Members of Parliament Arvind Sawant and Asaduddin Owaisi have called for India to refrain from playing a cricket match against Pakistan, citing the ongoing tension between the two countries. This comes as the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place in the UAE, with India and Pakistan competing in the same group once again. The call for a boycott adds to the already tense climate between the two nations.
As the world of football gears up for another transfer season, rumors and deals are swirling around. In a recent interview, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe shared that the fate of his young star Alexander Isak is not solely up to him. Meanwhile, Manchester United has their sights set on Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. In other news, Joao Felix has left Chelsea for Al-Nassr, while Jack Grealish is reportedly being courted by Everton. And the drama continues as Luis Diaz is on his way to complete a move to Bayern Munich. Exciting times ahead for fans who can't wait to see where their favorite players will end up.
Aston Villa's striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as a top transfer target for Manchester United this summer. The 29-year-old has been a key player for Villa, netting 44 goals in the last two seasons. However, his future at the club is uncertain and United are keen to bring him in as a partner for their new signings. Watkins, who has plenty of Premier League experience, would come at a cost of under £50 million.
Manchester United is prioritizing the signing of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as their main striker this summer. The club's new strategy is to acquire players with Premier League experience, with the hopes of reaching a compromise with Villa for a fee of £40m-£45m for Watkins. While RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko is also being considered, the £70m price tag may lead to Newcastle being the favored destination. Player sales, including Jadon Sancho and Tyrrell Malacia, have been identified as the key to funding this deal.
England Test captain Ben Stokes is facing criticism for his behavior during the fourth test against India at Old Trafford. After offering a draw, which was declined by the Indian team, Stokes called up part-timers Harry Brook and Joe Root to give his first-choice bowlers some rest. Despite this, the Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both achieved their respective centuries and shook hands with the English players to confirm the test had ended in a draw. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar called out Stokes for behaving like a "spoiled kid," while former England captain Nasser Hussain had no issue with India's decision to continue playing.
Indian cricketer Washington Sundar shares appreciation for his family's support in his cricket journey and a childhood photo after scoring his maiden Test century. However, his father accuses India selectors of bias and favoritism against his son, citing inconsistencies in his chances and selection despite consistent performances.
In a thrilling tie-breaker match, 19-year-old Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh defeated veteran player Koneru Humpy to not only win the FIDE Women's World Cup, but also achieve the prestigious Grandmaster title. Her composure and tactical brilliance were on full display as she outplayed her opponent in two intense games. This landmark triumph marks Deshmukh as India's 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman to join the elite ranks.
Team India showcased their resilience as they fought hard against England in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, managing to secure a draw. Key contributions from KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar helped India post a total of 358 runs in the first innings. Captain Ajinkya Rahane praised Sundar and Jadeja for their centuries and highlighted the importance of their partnership in securing the draw against England. The match ended in a draw after both teams showcased top-notch batting performances.
Former England cricketer Mark Ramprakash shared his thoughts on Ben Stokes' decision to offer a draw to India with an hour remaining in the fifth day of the Manchester Test. While Ramprakash commended Stokes for his balanced words after the game, he mentioned that the decision should have been agreed upon by the opposition captain. Ramprakash also mentioned how it reflected poorly on Stokes and his team when they mocked India's Washington Sundar for completing his maiden Test century against their deemed formality bowling.
Indian cricket's greatest survivor, Ravindra Jadeja, has overcome numerous challenges and obstacles throughout his 13-year long career. Despite criticism and being on the verge of being dropped from the team, Jadeja's unwavering perseverance and valuable contributions have made him an indispensable member of the team. His recent match-saving hundred in the fourth Test against England is just another testament to his determination and skill. Despite being a non-PR cricketer with no real backers, Jadeja continues to shine and prove his worth.