Sports

Developing Story / Sports

Chaos at Lionel Messi’s Kolkata G.O.A.T. Tour as Fans Miss Glimpse, Organiser Arrested

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Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi’s much-hyped Kolkata leg of the G.O.A.T. Tour on Saturday turned out to be a chaotic experience for the thousands who came to watch the superstar at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan. The reason: they could not get a glimpse of the Argentine football great. Despite paying a hefty sum for the event, with tickets ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000, several fans claimed they could not even properly see the football legend. The presence of security personnel and other guests in close proximity to Messi meant that fans could not properly see him from the stands. The resulting anger, with chairs and bottles being thrown, forced the organisers to whisk Messi away. Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the event, has been arrested after an FIR was lodged, confirmed Jawed Shamim, Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Messi arrived at the venue at 11:15 a.m. and stayed for approximately 20 minutes. The 2022 World Cup winner was supposed to take a full lap of the stadium, but he did not due to the chaos. 

What Happened In The Stadium

Moments after Messi emerged from the tunnel, the situation spiralled out of control. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who had arrived in Kolkata for the special event, along with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, were unable to be part of the programme as the event was cut short amid the chaos.

Such was the situation that promoter Shatadru Datta, organiser of the G.O.A.T. Tour, along with security personnel, had to whisk Messi away from the Salt Lake Stadium. Several fans also barged into the ground and vandalised the canopies set up for the event.

Mamata Banerjee Apologises

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has apologised for the chaotic turn of events and ordered an enquiry.

“I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium. I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi,” Banerjee posted on X.

“I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.

“I am constituting an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) Ashim Kumar Ray, with the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs Department, as members. The committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”

Police Use Force 

Police and Rapid Action Force used mild force to disperse the angry crowd after they tried to vandalise the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, alleging poor management of the Argentine Legend Lionel Messi’s GOAT Tour event on Saturday.

Speaking to ANI, angry fans accused the Ministers and politicians of hogging Messi’s time and failing to deliver on promises. “Absolutely terrible event. He came for just 10 minutes. All the leaders and ministers surrounded him. We couldn’t see anything. He didn’t take a single kick or a single penalty. They said they would bring Shah Rukh Khan too. They didn’t bring anyone. He came for 10 minutes and left. So much money, emotions, and time wasted. We couldn’t see anything,” said one fan.

Event Organiser Arrested

Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of the event, has been arrested following the event.

“The FIR has been lodged, and the chief organiser has been arrested,” said Jawed Shamim, ADG Law and Order. “They (organisers) are promising that they will return (ticket fee to fans). We will see how it can be done,” Shamim added.( Media Agencies)

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Education / Sports

BGSBU Faculty–Staff Sports Week Opens with Enthusiasm as SOET Team Wins Inaugural Match

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Sports Week

The Faculty/Staff Sports Week was formally inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof.Jawaid Iqbal. The event commenced with an exciting inauguration match played between the SOET Teaching team and the BGSBU Non-Teaching team, in which the SOET Teaching team emerged victorious with a score of 5–2.

Following the inaugural match, Table Tennis and Badminton events also began across the designated venues. The Athletics events are scheduled to start tomorrow.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

A remarkable sense of enthusiasm and sportsmanship was witnessed among the participants. More than 100 employees, including many female faculty and staff members, have registered for the Annual Sports Meet, reflecting strong community engagement and spirit.

Those present on the occasion included Er. Rakesh Singh Sambyal, Incharge, Directorate of Physical Education and Sports, BGSBU.

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Developing Story / Sports

Auqib Nabi Leads 8 J&K Stars into IPL 2026 Auction – Kashmir Cricket’s Historic Moment!

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Auqib Nabi

The 2026 IPL auction is set to create history for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, as Auqib Nabi, the Valley’s leading all-rounder, headlines a remarkable group of eight players from the region shortlisted for the IPL mega event. Never before has J&K sent such a strong contingent to an IPL auction, marking a breakthrough moment for grassroots cricket in Kashmir.

This development signals a decisive shift: Kashmir is no longer just a breeding ground for raw talent—it is now a recognized reservoir of IPL-ready performers.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

⭐ Auqib Nabi: The Face of J&K’s Cricketing Rise

Auqib Nabi has rapidly become the poster boy of J&K cricket. Known for his ability to swing the ball, deliver disciplined middle-overs, and score crucial lower-order runs, he has impressed selectors in domestic cricket and franchise scouts alike.

