Sports
East Bengal FC Officially Signs Cameroonian Forward Raphael Messi Bouli for Current Season
Emami East Bengal FC has signed forward Raphael Messi Bouli from the Cameroon national team, securing his services for the remainder of the current season. Bouli joins the Red & Gold Brigade on a free transfer from the Chinese League One club Shijiazhuang Gongfu.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Emami East Bengal FC, Messi Bouli stated, “I’m thrilled to become a part of such a renowned club like East Bengal. I aim to make a meaningful impact during the final stretch of the ISL and the AFC Challenge League. I eagerly look forward to returning to India and connecting with East Bengal’s passionate fans!”
An accomplished forward recognized for his goal-scoring ability, Messi Bouli makes his return to Indian football after five seasons, having scored 8 goals for Kerala Blasters FC in the 2019-20 Indian Super League. Beyond his impressive ISL performance, Bouli has previously played in Cameroon (with FAP Yaounde, Canon Yaounde, and APEJES), the Persian Gulf Pro League (with Foolad FC), and across various clubs in China, including Yanbian Funde, Heilongjiang Ice City, Liaoning Tieren FC, Nanjing City, and Shijiazhuang Gongfu, amassing a total of 69 goals in 173 club appearances. In the last season with Shijiazhuang Gongfu, he achieved 14 goals and 5 assists in 28 matches. His last outing with the Chinese club was in November 2024. Additionally, he has represented the Cameroon national team six times between 2013 and 2018
Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group welcomed Messi Bouli, stating, “We are thrilled to enhance our attacking options with Raphaël’s addition. His inclusion will provide depth and strength to our lineup, and we are confident he can make a considerable impact in the upcoming ISL matches, the Super Cup, and the AFC Challenge League.”
Emami East Bengal FC Head Coach Oscar Bruzon remarked, “Raphaël arrives at a critical time in the season. Having played for Kerala Blasters before, he’s already a familiar face in Indian football. He brings a winning mindset, and his physical presence, scoring capability, and commitment will be invaluable to our team.”
Sports
Tim David Faces Criticism for Obscene Celebration against Mumbai Indians
IPL 2026 : In a dramatic IPL 2026 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Tim David has landed in controversy for allegedly making an obscene gesture after his team’s thrilling win against Mumbai Indians.
The incident took place during the 54th match of the Indian Premier League in Raipur. Batting first, Mumbai Indians scored 167 runs in 20 overs and set a competitive target for RCB.
While chasing the target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed 15 runs in the final over. The match went down to the last ball, where RCB required two runs for victory. Rasikh Dar helped the team secure a thrilling win in the final delivery.
Soon after the victory, Tim David, who was in the dugout, was seen allegedly showing his middle finger towards the Mumbai Indians camp during the celebrations. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media and triggered criticism from cricket fans.
Reports suggest that match officials could take disciplinary action against the Australian batter. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, obscene or offensive gestures are considered a serious offence.
Such behaviour usually falls under Level 1 or Level 2 breaches of the ICC rules. Players found guilty can face fines ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent of their match fees. Demerit points may also be added to their disciplinary record. Repeated offences can even lead to suspension from matches.
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Similar incidents have happened in the past as well. In 2012, Virat Kohli was fined 50 percent of his match fee for showing the middle finger to spectators during a match in Sydney.
Cricket is widely known as a “gentleman’s game,” and players are expected to maintain discipline and respect on the field. Tim David’s celebration has now sparked debate among fans and experts about sportsmanship in modern cricket.
Sports
Pooran Super over Call Sparks Criticism
Sports: Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant faced criticism after a failed Super Over decision against Kolkata Knight Riders. LSG sent Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram to bat, with Pooran on strike against Sunil Narine.
Pooran was bowled on the first ball, leading to heavy criticism from fans. Many questioned the decision, especially because Narine had earlier troubled Pooran in a past Super Over.
LSG coach Justin Langer defended the move. He said the team trusted Pooran as he has faced Narine many times and has a strong record against him. He added that teams must back their best players even in difficult moments.
Langer also said Pooran is one of the best T20 players in recent years but is currently low on confidence. He assured that the team is working hard to help him regain form
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Despite being at the bottom of the table, LSG remains hopeful. Langer said the team will use the break to improve and aim to win their remaining matches.
Sports
King Kohli Creates Two Records in One Match
Bengaluru: Virat Kohli made history in a match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against Gujarat Titans. He achieved two big records in a single game.
Kohli became the first player in Indian Premier League history to hit 800 boundaries. He now has 807 fours. Shikhar Dhawan is second with 768, followed by David Warner and Rohit Sharma.
He also became the third player to hit 300 sixes in IPL. He reached this mark with his first six in the match. Chris Gayle leads with 357 sixes, while Rohit Sharma has 310.
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Kohli scored 81 runs from 44 balls. He hit 8 fours and 4 sixes. He won the Player of the Match award.
In the 2026 season, Kohli has scored 328 runs in 7 matches. He holds the Orange Cap and has three half-centuries.
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Since 2008, Kohli has played 274 IPL matches. He has scored 8,989 runs, including 8 centuries and 6 fifties. He also has 807 fours and 303 sixes.

