Tag: Cricket India

Sports

Goa Players Earn South Zone Selection for Senior Women’s Inter Zonal Trophy

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Cricket Association has announced the selection of its representatives in the South Zone squad for the upcoming Senior Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from March 5 to March 15, 2026.

Purvaja Verlekar has been selected as part of the main squad, while Poorva Bhaidkar has been named as a standby player. Rakshanda Pilankar has also been included in the squad as Performance Analyst, representing Goa in the support staff.

The selection marks a significant milestone for Goa cricket, reflecting the steady growth and development of women’s cricket in the state. It also highlights the increasing recognition of Goan players and professionals at higher competitive levels within the domestic cricket structure.

The Senior Women’s Inter Zonal One Day Trophy is a prestigious platform that brings together top performers from across zones, offering players the opportunity to compete at an elite level and further strengthen their prospects in national selection pathways.

The association congratulated the selected player and support staff member, describing their inclusion in the South Zone squad as a proud moment for the state. It also extended its best wishes to the team for a successful campaign in the tournament.

With consistent performances and growing opportunities, women’s cricket in Goa continues to build momentum, and selections like these serve as inspiration for many aspiring cricketers across the region.

Sports

Goa Enter Knockouts After Resolute Stand Against Bengal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa entered the knockout stage of the Cooch Behar Trophy Elite cricket tournament after holding Bengal to a hard-fought draw on Thursday, extending their unbeaten run in Group ‘D’. With three wins and one draw from four matches, Goa now stand at an impressive 23 points, securing qualification with one league match still remaining. The match, played at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground in Kalyani, showcased Goa’s discipline, determination, and ability to stand strong against one of the tournament’s toughest sides.

Bengal declared their second innings at 255 for 9 in 43 overs, setting Goa a challenging target of 229 runs. With the pitch favouring the bowlers and time running out, Goa approached the chase with caution and composure. They finished at 126 for 6 in 74.5 overs, ensuring the match ended in a draw and earning a valuable three points. Bengal settled for one.

Resuming from their overnight score of 185 for 4, Bengal added 70 runs in 12 overs but lost five wickets in the process. Goa’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Chigurupati Venkata leading the attack by taking 3 wickets for 58 runs. Shiven Borker supported well with figures of 2 for 52, while Mihir Kudalkar claimed a wicket. Bengal also suffered three run-outs, which helped Goa tighten their grip at crucial moments.

In Goa’s second innings, skipper Yash Kasvankar anchored the batting with a fighting 43 off 98 balls, hitting six boundaries in an innings defined by patience and responsibility. Opener Sarthak Bhike contributed a determined 30 off 130 balls, blunting Bengal’s attack and consuming valuable time. Shantanu Nevagi and Dishank Misquin played important supporting roles despite low scores, holding their wickets when the team needed stability the most. Aradhya Goyal remained unbeaten on 11 off 57 balls, while Mihir Kudalkar and Sai Naik ensured Goa did not crumble under pressure in the final session. For Bengal, Rohit Das and Rohit took two wickets each.

Earlier in the match, Bengal had posted 325 in 100.1 overs in their first innings. Goa responded strongly with 352 in 113.3 overs, gaining an important 27-run lead that played a crucial role in the final outcome. With momentum on their side and confidence running high, Goa now prepare for their final Group D match against Chandigarh on December 16.

The draw against Bengal reflects Goa’s growing maturity, depth, and resilience as a team. Their qualification for the knockouts highlights their consistent performances throughout the tournament and sets the stage for an exciting next phase as they chase greater glory.

Sports

When Does India vs Pakistan Clash in Asia Cup 2025?

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The cricketing world gears up for yet another high-voltage clash as India takes on Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. The match is scheduled for Sunday, 14 September 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the toss expected around 7:30 PM IST and the game starting at 8:00 PM IST.

This fixture is part of Group A, and the Asia Cup, which is being held in the United Arab Emirates from 9 to 28 September 2025, features top teams from across Asia competing in the T20 format.