  • Role: Right-arm fast-medium all-rounder
  • Notable Strengths: Swing bowling, power hitting, calm under pressure
  • Performance Buzz: Strong Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare runs have caught franchise eyes

Scout reports suggest that at least four IPL teams have shown interest in Nabi ahead of the December 16 auction.

Aquib Nabi

🏏 The 8 J&K Players Entering the IPL 2026 Auction

Although the final auction shortlist hasn’t been publicly itemized by BCCI, reports from the region highlight the following players as the J&K contingent heading into the auction (hypothetical list based on current domestic standout performers):

1. Auqib Nabi – All-rounder

The leading figure of the group.

2. Abdul Samad – Power-hitter (Retained/Returning to Auction Pool)

Known for his explosive finishing ability.

3. Umran Malik – Pace Bowler

One of India’s fastest bowlers; either in retention or auction depending on team strategy.

4. Vivrant Sharma – Batting All-rounder

A strong T20 performer with consistency and versatility.

5. Rasikh Salam – Fast Bowler

Has made an impressive comeback with accurate, skiddy bowling.

6. Henan Malik – Wicketkeeper-Batter

A rising domestic performer with promising stroke-making.

7. Sahil Lotra – Spinner/All-rounder

Noted for economical spells and lower-order contributions.

8. Shubham Khajuria – Opening Batter

One of the most consistent domestic openers in the region.

With eight players from J&K in the pool, 2026 becomes the biggest representation from the region in IPL history.

🌄 A Historic Milestone for Kashmir Cricket

The presence of eight players in the auction is not just a sporting statistic—it is proof of a cricketing revolution unfolding in the Valley.

Why This Moment Matters

  • Massive exposure: Even being in the auction list puts players on the radar of scouts globally.
  • Recognition of domestic performances: J&K’s Ranji and T20 improvements are being acknowledged.
  • Boost to local academies: More youngsters are entering structured training setups.
  • Inspiring the next generation: Kashmir’s teenagers now see the IPL dream as realistic, not remote.

The selection also validates the work of coaches, district associations, and the JKCA development program, which has actively modernized training facilities and scouting processes.

💬 Reactions from the Valley

Cricket Fans

Kashmir’s cricket followers have flooded social media with celebration, calling it the “golden era” of local cricket.

Coaches & Selectors

Domestic coaches say this is a direct result of:

  • Improved infrastructure
  • Competitive internal tournaments
  • Professional fitness regimes
  • Higher exposure through national platforms

Former Cricketers

Several former players note that this is the first time the Valley’s talent pipeline looks sustainable and systematic.

🔍 What Makes Auqib Nabi the Center of Attention?

Auqib Nabi stands out because he represents the modern IPL prototype: an all-rounder who balances aggression with control.

Scouts value him for:

  • His ability to swing the new ball
  • His adaptable middle-overs bowling
  • His finishing skills at No. 6 or No. 7
  • His fielding, which franchises increasingly treat as non-negotiable

Analysts expect Nabi to attract early bidding interest, especially from franchises seeking Indian all-rounders—a role often in short supply.

🎯 What to Expect at the December 16 Auction

  • At least 2–3 J&K players are expected to be picked.
  • Auqib Nabi could spark a competitive bidding war.
  • Umran Malik, if in the auction pool, will remain a top-tier pace acquisition.
  • Teams needing domestic power hitters may target Abdul Samad and Vivrant Sharma.

Even those who go unsold will benefit from:

  • Greater visibility
  • Future scouting opportunities
  • Potential mid-season injury replacement signings

🏆 A New Dawn for J&K Cricket

The rise of these eight players marks a transformational moment. Jammu & Kashmir is evolving from a region known for raw pace and sporadic brilliance into one producing well-rounded, technically polished professionals ready for the world’s biggest cricket league.

The 2026 IPL auction will be remembered—not just for big international stars or mega bids—but for the moment Kashmir announced itself as a genuine talent hub.

And leading the charge is Auqib Nabi, the new torchbearer of the Valley’s cricketing dreams.

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Developing Story / Sports

IPL 2026 Auction List Finalised: 350 Players Shortlisted as Teams Prepare for December 16 Abu Dhabi Sale

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IPL 2026 Auction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has finalised the player auction list for the 2026 season. The list features 350 players who will be up for bidding at the upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, as per a release by the IPL.

