Tag: Sports

Sports

BCCI Announces Equal Match Fees for Men and Women Cricketers

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark decision that redefines the future of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that men’s and women’s Indian international cricketers will now receive equal match fees across all formats. From now on, both men and women representing India will earn ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for a One Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh for a T20 International.

The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who described the move as a crucial step toward eliminating gender disparity in the sport. “The match fee for both men and women cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian cricket,” he stated.

Previously, women cricketers in India earned much lower match fees — approximately ₹1 lakh for a limited-overs international and ₹4 lakh for a Test match. This new structure brings them on par with their male counterparts for the first time in history, sending a powerful message of equality and respect.

While this pay parity covers match fees, annual contract retainers remain separate. Under the current structure, women’s Grade A contracts stand at ₹50 lakh per year, while men’s retainers vary from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore depending on category. However, the introduction of pay parity for matches is widely seen as a foundational step toward broader financial equality.

The decision reflects the growing stature of women’s cricket in India, following recent milestones such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and improved performances on the global stage. It also aligns with the BCCI’s stated goal of empowering women athletes and building a sustainable professional ecosystem for the women’s game.

Players, fans, and sports advocates across the country have hailed the move as historic. Former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj described it as a “red-letter day for Indian cricket,” while current players and commentators called it “a victory for fairness and recognition.”

This landmark decision not only acknowledges the efforts and commitment of India’s women cricketers but also sets a global example for sporting federations worldwide. It underscores that talent, dedication, and performance — not gender — should determine a player’s worth on the field.

As Indian cricket moves forward, the BCCI’s pay-equity policy marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting narrative — one that paves the way for greater inclusivity, equality, and respect across all formats of the game.

Fit & Fabulous

Vogue World: Hollywood — When Silver Screen Icons Met High-Fashion Drama

Tanisha Cardozo

The event witnessed when silver screen icons met high-fashion drama — Vogue World: Hollywood turned the Paramount Pictures Studios Lot in Los Angeles into a runway of cinematic dreams. Celebrating the intertwined legacy of film and fashion, the show brought together Hollywood’s brightest stars, style powerhouses, and designers who continue to shape global fashion narratives. The charity-driven night not only celebrated creativity but also raised millions for important causes.

Dakota Johnson captivated the audience in a Valentino gown designed by Alessandro Michele. Adorned with crystal floral appliqués and a delicate tulle neckline, her look was a picture of timeless elegance. With open straight hair, wispy bangs, dewy makeup, and a sleek black clutch, Dakota effortlessly combined sophistication with understated charm.

Kim Taehyung, globally known as BTS’ V, made a stunning appearance in a hanbok-inspired grey trench coat. The ensemble was completed with a red norigae-style belt and hat — a poetic nod to Korean heritage with a contemporary twist. His warm smile and effortless poise added an extra dose of charm to the red carpet.

Miley Cyrus brought modern power dressing to life in an all-Saint Laurent outfit. Dressed in an oversized trench coat layered over a crisp white shirt, sheer tights, and pointed slingbacks, she radiated bold, unapologetic confidence. A leather biker cap sealed her edgy yet refined aesthetic.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan represented global elegance in a gold Manish Malhotra creation that balanced heritage and haute couture. The ensemble, crafted from archival brocade with metallic floral motifs, paired beautifully with a tea-length skirt and monochrome makeup. Her sleek bun and subtle grace made the look stand out.

Madison Beer’s vintage Valentino mini dress brought back the playful glamour of the ’90s. The black-and-white striped piece, paired with strappy sandals and minimal accessories, highlighted her effortless cool-girl charm.

Kendall Jenner channeled cinematic nostalgia by wearing an original Moulin Rouge costume once donned by Nicole Kidman as Satine. The crystal-covered black-and-silver bodysuit, designed by Catherine Martin and Angus Strathie, shimmered under the lights, complemented by fishnet stockings, high heels, and a dramatic black hat.

Hailey Bieber embodied futuristic sensuality in a custom Mugler leather dress from the Spring/Summer 2026 collection. The off-shoulder silhouette, dramatic cutouts, and sculpted rosette accentuated her refined yet daring aesthetic. Her slicked-back bun, diamond studs, and glossy lips completed a look that was effortlessly magnetic.

The night of Vogue World: Hollywood will be remembered as a celebration of timeless artistry — where legends of the silver screen and icons of modern fashion came together to remind the world that style, much like cinema, is an eternal story of reinvention.

Sports

Lionel Messi’s Kerala Visit Postponed; Argentina to Play Friendly in Angola Instead

Tanisha Cardozo

Lionel Messi’s long-awaited return to India has been postponed, according to an official announcement by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The world champions were expected to play a friendly match against Australia in Kochi, Kerala, on November 17. However, the AFA confirmed that the fixture has been postponed due to delays in FIFA permissions and logistical challenges in Kerala’s preparations. Instead, the Argentine team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, will travel to Spain for training before heading to Luanda to play their only friendly match against Angola on November 14. Following the match, the squad will return to Europe for further training sessions until November 18, coinciding with the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup.

