Sports

Manchester United Co-Owner Makes $1.8 Billion Bid for IPL Champions RCB


Mumbai, February 2026: In a surprising twist in the world of sports ownership, the Glazer family, co-owners of Manchester United, have placed a $1.8 billion bid for IPL champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The bid, submitted via their investment arm Lancer Capital, tops a list of nine non-binding offers for the franchise, whose men’s and women’s teams are valued at up to $2 billion following their 2025 triumphs.

The sale process was initiated by Diageo in November 2025 and aims to conclude by March 2026, just ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Other notable bidders include Dr. Ranjan Pai and Adar Poonawalla, highlighting the growing appeal of Indian Premier League franchises among high-profile global investors.

Manchester United fans have expressed frustration on social media, criticizing the Glazers for prioritizing cricket investments over the club’s needs. Meanwhile, RCB supporters are wary of a potential “Glazer curse,” fearing that the franchise’s on-field success could be affected under new ownership.

The shortlisted bids will move to a binding offer stage next week, with industry experts suggesting that the final deal could set a record for cricket franchise sales globally. Analysts point out that RCB’s consistent fanbase, strong brand value, and recent championship wins make it a highly sought-after investment opportunity in both Indian and global sports markets.

If successful, the acquisition would mark the Glazers’ entry into the Indian sports ecosystem, further blending cricket and football fandoms under a single investment umbrella.

Sports

Goa’s Madar Basappa Shines as India Legends Storm into Asian Legend Cup 2026 Final


Goa’s Madar Basappa produced a match-defining performance with the ball as India Legends registered a thumping 104-run victory over Hong Kong in a league match of the Asian Legend Cup 2026 in Thailand, sealing their place in the tournament final. The win marked yet another dominant display by the Indian side in an impressive campaign.

After opting to bat first, India Legends piled up a massive 240 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by aggressive knocks from Bhanu Seth, Parminder and Amer Khan. The imposing total put Hong Kong under immense pressure from the outset, setting the stage for India’s bowlers to take control of the contest.

Madar Basappa emerged as the standout performer with the ball, delivering an exceptional spell of 3 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. Bowling with sharp control, variation and discipline, the Goan all-rounder struck at crucial moments to dismantle Hong Kong’s chase. He removed Kamal as the batter attempted to steady the innings, dismissed Ibrez soon after, and then produced a key moment by stumping Iftikhar to halt any hopes of a recovery. His economy rate of 3.75 reflected the pressure he consistently applied on the batters.

Hong Kong were eventually restricted to 136 in 20 overs, never able to recover from the damage inflicted by Basappa and the disciplined Indian bowling unit. While Bhanu Seth was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting performance, Madar Basappa’s spell stood out as one of the defining highlights of the encounter.

Basappa’s contribution brought pride to Goa as he showcased his talent on a major international stage. The all-rounder has also represented Gomanchal Warriors in the GVCL tournament and continues to strengthen his reputation as a dependable match-winner. India Legends have enjoyed a dominant run in the tournament, beginning with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, followed by a comprehensive 77-run victory against arch-rivals Pakistan and a close 12-run win over Bangladesh, underlining their strong form heading into the final of the Asian Legend Cup 2026.

Sports

Goa Bowled Out for 164 on Day 1 of Cooch Behar Trophy Quarterfinal


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa were bundled out for 164 in their first innings on the opening day of the Cooch Behar Trophy Elite quarterfinal against Madhya Pradesh, played at the GCA ground in Sanguem on Thursday. After winning the toss and opting to field, Madhya Pradesh bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths throughout the day, putting Goa under sustained pressure in the four-day Under-19 encounter.