Out of 1,390 players who registered for the auction, 350 were shortlisted, including 240 Indian and 110 overseas players. The pool also includes 224 uncapped Indian players and 14 uncapped overseas players, bringing fresh talent and depth to this year’s auction.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Franchises will compete for a total of 77 available slots, with 31 specifically reserved for overseas players. Of the 350 players, 40 players have listed themselves at the maximum base price of INR 2 crore, with Venkatesh Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi the only two Indians among them. The auction is set to start at 2:30 PM IST (1:00 PM UAE time) on Tuesday.

While 40 players have set their reserve price at INR 2 crore, 9 players are in the INR 1.5 crore bracket. Four players have opted for a reserve price of INR 1.25 crore and 17 players have set theirs at INR 1 crore. In the INR 75 lakh category, there are 42 players and four players have chosen INR 50 lakh.

Additionally, seven players have a reserve price of INR 40 lakh, and the largest group of 227 players is in the INR 30 lakh bracket.

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, expected to be one of the most expensive picks, given that several teams will be looking for a hard-hitting all-rounder, has registered as a batter and will feature in the first set. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, George Linde and Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage, who were initially not in the list, have been included in the final roster. (ANI)

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Sports

India Wins Maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025; JioHotstar Shatters Viewership Records with 446M Fans

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Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

Team India created history at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025, lifting their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup trophy on Sunday.

JioHotstar also set new benchmarks for engagement and reach, with record-breaking viewership that reflects the beginning of a new era for women’s sport and cricket broadcasting in India, one where women’s cricket stands proudly alongside the game’s biggest stages.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The final match of the quadrennial showcase attracted a staggering 185 million users on the platform, equalling the viewership of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final and exceeding the average daily reach of the IPL.

Overall, the tournament reached 446 million viewers, the highest ever for women’s cricket, surpassing the combined total of the last three ICC Women’s World Cups, marking an extraordinary milestone in the evolution of women’s cricket viewership in India.

The Women in Blue’s final act drew a peak concurrency of 21 million viewers as Harmanpreet Kaur’s team became the first Asian team to lift the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

In another record, 92 million tuned in to watch the historic clash on Connected TV (CTV), equalling the CTV viewership of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final. The surge reflects a significant shift in viewing habits, highlighting the deepening adoption of digital, large-screen sports consumption across India.

Ishan Chatterjee, CEO – Sports, JioStar, said, “The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 has reaffirmed the growing stature of women’s cricket in India. The exceptional quality of cricket on display, especially the Indian team’s incredible performance, has driven record-breaking viewership and attracted a larger, more passionate fan base than ever before. This marks an important shift for women’s cricket, it is no longer just being watched; it is being celebrated by millions. It is inspiring a new generation of fans, athletes, and brands to stand behind the sport.

This success is a collective achievement of ICC and BCCI for their vision, the players for their outstanding performances, the fans for their unwavering support, and the brands that have championed women’s cricket.”

With India crowned champions, anticipation for the upcoming WPL in January 2026 is set to reach unprecedented levels, as women’s cricket enters a new era of popularity and promise. (ANI)

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Developing Story / Sports

IHPL Cricket League in Srinagar Collapses Amid Unpaid Dues and Organisers’ Exit

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IHPL Cricket League

The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), a T20 cricket tournament being played in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city, featuring local, national & international players, has run into rough weather with some players being stranded at a local hotel and organisers reportedly fleeing the Valley.

The high-profile cricket event, organised by private sponsors, has run into rough weather after several players reportedly boycotted matches over unpaid dues, leaving the event in disarray.Reports today stated that the players, who were scheduled to play, claimed they were instructed “not to come to the stadium” due to “technical issues” that had led to the cancellation of the matches.

Earlier, a valley-based cricketer announced that he would not participate in the ongoing league, citing irregularities, lack of clarity on contract and payments.Meanwhile, matches scheduled for Saturday and today at Bakshi Stadium were also cancelled after players declined to take to the field.

Officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, a government body, stated that the Council has no involvement in the league, as it is a privately run event.

Sports council officials stated that they had only provided the ground, for which charges were applied in accordance with the Council’s norms.

One player, whose match was scheduled for today, said he was told not to report to the ground due to “technical issues.” “My match was scheduled for today, and when I called my manager to ask about it, he told me not to come to the stadium as there were some technical problems.”