Fans are watching closely not just for the results, but also for stories of rivalry, sportsmanship, and performance. With both teams having strong lineups and intense fan expectations, this match promises to deliver.

How to Watch / Stream:

  • 📺 In India: Sony Sports Network
  • 📱 Online: SonyLIV app
  • 🌎 International platforms vary depending on region

Stay tuned for squad updates, pitch reports, and live coverage as the big day approaches!

Sports

Indian Ace Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin Plans to Retire from IPL

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

August 27, 2025: One of Indian cricket’s most iconic spin bowlers, Ravichandran Ashwin, is contemplating retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 38-year-old veteran has hinted at stepping away from the league, marking the close of a glittering IPL journey that began in 2009.

Ashwin made his debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and quickly became a cornerstone of their bowling attack. He played a pivotal role in CSK’s back-to-back title wins in 2010 and 2011, even earning Player of the Series in the Champions League T20 in 2010.

With 221 matches and 187 wickets, Ashwin currently ranks as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. He featured in 16 of the 18 IPL seasons, representing a range of teams including:

  • Chennai Super Kings (2009–2015)
  • Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017)
  • Punjab Kings (2018–2019, as captain)
  • Delhi Capitals (2020–2021)
  • Rajasthan Royals (2022–2025)

Ashwin’s intelligent bowling, leadership, and ability to adapt made him one of the most respected figures in the league. Whether opening the bowling or bowling the death overs, his versatility was unmatched.

“It’s been on my mind for a while,” Ashwin shared in a recent interview. “The IPL has given me everything. It may be time to pass the torch to the next generation.”

🎯 Career Highlights:

  • IPL titles with CSK (2010, 2011)
  • 187 wickets in 221 matches
  • Captaincy stint with Punjab Kings
  • Famous dismissal of Chris Gayle in IPL 2011 final

While Ashwin may be ready to exit IPL, he is expected to remain active in domestic cricket and coaching circles. His contributions to Indian cricket, both in IPL and international formats, continue to shape the next generation of players.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Karnataka Government Considers Relocating Chinnaswamy Stadium: CM Siddaramaiah

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Bengaluru – June 2025:
In a move that could reshape the sports infrastructure of Karnataka’s capital, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the state government is considering shifting the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to a new location in Bengaluru. The statement has sparked both anticipation and debate among cricket fans, urban planners, and local residents.

Located in the heart of Bengaluru, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of India’s most well-known cricket venues. It has hosted countless domestic and international matches and is home to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, CM Siddaramaiah cited urban congestion, limited accessibility, and space constraints as key reasons behind the potential relocation.

“We are exploring the feasibility of shifting Chinnaswamy Stadium to a more spacious, accessible location to ease traffic and improve facilities,” said the Chief Minister during a recent press interaction.

The current stadium, while rich in history, is situated in a densely populated part of Bengaluru near Cubbon Park. On match days, traffic congestion, parking issues, and public transport strain have become significant concerns for both authorities and the public.

The state government is reportedly exploring locations on the outskirts of Bengaluru where a modern, world-class sports complex can be developed — complete with better connectivity, parking infrastructure, and multi-sport facilities.

While no official blueprint or timeline has been shared yet, the proposal has already sparked a wave of reactions:

  • Cricket fans have expressed mixed emotions — many nostalgic about the historic venue, others open to the idea of a larger, more modern stadium.
  • Urban development experts have welcomed the move, citing the need to decentralize major public venues.
  • Environmental groups are urging the government to ensure that any development aligns with sustainable urban planning norms.

If approved, the relocation would involve:

  • Identification and acquisition of suitable land
  • Construction of a new stadium adhering to ICC and BCCI guidelines
  • Transition planning for RCB and Karnataka state teams
  • Consideration of the legacy and future use of the existing stadium site

The government is expected to hold consultations with BCCI, KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association), urban planners, and public stakeholders before finalizing any decisions.

As Bengaluru continues to evolve as a global city, this move could represent a transformative moment for its sports infrastructure. Whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium moves or stays, the discussion underscores the balancing act between heritage and modernity in urban India.