Sports

Rajeev Shukla: Only the Indian Government Will Decide on Bilateral Relations

Published

2 years ago

March 7, 2025

Rajeev Shukla, a representative of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced that the Indian government will determine when bilateral relations with Pakistan can resume. He emphasized that the BCCI would adhere to the government’s directive regarding this matter. Shukla made these comments while attending the second semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, responding to inquiries from the Pakistani media about the possibility of renewed bilateral cricket ties.

“Regarding bilateral cricket, the stance is very clear: it is ultimately a government decision. We will follow whatever the government decides,” Shukla stated to the local press in Lahore.

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Shukla expressed that it is encouraging for world cricket that Pakistan is hosting an international tournament for the first time since the 1996 World Cup. “It’s great to see Pakistan organizing an international event after such a long hiatus, and they’ve done a commendable job,” he remarked.

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He acknowledged the desire of fans from both countries to witness their teams compete, stating, “Fans indeed want to see the teams play, but the policy of the BCCI—and I believe the PCB shares it—is that bilateral matches should take place on each other’s home turf and not at neutral venues.” He further explained that this policy is consistent within the BCCI and aligns with ICC regulations that require government consent for such matches.

Shukla dismissed claims that the Indian team gained an unfair advantage by playing all its matches at a single venue while other teams played at multiple locations. He was among the cricket board officials present at the semifinal match between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore.

His attendance at this high-profile match drew significant attention due to the ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding India’s involvement in Pakistan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) noted that representatives from five different cricket boards were present for this important match. Alongside Shukla were Roger Twose from New Zealand Cricket, Farooq Ahmed from the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and Pholetsi Isaac Moseki and Dr. Mohammed Moosajee from Cricket South Africa.

“PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi attended the ICC #ChampionsTrophy semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla. Officials from Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, and Zimbabwe cricket boards were also in attendance for the #NZvSA match,” the PCB shared on X, also posting a video of the dignitaries enjoying the match with the PCB chairman.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.