Sports

Former Indian Captain Turned Ex-BCCI Chairman Sourav Ganguly Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The “Maharaja of Indian Cricket”, Sourav Ganguly, has officially returned to frontline cricket—this time as Head Coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the upcoming 2026 edition of SA20, South Africa’s leading T20 cricket league.

At 53, Ganguly is proving once again that age is no barrier when it comes to passion and leadership. His appointment follows the exit of former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who coached the Capitals in the 2023–2025 seasons and is now the Head Coach of Afghanistan’s national team.

Ganguly’s cricket journey has spanned decades—captain of Team India, a powerful figure in world cricket as BCCI President, and now, a mentor and coach stepping into one of the sport’s biggest franchise leagues. Prior to his BCCI role, he also served as a mentor with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and is currently the Director of JSW Sports, the parent company of Pretoria Capitals.

The 2026 edition of the SA20 tournament will be held from December 26, 2025 to January 25, 2026, to avoid a direct clash with the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Ganguly expressed his gratitude and optimism about the role:

“All the best and thank you for having me,” he shared, signaling his commitment to lead the Capitals into a new era.

With Ganguly’s proven tactical mind and inspirational leadership, Pretoria Capitals will be looking to rebuild and push for a strong finish in the upcoming season. His mentorship is expected to play a vital role in developing young talent and infusing the team with a winning mentality.

Sports

BCCI Announces 15-Member Team India Squad for Asia Cup 2025


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.

In a major decision, Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as captain, marking his return to leadership duties. Young batting star Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the role of vice-captain, highlighting the selectors’ vision for grooming future leaders of Indian cricket.

On the bowling front, India’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who continues to be the strike weapon in crucial tournaments. With a balanced squad comprising both experienced stalwarts and emerging talents, India looks confident heading into the tournament.

The Asia Cup 2025 will serve as an important platform for testing combinations and strategies ahead of the ICC global tournaments scheduled next year. Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating high-voltage clashes, especially against traditional rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as India aims to add another continental trophy to its illustrious cabinet.

The tournament will kick off on September 9, with the grand finale scheduled for September 28. Team India will begin its campaign with high hopes and a powerful lineup.

Stay tuned for match updates, analysis, and exclusive coverage on allycaral.com.

Sports

Shubman Gill Eyes Four Historic Cricket Records Against England, Including Bradman’s Legacy


As India locks horns with England in their latest cricket series, all eyes are on India’s prodigious batter, Shubman Gill. The 24-year-old has been in stellar form and now has the rare chance to challenge history — by breaking four world records, including three held by the iconic Sir Donald Bradman.

What’s at Stake?

  1. Fastest to 2000 Test Runs
    Gill is just a few innings away from this milestone. If he gets there in the next couple of matches, he could eclipse Bradman’s record of 22 innings.
  2. Highest Average After 15 Tests
    Bradman’s average after 15 Tests was an astonishing 99.96. Gill, who currently averages over 63, needs big scores to even come close — but the possibility exists.
  3. Most Centuries Before Age 25 in Tests
    With multiple centuries already to his name, Gill could match or surpass Bradman’s tally of 10 Test centuries before turning 25.
  4. Consecutive 50+ Scores in England Series
    No Indian batter has scored 50+ in five consecutive innings against England. Gill is currently on a streak — and if it continues, he’ll set a new benchmark.

Gill’s Mental Game

In interviews, Gill has credited his calm mindset and disciplined preparation. “I don’t look at records before matches. My job is to stay in the moment and score for my team,” he said before the series opener.

The Bradman Shadow

Sir Donald Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest batter in cricket history, set standards that have remained unmatched for decades. For Gill to come close or surpass them, even partially, would be a feat few in modern cricket could boast of.

Conclusion

Whether or not Shubman Gill breaks all four records, his consistency, flair, and hunger for runs make him one of India’s brightest stars. The England series could well be his defining moment — a modern chapter written in the shadow of a timeless legend.

Sports

Yashasvi Jaiswal Reaffirms Loyalty to Mumbai, Withdraws NOC to Join Goa


In a significant development on the domestic cricket circuit, India Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has formally withdrawn his request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to move from Mumbai to Goa, opting instead to remain with his home team ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season.

