Tag: ICC

Sports

Prestige XI March into Manorva Cup 2025 Final with Commanding Semi-Final Win

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Prestige XI stormed into the Final of the Manorva Cup 2025 with a commanding 59-run victory over MWA Mencurem in the semi-final of the 21st Manorva Trophy, the All Goa Panchayat Level Leather Ball T-20 Cricket Tournament, played at the Chapora Ground, Anjuna–Vagator.

Batting first, Prestige XI posted a competitive total of 162 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a superb knock from Tushar Pednekar, who was later adjudged Man of the Match for his fluent 78 off 44 deliveries. Sahil Warang provided valuable support with a quick 17 runs, helping Prestige XI maintain momentum during the middle and death overs.

In reply, MWA Mencurem struggled to cope with Prestige XI’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 103. Sahil Warang starred with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. The bowling unit applied sustained pressure throughout the innings, never allowing MWA Mencurem to settle in their chase.

Prestige XI secured a place in the Manorva Cup 2025 Final with a commanding all-round performance, set for 4th January 2026 at the same venue. Man of the Match Tushar Pednekar starred in the semi-final of the 21st Manorva Trophy, organised by the Manorva Sports & Cultural Club, Shapora, under the Goa Cricket Association.

The tournament has featured 20 teams from across Goa competing in a knockout format, showcasing competitive leather-ball cricket at the grassroots level. All matches have been hosted at the Chapora Ground, which has witnessed enthusiastic crowds and high-quality cricket throughout the competition.

As the tournament nears its conclusion, the Manorva Trophy continues to reinforce its status as one of Goa’s most competitive and well-organised panchayat-level cricket tournaments, with the final expected to draw significant interest from local cricket fans and supporters.

Sports

Jay Shah’s reformist vision ushers in a Golden Era for Cricket

Tanisha Cardozo

Under the transformative leadership of Jay Shah, cricket has entered a golden era defined by equality, reform, and global expansion. As BCCI Secretary and now ICC Chairman, Mr. Shah has led a movement that reshaped not just how cricket is governed but how it is envisioned for future generations.

At the helm of the ICC, he has brought reformist energy and a commitment to inclusivity that have set new global benchmarks. His landmark decision to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s tournaments in 2023 was a turning point for gender equality in sports. Strengthening the ICC’s financial framework after the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed sustainability, transparency, and strategic growth—ensuring that cricket continues to thrive across emerging nations.

Mr. Shah’s instrumental role in cricket’s return to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics stands as a historic achievement. Personally leading the ICC’s successful pitch to the International Olympic Committee, he fulfilled a decades-long dream of bringing cricket back to the world’s biggest sporting arena.

His journey began at the BCCI, where he revolutionized Indian cricket’s operations with governance reforms that prioritized transparency, professionalism, and data-driven decision-making. Under his leadership, the IPL grew into a global sports phenomenon with record-breaking media rights, and the Women’s Premier League emerged as the largest women’s sporting league in the world. He implemented India’s landmark pay parity policy, ensuring equal match fees for men and women cricketers—a step that inspired other sports bodies globally.

Beyond the glamour of leagues, Mr. Shah revitalized the domestic structure, significantly increasing prize money and match fees, and launching the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to reignite interest in red-ball cricket. He also expanded the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru into a world-class hub for high-performance training and rehabilitation, setting new standards for player development.

These reforms have yielded remarkable success on the field. India’s cricketing dominance reached new heights with five ICC trophies in just three years across men’s and women’s categories, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and most recently, India’s first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title in 2025.

Reflecting on the historic women’s victory, Jay Shah remarked, “India finally lifts the World Cup! Last night was a landmark in the history of women’s cricket. Increased investment, pay parity with men’s cricketers, and the competitive spirit born from the WPL have shaped this incredible achievement.”

With vision and conviction, Jay Shah has not only modernized cricket’s governance but redefined its spirit. His leadership continues to unite the game under one purpose—to make cricket truly global, equitable, and limitless in possibility.

Sports

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

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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

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

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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: A Legendary Career Cements His Place in ICC Hall of Fame

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In a ceremony held at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios, former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to cricket. This prestigious honor cements Dhoni’s legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, and he becomes the 11th Indian cricketer to join this elite club.

A Storied Career

Dhoni’s illustrious 16-year international career was marked by numerous achievements, including:

  • Unmatched Success as Captain: Dhoni is the only captain to win all three ICC white-ball trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
  • Record-Breaking Performances: He amassed 17,266 international runs and 829 dismissals across all formats, revolutionizing the game with his unique style and tactical leadership.
  • Transformative Wicketkeeping: Dhoni redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman, bringing power-hitting capabilities to a position traditionally known for steady, lower-order contributions.

A Legacy that Transcends Generations

Dhoni’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on the sport. As ICC Chairman Jay Shah noted, “Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen—individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket’s legacy and inspired generations.”

Dhoni’s Reaction

On being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, Dhoni said, “It is an honour to be named in the ICC Hall of Fame, which recognises the contributions of cricketers across generations and from all over the world. To have your name remembered alongside such all-time greats is a wonderful feeling. It is something that I will cherish forever.”

Other Indian Cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame

  • Sunil Gavaskar: Legendary opener known for his technical prowess
  • Sachin Tendulkar: Cricket’s all-time leading run-scorer
  • Virender Sehwag: Explosive batsman with a record-breaking career
  • Anil Kumble: One of India’s most successful bowlers
  • Bishan Singh Bedi: Legendary spinner with a storied career
  • Kapil Dev: World Cup-winning captain in 1983
  • Rahul Dravid: Wall of Indian cricket, known for his incredible technique
  • Vinoo Mankad: Pioneering all-rounder
  • Neetu David: Trailblazing female cricketer
  • Diana Edulji: Pioneering female cricketer who paved the way for future generations