Sports

Sanjog Gupta Named CEO of International Cricket Council: A Landmark Appointment for Indian Sports Leadership


The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced the appointment of Sanjog Gupta, a leading figure in Indian sports broadcasting, as its new Chief Executive Officer. This historic move not only underscores Gupta’s impressive contributions to the world of sports media but also symbolizes India’s growing influence in global cricket governance.

Gupta, who previously served as the Head of Sports at Star and Disney India, has been credited with redefining cricket broadcasting in India. Under his leadership, Star Sports expanded its reach, launched regional language feeds, deepened fan engagement, and played a pivotal role in turning the Indian Premier League (IPL) into a global media property.

With his new role, Gupta brings a fresh and media-savvy vision to the ICC. His experience in fan-centric storytelling, digital transformation, and commercial innovation is expected to be instrumental in guiding the sport through its next growth phase — especially in expanding cricket’s global footprint and driving engagement across emerging markets.

Commenting on his appointment, Gupta stated, “It is an honour to serve the game at a global level. Cricket has the power to unite, inspire, and evolve — and I am committed to taking the sport to new heights alongside the ICC and its members.”

Cricket industry stakeholders, from broadcasters to former players, have welcomed the decision, calling it a “forward-looking” and “strategically sound” appointment for the ICC as it looks to modernize and globalize the game.

As Sanjog Gupta takes over the reins, the cricketing world watches with optimism, eager to see how his leadership will shape the sport in the years to come.

Sports

MS Dhoni Files Trademark for ‘CAPTAIN COOL’: Building a Brand Beyond the Boundary


In a move that further cements his status as a cricketing icon and savvy entrepreneur, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has officially submitted a trademark application for the phrase ‘CAPTAIN COOL’ — a nickname that has become synonymous with his calm demeanor under pressure and his remarkable leadership on the field.

According to trademark filings, the application was made to secure the rights to use the term across categories that may include apparel, merchandise, digital content, and possibly sports-related ventures. While Dhoni has yet to make a formal announcement, the application is a clear indicator of potential brand expansion or new ventures under his already powerful persona.

Why ‘Captain Cool’?

The moniker “Captain Cool” was earned through Dhoni’s years at the helm of the Indian cricket team, where his ability to stay composed in high-stakes situations set him apart. From leading India to T20 World Cup glory in 2007 to winning the ICC World Cup in 2011, Dhoni’s leadership style has become legendary — cool, calculated, and fiercely effective.

From Cricketer to Brand Architect

This trademark move is not Dhoni’s first step into the brand world:

  • He already owns SEVEN, a sportswear brand.
  • He has been the face of numerous top-tier endorsements, from automobiles to financial services.
  • His post-retirement career is increasingly leaning toward business and content production, with his involvement in entertainment and gaming sectors through Dhoni Entertainment and partnerships in startups.

The trademark for “Captain Cool” could serve as the foundation for a lifestyle or sportswear brand, digital collectibles (like NFTs), fan merchandise, or even an online platform tied to leadership, fitness, or mentorship — though the official scope is still under wraps.

What This Means for Fans

For fans, this is a moment of nostalgia and pride. Dhoni isn’t just preserving a nickname — he’s transforming it into a legacy. Trademarking “Captain Cool” ensures that the phrase remains exclusively tied to his identity, giving him control over how it’s used commercially and culturally.

Looking Ahead

As MS Dhoni continues to redefine the post-retirement path of a modern sports icon, the ‘Captain Cool’ brand could become yet another chapter in his remarkable journey. Whether it’s through merchandise, mentorship, or media, one thing is certain — Dhoni is playing the long game, and he’s still winning.

Sports

Glenn Maxwell Announces Retirement from ODIs to Focus on 2026 T20 World Cup


Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) with immediate effect. The 36-year-old cricketer will now focus on the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka.

Maxwell’s decision comes after a remarkable ODI career spanning 13 years. He made his ODI debut in August 2012 and went on to play 149 matches, scoring 3,990 runs at an impressive strike rate of 126.7. His ODI career highlights include

  • Two ODI World Cup victories: Maxwell was a key member of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023.
  • Memorable innings: His unbeaten 201 off 128 deliveries against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, where he battled severe cramps, will be remembered as one of his finest ODI knocks.
  • Impressive statistics: Maxwell’s ODI career statistics include four centuries, 23 fifties, and 77 wickets at an economy rate of 5.46.

Maxwell cited the physical demands of ODI cricket and a lingering leg injury as the primary reasons for his retirement. He felt that he wouldn’t be able to perform at his best and didn’t want to hold onto his position for selfish reasons. In a chat with Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, Maxwell expressed his desire to give younger players a chance to take over .

With his sights set on the 2026 T20 World Cup, Maxwell will focus on honing his skills in the shortest format of the game. George Bailey praised Maxwell, saying, “Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players… Fortunately, he still has much to offer Australia in the T20 format.

Sports

RCB Appoints Rajat Patidar as Captain for IPL 2025


In a significant development, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Patidar, a talented right-handed batter, will lead the team in their quest for their maiden IPL title.


Patidar’s appointment as captain is a testament to his impressive performance for RCB over the past three seasons. Since joining the franchise in 2021, he has scored 799 runs in 28 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 158.85. His leadership skills were also on display when he captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.


Former RCB captain Virat Kohli congratulated Patidar on his appointment, praising his growth and performance within the franchise. Kohli expressed his confidence in Patidar’s ability to lead the team, saying, “You have earned the right to be in this position, and I’m sure you will grow from strength to strength.”


With Patidar at the helm, RCB will look to start a new chapter in their quest for IPL glory. Despite reaching the final three times, the team is yet to win the title. However, with a talented squad and a new captain, RCB fans will be hoping for a successful season.


The IPL 2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams undergoing changes in leadership. Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are yet to announce their captains, while Shreyas Iyer will lead Punjab Kings and Rishabh Pant will captain Lucknow Super Giants.


RCB’s journey to success in IPL 2025 will begin on March 21. With Rajat Patidar as their captain, the team will look to make a strong start to the season. Can Patidar lead RCB to their maiden IPL title? Only time will tell.