Author: Barkha Roy

Veteran England pacer James Anderson believes that declaring the first innings at 393/8 late on Day 1 of the Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston was a ‘positive’ move by skipper Ben Stokes. Following the defeat, the skipper captain faced some criticism, with many believing that the hosts’ declaration had come back to haunt them. Anderson, on the other hand, opened up about his conversation with Stokes at the time of declaration. Here’s what Anderson had to say about Stokes’ decision to declare early in his Telegraph column: “I had my pads on waiting to bat when Ben declared. He said…

Mateo Kovacic, 29, has joined Manchester City for a fee of £25 million from Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano. The midfielder’s move to Manchester City was reported on Wednesday morning as Pep Guardiola and the Blues complete their first signing of the summer following a historic treble winning last term. Romano has outlined the specifics of the deal, which will see Man City give Chelsea a guaranteed £25 million, with the potential for an additional £5 million in bonuses. He has disclosed that these payments are dependent on the success of the team, not Kovacic. Kovacic has been a Chelsea…

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has indicated that he will not represent his country in its attempt to defend its World Cup title in 2026. “I think not. [Qatar] was my last World Cup. “I’ll see how things go, but as it is right now, no, I won’t go to the next World Cup,”he said to Chinese outlet Titan Sports (via ESPN’s Adriana Garcia) The 35-year-old admitted in February that his age would most likely be a barrier, but he left the door open for another World Cup run. Messi’s impending move to Inter Miami and the Major League Soccer also represents a…

India has risen to the top of the table after defeating Vanuatu 1-0 in the 2023 Intercontinental Cup. Vanuatu played a high-energy game and defended admirably until the 80th minute. India captain Sunil Chhetri was the right man at the right time when he discovered the internet and dedicated the goal to his soon-to-be-born child. Vanuatu’s defence stood tall, especially captain Brian, who was a tank in front of the goal. India’s attacking line performed admirably but was unable to capitalise on the opportunities they created. Both India and Igor Stimac will be pleased with the outcome of a game marked by numerous…

Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that he is interested in owning a football club after retiring from the game in “two to three years maximum.” The Portuguese international has a contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until June 2025, but he is already thinking about his next move. “I don’t rule out becoming a club owner,”the 38-year-old, told reporters during an event in Madrid for his new bottled water business venture. “It’s something I thought about a few years back. I probably would like to own a [football] club. I’m at the end of my career, two to three years…

Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall has signed a two-year contract with Odisha FC, and the club is thrilled to announce the news. Fall’s hiring by the team brings him back into contact with his old coach Sergio Lobera and bodes well for the defence of the team. The club’s desire to compete at the highest level is demonstrated by the acquisition of the Indian Siper League defender with the most goals scored, who has an impressive total of 17 goals. Fall has made incomparable contributions to the ISL after making an enduring impression while playing for FC Goa and Mumbai City FC in the past.…

NorthEast United Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Naushad Moosa as Indian Assistant Coach, Head Coach of the Reserve Team, and Head of Youth Development on a two-year contract. Beginning his coaching career as the Youth Coach of Mumbai FC in 2008, the former Indian international brings a wealth of experience having held coaching positions with ISL and I-League teams with both youth and senior squads. Moosa has previously worked with Mumbai FC, Pune FC, and Air India, and his most recent position was as the Indian Assistant Coach, Reserve Team Head Coach, and Head of Academy…

Pakistan paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi admits that if he had been able to bowl his full quota in the 2022 T20 World Cup final against England, things could have gone differently. The adolescent expressed concern about how the 2021 edition ended for Pakistan. In the 2022 T20 World Cup final, Afridi took a brilliant catch to dismiss England’s Harry Brook in the 13th over, but he injured his knee in the process. After only two overs, the left-arm pacer was forced off the pitch. England won by five wickets with one over remaining. The new-ball bowler told ESPN Cricinfo that if he…

Following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, a former forward for Liverpool, has been connected to a move to Saudi Arabia. In January, more than a month after his Manchester United contract expired, Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr FC. Since the superstar Portuguese player moved, the Saudi Pro League has drawn more attention from around the world. Now, the Saudi Arabian government wants to capitalise on this notoriety. BILD reports that they have a list of 20 stars they want to sign in the summer, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs. Sadio Mane, a forward for Bayern Munich, is among…

Amid interests from Arsenal and Liverpool, Moises Caicedo and Alexis MacAllister may leave Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Seagulls’ incredible 3-0 Premier League victory over the Gunners on Sunday was made possible by the midfield duo. At the Emirates, De Zerbi’s team severely damaged Mikel Arteta’s team’s chances of winning the title. Following the victory, the Brighton manager was questioned about potential departures this summer. In his reply, he mentioned Caicedo and Mac Allister as two players who might be leaving the Amex, as reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano: “For sure,…