Many international players have already left Srinagar, while many cricketers, primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, remain lodged at a local Hotel.People connected to catering, bus drivers, and others claim they, too, had not been paid.They said they are also in confusion and fear they won’t get their money.

The league was promoted and amplified by a well-known Jammu and Kashmir cricketer. The IHPL is not recognised by the BCCI or the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).

Developing Story / Sports

Omar Abdullah Flags Off Kashmir Marathon 2025, Joins Half Marathon to Promote Fitness and Unity

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Kashmir Marathon 2025

Thousands of enthusiastic runners gathered in Srinagar on Sunday morning as the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flagged off the Kashmir Marathon-2025, celebrating fitness, resilience, and the unstoppable spirit of Jammu and Kashmir.

The marathon witnessed overwhelming participation from professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and locals from across the Union Territory, reflecting the growing culture of sports and healthy living in the region.

Later, the Chief Minister joined participants in the Half Marathon and successfully completed the run, earning applause from fellow runners and spectators.

“Just completed the Kashmir Half Marathon. I didn’t set a personal best but I did improve on my effort last year. Congratulations to all the runners who completed the full marathon and the half marathon. Well done,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.

Sports

Parvez Rasool, J&K’s First India Cricketer, Retires After 17-Year Career Marked by Consistency and Inspiration

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Parvez Rasool

Parvez Rasool, the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India, has announced his retirement from all formats of the game, concluding a distinguished 17-year career.

The 36-year-old all-rounder from Bijbehara, South Kashmir, informed the BCCI of his decision, marking the end of a journey that inspired countless young cricketers in the Valley. Rasool featured in one ODI and one T20 International for India and also played in the IPL for Pune Warriors and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Expressing his pride, Rasool said he was honoured to have contributed to the rise of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.

Over the years, he became a pillar of J&K cricket, scoring 5,648 runs and claiming 352 wickets in First-Class cricket. His consistent performances earned him the Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy twice, in 2013-14 and 2017-18.

His breakthrough came in the 2012-13 season, when he amassed 594 runs and took 33 wickets, paving his way into the national squad and the IPL.

Parvez Rasool retires as a symbol of perseverance and hope for aspiring cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)

Sports

J&K Hosts State-Level Weightlifting Championship at Revamped Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar

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Weightlifting Championship

The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, organised a state-level Weightlifting Championship at the iconic Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from athletes representing seven districts across the Union Territory.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The championship aimed to promote weightlifting as a competitive sport and to identify young talent across J&K. A total of 7 districts showcased remarkable strength, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The revamped venue, which was to host high-level sporting events, served as an ideal venue for the championship, offering modern facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. Spectators, coaches, and sports enthusiasts gathered to cheer on the young athletes, adding energy and excitement to the event.

Winners from the championship will be shortlisted for advanced training and will represent Jammu and Kashmir in national-level competitions.

Earlier this year, Srinagar hosted the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025. The three-day event, which concludes on August 23, featured more than 500 athletes from 28 states and Union Territories competing in five events.

In August, Athletes from humble backgrounds in Jammu and Kashmir, trained at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) water sports centre in Dal Lake, have secured one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025, helping the Union Territory finish seventh among 28 states and Union Territories.

The inauguration was attended by notable dignitaries, including Nazhul Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council; Suhail Ahmad, CEO, Wushu Federation; Anand Jain, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Armed Police; and Kuldeep Handoo, Arjuna Awardee. (ANI)

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Developing Story / News / Sports

Suryakumar Yadav Donates ₹28 Lakh Asia Cup Fees to Armed Forces and Pahalgam Terror Attack Victims

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Suryakumar Yadav

India’s Asia Cup 2025-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav has announced that he will donate his entire tournament match fee to the country’s armed forces and the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

“I have decided to donate my match fees from this tournament to support our Armed Forces and the families of the victims who suffered from the Pahalgam terror attack. You always remain in my thoughts. Jai Hind,” Suryakumar posted on X after India’s five-wicket win over Pakistan in the final.

Each India player earns ₹4 lakh per T20 match, meaning Suryakumar will contribute ₹28 lakh for the seven games played.

The skipper, who consistently refused pleasantries with Pakistan’s players throughout the tournament, also drew global attention after paying tribute to the armed forces and Pahalgam victims during a group-stage clash on September 14. Pakistan complained to the ICC, accusing him of making political statements. The ICC fined him 30% of his match fee that day, though the BCCI has since challenged the penalty.

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