Sports

Mahesh Dessai Appointed Team Manager for India vs New Zealand Series


The Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has announced with pride that Mr. Mahesh Dessai, President of the Goa Cricket Association, has been appointed as the Team Manager for the upcoming India vs New Zealand series, scheduled to be played in India.

The appointment is a significant honour for Goa cricket and reflects the confidence reposed in Dessai’s administrative acumen, leadership abilities, and deep understanding of the game, both as a former player and an administrator.

Expressing his gratitude, Dessai said, “I am deeply honoured by this appointment and thankful to ICC Chairmam, Jay Shah. As well as the President, Secretary and the Managing Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is a privilege to serve Indian cricket at the national level.”

He further added that the recognition is a collective achievement for Goa cricket. “This appointment is not just personal, but a reflection of the disciplined administration, professionalism, and consistent efforts of the Goa Cricket Association over the years. I will carry out my responsibilities as Team Manager with utmost sincerity and dedication, while upholding the values and standards of Indian cricket,” Dessai stated.

The Goa Cricket Association has congratulated Mahesh Dessai on this prestigious appointment and wished him success in his assignment with the Indian team during the India–New Zealand series.

Sports

Suryakumar Yadav Arrives in Goa to Inaugurate 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium After Asia Cup Glory


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

India’s T20 cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav has arrived in Goa, fresh off leading the national team to a memorable Asia Cup 2025 victory against Pakistan. Greeted with a hero’s welcome at Dabolim Airport, Yadav’s visit comes ahead of the grand inauguration of the newly built 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium located at the Verna Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Loutolim.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Protocol Minister Mauvin Godinho, local sports officials, cricket enthusiasts, and young players from across Goa.

Yadav, who has been declared a State Guest by the Goa Government, is widely celebrated not just for his explosive performances on the field, but also for his charismatic leadership that steered India to a prestigious title win over arch-rivals Pakistan.

The 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium is poised to become a landmark venue for cricket in Goa, equipped with modern facilities that cater to both training and tournament-level events. It aims to nurture local talent, host state and national matches, and provide a world-class platform for Goa’s cricketing future.

Suryakumar Yadav’s presence at the inauguration is more than ceremonial—his journey from domestic cricket to international fame offers inspiration to hundreds of young cricketers in the region. The thunderous applause, selfie requests, and cheers that met him in Goa show the deep admiration he commands.

The inauguration marks a new chapter in Goa’s sports development story—one that’s not only about building stadiums, but also about building dreams.

Sports

BCCI Announces 15-Member Team India Squad for Asia Cup 2025


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.

In a major decision, Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as captain, marking his return to leadership duties. Young batting star Shubman Gill has been entrusted with the role of vice-captain, highlighting the selectors’ vision for grooming future leaders of Indian cricket.

On the bowling front, India’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, who continues to be the strike weapon in crucial tournaments. With a balanced squad comprising both experienced stalwarts and emerging talents, India looks confident heading into the tournament.

The Asia Cup 2025 will serve as an important platform for testing combinations and strategies ahead of the ICC global tournaments scheduled next year. Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating high-voltage clashes, especially against traditional rivals Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as India aims to add another continental trophy to its illustrious cabinet.

The tournament will kick off on September 9, with the grand finale scheduled for September 28. Team India will begin its campaign with high hopes and a powerful lineup.

Stay tuned for match updates, analysis, and exclusive coverage on allycaral.com.

Sports

Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket, India Scrambles for New Captain


In a shocking move, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. This decision comes as a surprise to many, given Sharma’s pivotal role in the team and his impressive career spanning over a decade. Sharma will, however, continue to lead India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

A Legendary Career

Rohit Sharma’s Test career has been nothing short of remarkable. He played 67 Tests for India, scoring 4301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. Sharma’s leadership skills were also evident, with India winning 9 out of 14 Tests under his captaincy.

New Captain Needed

With India’s five-Test series against England scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have to name a new full-time Test captain almost immediately after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Potential candidates for the role include ¹ ²:

  • Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead has already captained the team in a couple of Tests during the tour of Australia and is known for his leadership skills.
  • KL Rahul: A seasoned player with captaincy experience, Rahul could be a strong contender for the role.
  • Shubman Gill: The young and talented batsman has been making waves in the cricket world and might be considered for the captaincy.
  • Rishabh Pant: The wicket-keeper batsman has shown exceptional leadership skills and could be another potential candidate.

Impact on Indian Cricket

Sharma’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His contributions to the team will be deeply missed, especially in the Test format. However, this also presents an opportunity for new talent to emerge and for the team to evolve. The BCCI will have to carefully consider the options and choose a captain who can lead the team to success in the upcoming series against England.

Reaction from Fellow Cricketers

Sharma’s teammates and fellow cricketers have paid tribute to his illustrious career. Rishabh Pant, in a heartfelt message on Instagram, said, “Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Much love, @rohitsharma45 bhai.” Other notable reactions include ¹:

  • Amit Mishra: Congratulated Sharma on a “legendary Test career” and wished him well for his ODI journey.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal: Shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Rohit bhai, sharing the crease with you in whites was nothing less than a blessing.”
  • Mayank Agarwal: Expressed his gratitude for the memories shared with Sharma, saying, “Glad to have shared memories with you @rohitsharma45.”

As the cricket world reacts to Sharma’s retirement, one thing is certain – his legacy will continue to inspire and influence the sport for years to come.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Sports

BCCI’s Family Travel Policy: A Balancing Act for Cricketers’ Personal and Professional Lives


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a well-defined “family travel policy” in place, which aims to strike a balance between the personal and professional lives of Indian cricketers. As per the policy, wives and children of players are allowed to accompany them on overseas tours, but with certain restrictions.

Key Provisions of the Policy:

  1. Duration of Stay: Under normal circumstances, wives and children can accompany players for a maximum of 14 days during a long overseas tour.
  2. Prior Approval: Players need to seek prior approval from the BCCI for their family members to join them on tour.
  3. Special Circumstances: In exceptional cases, such as the birth of a child or a family emergency, players can request special permission for their family members to stay with them for an extended period.

Rationale Behind the Policy:

The BCCI’s family travel policy is designed to ensure that players can focus on their game while also allowing them to spend quality time with their loved ones. The policy takes into account the demanding nature of international cricket, where players often spend months on end touring different countries.

By limiting the duration of family stays, the BCCI aims to minimize distractions and ensure that players can maintain their intensity and focus on the game. At the same time, the policy acknowledges the importance of family time and allows players to spend quality time with their loved ones during their downtime.

Impact on Players:

The BCCI’s family travel policy has been welcomed by players, who appreciate the effort to balance their personal and professional lives. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane have all spoken about the importance of family time and how it helps them stay focused and motivated on the field.

In conclusion, the BCCI’s family travel policy is a thoughtful and practical initiative that acknowledges the challenges of being an international cricketer while also recognizing the importance of family time. By striking a balance between the two, the policy aims to support players in their personal and professional lives, ultimately contributing to their success on the field.