Anto Augustine, the event sponsor working alongside the Kerala Sports Ministry, shared on Facebook that the match had to be postponed after discussions with the AFA, citing procedural delays and scheduling constraints. Reports from Argentine media suggest that Kerala’s lack of readiness to host the team within the set timeline was also a key reason behind the decision. The match is now expected to be rescheduled for March 2026.

Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman revealed that Messi was even willing to visit the state independently, but the government insisted on hosting the full national squad together. The postponement has sparked political debate in Kerala, with Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan criticizing the state government for using Messi’s planned arrival for political mileage, stating that they should now take responsibility for his absence.

Lionel Messi’s last and only visit to India came in 2011, when he captained Argentina in a friendly match against Venezuela at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, where Argentina won 1-0. The excitement around his potential Kerala visit had generated immense anticipation among fans, and despite the postponement, football enthusiasts remain hopeful that Messi and the Argentine team will finally play on Indian soil in 2026.

Sports

FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 Returns to India After 23 Years, to Be Held in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The global spotlight returns to India as the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the scenic coastal state of Goa, marking a monumental return of the tournament to Indian soil after over two decades. Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, the event will be hosted at the plush Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora — a venue that blends luxury with Goa’s laid-back coastal charm.

A total of 206 elite players from 82 countries will vie for a share of the impressive $2 million prize fund in a nail-biting knockout format. But the stakes go beyond the prize money — the top three finishers will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.

Among the notable contenders are household names in world chess: Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Wesley So, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. A special highlight will be 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, who is set to become the youngest participant in the tournament’s history.

Indian chess fans have another reason to celebrate with the inclusion of Divya Deshmukh in the Open Section through a wildcard entry, marking a significant step for Indian women in elite chess.

The tournament’s return to India underlines the country’s rapid rise in the global chess hierarchy — not just as a breeding ground for prodigies, but as a serious stage for international events. With recent triumphs from Indian grandmasters and increasing national interest, India is poised to redefine its place on the global chess map.

Adding to the excitement is a culturally immersive logo that blends Goa’s signature symbols — a palm tree swaying over a blue wave, a red checkered chessboard, and a yellow sun radiating warmth — creating a visual identity that is as vibrant as the host state itself.

Further elevating the spirit is the official anthem, sung by iconic Indian artist Daler Mehendi. The song celebrates India not only as a host but as a protagonist in global chess. Through the lens of key players — Tania Sachdev, Gukesh, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit — the anthem embodies the pillars of Indian chess: talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration.

With the perfect blend of tradition, talent, and tropical beauty, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is set to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of chess, culture, and India’s enduring rise on the global stage.

Sports

4th Vedanta Youth Cup Kicks Off in Goa with Top U-16 Talent from Across India

Tanisha Cardozo

The 4th edition of the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup officially kicked off on 21st October 2025 in Goa, welcoming elite youth football teams from across India. Organised by the Sesa Football Academy (SFA), the tournament represents a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing young footballing talent at the grassroots level.

This year’s edition features eight high-performing teams: AIFF Talent Academy, Cortalim Villagers, Bengaluru FC, Dempo SC, Muthoot FA, Sesa FA, FC Goa, and Belgaum United Football Academy. These teams will compete across three venues — SFA’s Sirsaim Campus, Vagator Ground, and FC Goa Guirim Ground — as they battle it out for the prestigious title.

The tournament follows a pool format with two groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals, set for 27th October at SFA Sirsaim, with the grand finale scheduled for 29th October at Duler Ground. Defending champions Muthoot Football Academy are back in the fray and are expected to present a strong challenge.

The opening day saw thrilling action as AIFF Talent Academy dominated Dempo SC with a commanding 4-1 win. Bengaluru FC launched their campaign with an emphatic 9-0 victory over Cortalim Villagers. In another close match, Sesa FA edged past Belgaum United 2-1. The result of the Muthoot FA vs FC Goa clash was pending at the time of publication.

As Indian football continues to demand more robust player pipelines and structured developmental competitions, the Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup serves as a vital cog in this larger ecosystem. Supported by the Goa Football Association (GFA) and Goa Football Development Council (GFDC), the tournament aligns with key priorities such as grassroots scouting, community participation, and long-term fan engagement.

The cup also holds special significance for Sesa Football Academy, which has been investing in local talent since 1999. Leena Verenkar, Head of SCDF & CSR at Sesa Goa, emphasized that the tournament reflects the academy’s commitment to developing players from Goa’s rural and mining belts. “SFA has since 1999 been focussing on nurturing homegrown talent from the rural and mining belts of Goa. It has been a vessel for developing and nurturing the rich legacy of Goan and National football.”

Technical Director of SFA, Gavin Araujo, highlighted the tournament’s value as a high-stakes developmental opportunity for young players. “It’s a superb platform that provides the right impetus to the young footballers and gives them the much-needed edge in terms of honing skills and sharpening key attributes including mental robustness.”

The tournament also marks another successful step for SFA as a dependable organiser of national-level competitions. After hosting I-League 3 and IWL 2 matches, the academy continues to grow as a hub of football excellence, helping pave the way for India’s next generation of players. The Vedanta U-16 Youth Cup is not just a competition — it’s a launchpad for dreams.