকেটারের

     

    Making his T20 debut in 2011, Williamson captained New Zealand in 75 matches. Under his leadership, New Zealand reached the semifinals of the T20 World Cup twice (2016 and 2022) and the final once (2021). Williamson stated, “I have been a part of this format for a long time. Every memory and experience associated with it is very special to me. Now I feel it’s the right time for me and the team. This will give clarity for the upcoming series and the team’s next major goal, the T20 World Cup.”

    He added, “We currently have very talented players in T20 cricket. In the coming period, it is crucial for these players to play more cricket and prepare for the World Cup. Mitch [Mitchell Santner] is an excellent captain and has managed the team very well. I will always support him from a distance.”

    After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Williamson handed over white-ball captaincy to Mitchell Santner. Since then, he has played little international cricket, spending time in franchise leagues and with his family. Recently, he withdrew from the Chappell-Hadlee T20 series against Australia. He also missed matches against England due to a hamstring injury. However, he returned for the ODI series against England after the Champions Trophy final.

    There is also curiosity about who Williamson will play with in the future. On November 26, he could play for Northern Districts in a Plunket Shield match against Auckland at Bay Oval. However, his primary focus is now on the three-match Test series against the West Indies, starting December 2 in Christchurch.

    Williamson’s retirement announcement poses a new challenge for New Zealand cricket. Without his experience and leadership, the team’s progress will now depend on the new captain.