Tag: Goa sports

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 League Announces Squads, Captains, Fixtures for Inaugural Season in Goa

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 21, 2026: The World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20) has officially announced the six franchises, team captains, final squads, and the complete fixture schedule for its inaugural season. The tournament will be held at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Goa, from 26 January to 4 February 2026, featuring 18 matches including a league stage, two semi-finals, and a grand finale.


The six franchises—Rajasthan Kings, Delhi Warriors, Pune Panthers, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders, and Maharashtra Tycoons—will feature 90 legendary cricketers from around the world, blending iconic international stars with top Indian domestic talent.

The league will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on 25 January, featuring a live performance by Sunidhi Chauhan, setting the stage for a cricketing and entertainment extravaganza.

“Seeing these squads and captains come together is incredibly exciting. Each team is well-balanced, blending legendary experience with T20 flair, and fans are in for a real spectacle—high-octane matches, unforgettable moments, and a chance to see some of the greatest players in cricket history light up the field once again,” said League Commissioner Michael Clarke.

“This league is built on a model where management and owners focus on creating long-term, sustainable value together. For the first time in years, Goa will host a major cricketing extravaganza, and we’re excited to bring world-class cricket to the city,” added Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SGSE.


Team Squads & Captains – WLPT20 2026
Rajasthan Kings – Captain: Eoin Morgan
Ben Cutting, Elton Chigumbura, Naman Ojha, Callum Ferguson, Angelo Perera, JP Duminy, Suresh Raina, Bipul Sharma, Pinal Shah, Jaykishan Kolsawala, Abhimanyu Mithun, Anureet Singh, Jesal Karia, Shadab Jakati

Delhi Warriors – Captain: Harbhajan Singh
Seekkugge Prasanna, Chadwick Walton, Imran Tahir, Colin Ingram, Irfan Pathan, Isuru Udana, Shahbaz Nadeem, Chirag Gandhi, Shreevats Goswami, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Rahul Shukla, Diwesh Pathania, Suboth Bhati, Ravi Jangid

Pune Panthers – Captain: Kieron Pollard
Samiullah Shinwari, Upul Tharanga, Amit Mishra, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Martin Guptill, Robin Uthappa, Kamil Leverock, Rahul Yadav, Asad Pathan, Ankit Rajpoot, Faiz Fazal, Priyank Panchal, Ishwar Pandey

Dubai Royals – Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Samit Patel, Piyush Chawla, Christopher Mpofu, Fidel Edwards, Danushka Gunathilaka, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Parvez Rasool, Gitansh Khera, Abhishek Raut, Peter Trego, Monu Kumar, Amit Verma, Kirk Edwards

Gurugram Thunders – Captain: Thisara Perera
Phil Mustard, Ross Taylor, Cheteshwar Pujara, Colin de Grandhomme, S Sreesanth, Stuart Broad, Rayad Emrit, Jermaine Blackwood, Amitoze Singh, Sheldon Jackson, Akshay Wakhare, Malinda Pushpakumara, Saurin Thakar, Pawan Negi

Maharashtra Tycoons – Captain: Dinesh Karthik
Carlos Brathwaite, Dale Steyn, Chris Gayle, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Stuart Binny, Peter Siddle, Shaun Marsh, Rahul Sharma, Pawan Suyal, Praveen Gupta, Baltej Singh, Manvinder Bisla, Siddarth Kaul


League Format
Each team plays five league-stage matches

Points awarded based on match results

Top four teams advance to the playoffs

Semi-finals: 3 February 2026

Grand Final: 4 February 2026

All matches at a single venue to ensure uniform playing conditions

Fixtures – WLPT20 2026

26 Jan: Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals, 7:30 PM
27 Jan: Pune Panthers vs Gurugram Thunders, 2:30 PM
27 Jan: Rajasthan Kings vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 7:30 PM
28 Jan: Dubai Royals vs Gurugram Thunders, 2:30 PM
28 Jan: Delhi Warriors vs Pune Panthers, 7:30 PM
29 Jan: Rajasthan Kings vs Dubai Royals, 2:30 PM
29 Jan: Gurugram Thunders vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 7:30 PM
30 Jan: Maharashtra Tycoons vs Delhi Warriors, 2:30 PM
30 Jan: Pune Panthers vs Rajasthan Kings, 7:30 PM
31 Jan: Gurugram Thunders vs Rajasthan Kings, 2:30 PM
31 Jan: Dubai Royals vs Pune Panthers, 7:30 PM
1 Feb: Pune Panthers vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 2:30 PM
1 Feb: Delhi Warriors vs Gurugram Thunders, 7:30 PM
2 Feb: Rajasthan Kings vs Delhi Warriors, 2:30 PM
2 Feb: Maharashtra Tycoons vs Dubai Royals, 7:30 PM
3 Feb: Semi-Final 1, 2:30 PM
3 Feb: Semi-Final 2, 7:30 PM
4 Feb: Grand Final, 7:30 PM