The 23-year-old had sparked speculation in April when he approached the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) seeking permission to represent Goa as a professional player, a move that reportedly included potential captaincy discussions.

However, in May, Jaiswal wrote to the MCA requesting that the NOC process be halted, citing personal and family-related reasons for the change of heart.

The matter was formally resolved on Monday, when the MCA Apex Council ratified the withdrawal of the NOC request.

“The Apex Council has approved the withdrawal of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) earlier requested by Yashasvi Jaiswal. He will remain available for Mumbai in all domestic competitions,” the MCA confirmed in a statement.

MCA president Ajinkya Naik welcomed the decision, stating:

“Yashasvi has always been a proud product of Mumbai cricket. We have accepted his request and he will be part of our plans for the upcoming season.”

In his letter to the MCA in May, Jaiswal clarified that the initial intent to shift base was linked to personal circumstances which have since changed.

“I had some family plans in shifting to Goa, which for now have been curtailed. I have not submitted the NOC to the BCCI or the Goa Cricket Association,” he wrote.

The confirmation puts an end to weeks of speculation about the young left-hander’s domestic future and reaffirms his commitment to Mumbai — the team where he developed and rose to international prominence.

In addition to retaining Jaiswal, the MCA also announced the return of the iconic Dr HD Kanga League, which will commence from July 20 in its traditional monsoon format — a beloved part of Mumbai’s cricketing heritage.

Earlier this month, the MCA did grant a transfer to another India international, Prithvi Shaw, who has been cleared to represent a different state side in the upcoming season.

Jaiswal’s decision to stay adds a strong boost to Mumbai’s domestic lineup as they prepare for a competitive season ahead. With rising stars and experienced hands, Mumbai remains one of India’s most formidable cricketing states.

Sports

BCCI & ECB Unveil Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy for India-England Test Series


A Historic Tribute to Two Titans of Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar & James Anderson

June 20, 2025 — In a landmark moment for international cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have jointly unveiled the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a new symbol of excellence and legacy for all future India vs England Test series.

Named after Sachin Tendulkar, India’s iconic batting maestro, and James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, the trophy honours two players who defined generations of cricket fans and achieved enduring greatness in the longest format of the game.


🌟 Legends Immortalised

The decision to name the Test series trophy after Tendulkar and Anderson pays tribute to their remarkable contributions:

  • Sachin Tendulkar: The highest run-scorer in Test cricket history with 15,921 runs, 51 Test centuries, and a career spanning 24 years.
  • James Anderson: The most prolific fast bowler in Test history, with over 700 wickets and still going strong at 42 — the epitome of longevity and discipline.

Both players have been involved in some of the most memorable India-England clashes over the past two decades, making their names synonymous with the intensity and respect this rivalry commands.

“This is a fitting tribute to two of the greatest players the game has seen. Their impact goes far beyond numbers — they’ve inspired generations,” said BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during the unveiling ceremony.

ECB CEO Richard Gould added, “Test cricket is built on legacy, character and skill — and no one embodies that more than James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.”


🏆 A Trophy of Class and Character

The newly designed trophy, which was unveiled ahead of the upcoming India-England Test series, features:

  • A dual relief engraving of Anderson and Tendulkar in iconic poses.
  • A silver and teak wood finish, symbolising the heritage of the two cricketing nations.
  • An inscribed plaque that reads: “In honour of excellence, endurance and the spirit of Test cricket.”

The trophy will now be awarded at the conclusion of every India vs England Test series — home or away — making it a permanent fixture in one of cricket’s oldest and most storied rivalries.


🇮🇳🤝🏴 India vs England: A Rivalry Redefined

The India-England Test rivalry dates back to 1932, when India played its first-ever Test match at Lord’s. Since then, the series has produced legendary moments — from Eden Gardens epics to Lord’s duels, from Rahul Dravid’s elegance to Kevin Pietersen’s dominance.

With the introduction of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the series now carries an emblem of legacy, giving a new generation of cricketers something greater to play for — honour, pride, and history.


📌 Fast Facts:

  • Trophy Name: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
  • Announced By: BCCI & ECB
  • Purpose: Official trophy for all India vs England Test series
  • Honours: Sachin Tendulkar (India), James Anderson (England)
  • Debut Series: 2025 India Tour of England (starting July)