Goa’s innings lasted 82.5 overs, with only a handful of batters managing to offer resistance. The highlight of the innings was a vital fifth-wicket partnership of 76 runs between Dishank Misquin and Aradhya Goyal, which helped Goa recover from a precarious position. Misquin top-scored with a determined 44, while Goyal registered a composed half-century, scoring 50 with five well-timed boundaries. Opener Sarthak Bhike also contributed a steady 31 at the top, but the middle and lower order failed to capitalise on starts. For Madhya Pradesh, Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan emerged as the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 3 for 34, well supported by Ayush Shukla and Prateek Shukla, who claimed two wickets each. At stumps on Day 1, Madhya Pradesh reached 12 for 1 in four overs, ending the day with a narrow advantage, setting up an evenly poised contest heading into the second day.

Sports

MCC Thunder Edge Avengers in Thrilling Finish to Go Top of the Table


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

MCC Thunder moved to the top of the MCL 11 table after pulling off a tense 2-wicket win over MCC Avengers in a gripping T20 contest at the MCC Ground in Margao. The match went down to the very last over, with Thunder successfully chasing the target of 166 in 19.5 overs. The win, which takes their tally to 8 points, showcased disciplined bowling, calm batting under pressure and a standout all-round performance from Ved Mahambrey, who was adjudged Man of the Match.

MCC Avengers, batting first, posted 165/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings was built on steady contributions from Venkatesh Nevagi, who struck 24, followed by a valuable 35 from Amod Borkar and a well-compiled 40 from Vedant Naik. However, the Thunder bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Sudhir Shet delivered an impressive spell with figures of 2/22, while Sudesh Rane picked up 2/44. Ved Mahambrey chipped in with 1/17, and the experienced Dr. Rohan Badve bowled economically for his 1/14. Om Fadte also contributed with the ball, returning figures of 1/27.

Chasing 166, MCC Thunder began steadily but faced resistance from the Avengers’ bowlers. The innings gained momentum through a composed 36 from Om Fadte, followed by a crucial 39 from Roshan Naik, who kept the scoreboard ticking at a vital phase. The chase was anchored beautifully by Ved Mahambrey, whose 38 proved to be the defining knock in the pressure-filled chase. With wickets falling around him, Mahambre’s calm presence ensured Thunder stayed on course.

The Avengers bowlers fought back valiantly. Amod Borkar picked up 2/32, while Siddhant Amonkar claimed 1/30. Venkatesh Nevagi showed his all-round ability with 1/25, and Gopal Gawas chipped in with 1/17. Despite their efforts, the total proved just short as Thunder held their nerve to cross the finish line with one ball remaining.

The thrilling victory reflected Thunder’s resilience and teamwork, taking them to the top of the standings and further intensifying the race in MCL 11.

Sports

MCL 11 T20: MCC Royals Clinch 16-Run Victory Over MCC Stallions


Margao: In a competitive clash at the MCL Ground, Margao, MCC Royals secured a 16-run win over MCC Stallions in the MCL 11 T20 tournament. The match showcased impressive all-round performances, with both teams fighting hard until the final overs.

Batting first, MCC Royals posted a respectable 154/9 in 20 overs.
The top order delivered key contributions:

  • Vijay Nagarajan – 40
  • Abhishek Goyal – 35
  • Shailesh Redkar – 30

The Stallions bowlers kept things tight, with Dr. Ankush Patil (2/16) emerging as the most economical performer. Govind Gaokar (2/32) and Rohit Mehta (2/36) also chipped in with important breakthroughs.

Chasing 155, MCC Stallions managed 138 all out in 18.1 overs.
Notable efforts came from:

  • Infancio Correia – 38
  • Rohit Mehta – 27
  • Naval Naik – 21

However, the Royals’ bowling attack proved too strong. Aditya Prabhugaonkar (2/15) led from the front with disciplined bowling, while Shailesh Redkar (1/19), Chirag Naik (1/31), Aditya Angle (1/23), Venkat Biche (1/21) and Abhishek Goyal (1/23) picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals.

For his impactful all-round performance, Shailesh Redkar was awarded the Man of the Match.