Sports

Goa Awaits Its First National Cricket Icon, Says BJP State President Damu Naik

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

BJP State President Damodar ‘Damu’ Naik expressed optimism that Goa will soon produce a national-level cricketer who can emerge as a definitive icon for the state. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Grand Auction of the Junior Cricket Championship (JCC), organised by the Oxford Cricket Club at Borda, Margao.

The Junior Cricket Championship is scheduled to be held from February 25 to 28, with matches to be played at venues in Arlem, Margao, and Vasco–Chicalim. The tournament will feature three age-group categories — Under-15, Under-14 and Under-13 — aimed at nurturing talent at an early stage.

The auction marked an important milestone for the championship, bringing together team owners, young players, organisers and officials. Among those present were JCC President Romeen Mulam, Mentor Sandeep Naik, and former Ranji cricketer and former Goa Under-19 coach Robin D’Souza.

Addressing the gathering, Naik noted that while cricketing infrastructure was once a challenge in Goa, the progress made in recent years has been significant. He highlighted the tournament’s theme, “Fueling the Future,” and said platforms like the JCC are enabling young players to thrive. He also acknowledged the growing role of parents, who are increasingly investing in their children’s nutrition, fitness and training. According to him, Goa is now simply waiting for one player to break through at the national level and become a symbol of the state’s cricketing potential.

Sharing the journey of the Oxford Cricket Club, Romeen Mulam said the initiative began over two decades ago in Dubai under Mukhtar Khadri. While auctions are common in tennis-ball cricket for adults, he identified a gap in similar opportunities for children. He noted that the response to the championship has been overwhelming, with 196 players registering despite an initial cap of 150.

Mentor Sandeep Naik, a former Ranji cricketer and coach, stressed the importance of parental support in the development of young athletes. He said the platform is not about winning or losing, but about giving children an opportunity to showcase their talent, while thanking the owners of the eight teams for their support.

Former Ranji player Robin D’Souza praised the initiative, stating that such foundations are crucial for long-term growth. He observed that the standard of Goan cricket has already improved at the junior level, particularly in the Under-14 and Under-16 categories, and expressed confidence that the upward trajectory will continue.

Sports

Manas Mavericks, Priority Titans Open PGML 5.0 With Emphatic Wins

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The fifth edition of the Panjim Gymkhana Members League (PGML 5.0) commenced on Saturday at the Panjim Gymkhana ground, Campal, Panaji, with Manas Mavericks and Priority Titans registering convincing victories in their opening matches. The much-anticipated T20 tournament began with great enthusiasm, drawing players, officials and cricket enthusiasts in large numbers.

Earlier in the day, PGML 5.0 was formally inaugurated at the venue. The ceremony began with the toss involving team captains, umpires and the match referee, followed by a formal gathering attended by the Panjim Gymkhana President, team owners, captains, Managing Committee and Governing Council members, along with the Chief Guest. Panjim Gymkhana President Manoj Caculo welcomed the gathering, after which the Chief Guest, Goa Cricket Association President Mahesh Dessai, officially declared the tournament open by releasing balloons along with the team owners. The ceremony also featured an address by the Chief Guest, presentation of a memento and the playing of the National Anthem. GCA Secretary Tulsidas Shetye was present as the Guest of Honour.

During the function, several dignitaries were felicitated for their contributions to the sport. Rajesh Khaunte presented a memento to Mahesh Dessai, Suresh Mahadevan felicitated Tulsidas Shetye, Sarfaraz Sheikh honoured Prasad Shirsat of Golden Goa, while Manish Karapurkar felicitated Amit and Mary from Majestic, the tournament sponsors. In his address, Mahesh Dessai expressed special appreciation for Anil Pai Angle and Sandeep Naik for their guidance and continued contribution to cricket.

The cricketing action began with the opening match between Manas Mavericks and Dempo Challengers. Manas Mavericks delivered a dominant performance, posting a massive 220 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by a half-century from Vijay Nagarajan and valuable contributions from Avishkar Mone, Om Phadte and Mihir Gawde. In reply, Dempo Challengers were restricted to 132 for 9, as the Manas Mavericks bowlers shared the wickets to secure an emphatic 88-run victory.

In the second match of the day, Priority Titans continued the trend of dominant performances, scoring 198 for 5 against Sun Estate Warriors. Adeep Prabhu Miskin top-scored with a well-crafted half-century, while Jaipal Mada and Heramb Shankar Parab added crucial runs. Sun Estate Warriors were bowled out for 134 in 16.4 overs, handing Priority Titans a convincing 64-run win.

With the successful start of PGML 5.0, cricket fans can look forward to several weeks of high-quality T20 action, competitive performances and growing excitement at the Panjim Gymkhana ground.

Sports

Goa’s Megan De Almeida Wins Bronze at All India Inter University Aquatics Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa witnessed a proud sporting moment as Megan De Almeida from Divar secured a Bronze medal in the Women’s 3-Meter Springboard Diving event at the All India Inter University Aquatics (M & W) Championship 2025–2026. The prestigious national-level championship was held from December 18 to 23 at the Dr. T.R. Paarivendhar Aquatic Complex at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu.

Representing Goa at the competition organised by SRM Institute of Science and Technology under the auspices of the Association of Indian Universities, Megan stood out among 18 divers from universities across the country to finish on the podium. Her performance reflected both technical skill and composure at a highly competitive event.

Megan further demonstrated her versatility by securing a commendable fourth-place finish in the 1-Meter Springboard event, narrowly missing a second medal in a field of 22 participants. The close margins underlined the intense level of competition and her growing potential on the national stage.

A third-year MBBS student at Goa Medical College under Goa University, Megan balances her demanding academic schedule with rigorous athletic training. She trains at the Panjim Campal Diving Pool under the guidance of her coach, Mr. P. Narasimhalu, whose mentorship has played a key role in her progress.

Commenting on her performance, her coach noted that Megan showed exceptional promise despite limited preparation time, describing her as a natural and graceful diver who missed higher podium finishes by only a few points. Her achievement not only adds to Goa’s sporting pride but also highlights the rising presence of Goan athletes in national university-level competitions.

Sports

Advocates Cricket League Season 7 to Begin December 21 in Goa

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Panaji: The much-anticipated seventh season of the Advocates Cricket League (ACL) is set to commence on December 21, promising thrilling T20 action featuring teams from Goa’s vibrant legal fraternity. League matches will be hosted at Chicalim, Vasco, while the semi-finals and final will take place at the prestigious Goa Cricket Association (GCA) ground in Porvorim.

Following a successful auction conducted at the High Court premises in Porvorim, all participating franchises have finalised their 16-member squads. The league phase will run from December 21 to December 29, with two matches scheduled daily at 9.15 am and 1.30 pm. December 25 will be observed as a holiday, with no matches scheduled.

The opening day will see 18 Juners face Lotlikar Lions in the morning fixture, followed by Lawyer Challengers taking on United Brothers in the afternoon. Other notable league encounters include Risers versus Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions against United Brothers, and several high-voltage clashes involving Lawyer Challengers, 18 Juners, and Risers.

At the conclusion of the league stage, the top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled on January 9, 2026. The first semi-final will see Rank 1 play Rank 4 at 9.15 am, followed by Rank 2 versus Rank 3 at 1.30 pm. The grand finale, to be played under floodlights, is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at 6.00 pm.

ACL President Iftikhar Agha expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, stating that the league has grown stronger with every passing season. He highlighted the enthusiasm shown by team owners and players during the auction, emphasizing that the league aims to promote healthy competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship while providing a professional platform for advocates to showcase their cricketing talent.

Defending champions UB Warriors will look to retain their title, while teams including Lawyer Challengers, Legal Titans, Lotlikar Lions, Risers, United Brothers, and 18 Juners aim to make a strong mark in what promises to be a closely contested season.

With the Season 7 trophy unveiled and fixtures announced, excitement continues to build as the Advocates Cricket League prepares to deliver another memorable chapter in Goa’s sporting calendar.