Argentine footballer Lionel Messi with West Bengal (now resigned) sports minister Aroop Biswas, during an event as part of his ‘G.O.A.T. India Tour 2025’, at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), in Kolkata. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of Lionel Messi’s event held on December 13 and now under arrest, has told investigators that the footballer was unhappy with physical contact during his appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium and left the venue before completing the scheduled programme, news agency PTI reported on Saturday, quoting a source in the Special Investigation Team (SIT).During questioning, Dutta told SIT officers that Messi “did not like being touched on the back or being hugged” and that this concern had been communicated in advance by foreign security officials assigned to protect the footballer, the source said.

“Despite repeated public announcements to restrain the crowd, there was no impact. The manner in which Messi was surrounded and embraced was completely unacceptable to the World Cup-winning footballer,” Dutta told investigators during his grilling on Friday, the source added, as cited by the PTI.West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas was seen close to Messi during the programme, with visuals showing him holding the footballer around the waist while posing for photographs. Biswas has been accused of using his influence to allow relatives and personal acquaintances access to Messi. Amid criticism, he resigned from his post as sports minister pending completion of the investigation.Investigators are examining how a large number of people were allowed to access the ground area. Dutta claimed that initially only 150 ground passes were issued, but the number was tripled after a “very influential person” arrived at the stadium and “overpowered him”. Police are checking whether the increase in access led to the crowd control failure.“The arrested accused also claimed that once that particular influential person reached the stadium, all the flow-chart for the Messi programme got disturbed and he could not control it,” the official told PTI.Dutta also shared financial details related to Messi’s India visit. “Lionel Messi was paid Rs 89 crore for the tour, while Rs 11 crore was paid as tax to the Indian government,” he told investigators, putting the total cost at Rs 100 crore. Sources said 30 per cent of the amount came from sponsors and another 30 per cent from ticket sales.SIT officers also found more than Rs 20 crore in Dutta’s frozen bank accounts. On Friday, they seized several documents during raids at his residence.“Dutta claimed that the amount in his bank account was the money which he got from selling the tickets for the Messi event in Kolkata and Hyderabad and also from the sponsors. We are verifying his claims,” the officer said.What was supposed to be a marquee football spectacle turned into widespread violence and disorder at the stadium last week after Messi’s brief and tightly ring-fenced appearance, his first at the venue since 2011, left large sections of the crowd frustrated.They failed to catch a glimpse of their superstar despite having travelled from far and wide, paying hefty sums for tickets.The West Bengal government has formed an SIT comprising senior IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar and Muralidhar to investigate the vandalism, security lapses, access violations and the role of organisers and officials in the incident, the officer added.

Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed surprise at Shubman Gill’s omission from the Indian squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, citing the right-hander’s recent lack of form as a likely factor. At a press conference held at BCCI headquarters on Saturday, Gill’s exclusion from both the T20 World Cup squad and the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand quickly became a major talking point. Since returning from the Asia Cup, the 26-year-old struggled to find consistency, with his highest score across 15 innings being just 47.

“It is surprising,” Gavaskar told JioStar. “He is a classy, quality batter who had an excellent season following the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yes, he had a few quiet matches against South Africa. But class is permanent, and form is temporary. He was also returning after a long break and was a bit out of rhythm.” The former India captain added that the challenges of T20 cricket may have contributed to Gill’s struggles. “When you are not in rhythm in T20s, where you have to attack from the first ball, it becomes tough. His natural game suits Test cricket more, playing along the ground. The shots needed in T20s don’t come as easily. But we know he is a very good player. His IPL performances show that T20 is not new to him. Perhaps just the lack of form and touch worked against him this time.” In Gill’s absence, Axar Patel was named India’s vice-captain, while the team management also reshuffled the top order to accommodate a wicketkeeper-batter at the top. This paved the way for Ishan Kishan’s return to the T20I side, his first appearance since November 2023. Kishan had a stellar domestic season, captaining Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 517 runs in 10 innings. Gavaskar praised his form and consistency. “When you see someone performing, you pick him. Ishan has already represented India and shown he can deliver. His current performance proves that domestic cricket should matter for selection, not just the IPL. He has made a fantastic comeback after being out of the team for a couple of years and led his state team to a title.” The squad also saw other notable changes. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma was left out, while left-handed batter Rinku Singh was included to strengthen the middle order. Gavaskar sympathised with Sharma. “I feel for Jitesh. He did nothing wrong. He was a very capable wicketkeeper, and after MS Dhoni, perhaps the best at assisting the captain with DRS calls from behind the stumps. It is tough for him, but he is young. He just needs to go back to domestic cricket and continue performing.” With Gill sidelined and Kishan back in the fold, India’s T20 plans are being restructured ahead of the World Cup. Gavaskar’s observations highlight both the challenges of form and fitness in international cricket and the value of domestic performances in shaping national selections.

India’s Sanju Samson (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Ex-India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his excitement over India’s squad for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, highlighting the team’s readiness to defend their title. The former India spinner also congratulated his “brother,” Sanju Samson, and praised Ishan Kishan for making a remarkable return to international cricket. In a move that surprised many fans, India’s defending champions have left out Shubman Gill from the squad for next year’s T20 World Cup, as well as the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Announced by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and vice-captain Axar Patel, the squad features several notable changes.

Alongside Gill, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has also been excluded, making way for Ishan Kishan’s comeback. Kishan earned his spot after leading Jharkhand to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title, scoring heavily and displaying exceptional form throughout the tournament. Rinku Singh has also returned to the squad after missing India’s 3-1 T20I series win in South Africa.

Ashwin X post

“Title defence loading. Superb squad. Great to see Rinku back and happy for my thambi Sanju, who will now rightfully open alongside Abhishek. Adipoli Chetta! Huge applause for Ishan, who showed his hunger by grinding hard in the domestic circuit,” Ashwin wrote on X, highlighting the blend of experience and fresh energy in the squad. The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8, with 40 group-stage matches scheduled to conclude by February 20. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super Eights, beginning on February 21. This edition of the tournament is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka previously hosted the T20 World Cup in 2012, while India last held the event in 2016. Ahead of the World Cup, India will play five T20Is against New Zealand starting January 21 in Nagpur. The series will also feature matches in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. In the World Cup, India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, the USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. The team opens its campaign against the USA at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. The next match is against Namibia at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on February 12. India’s high-profile clash with Pakistan is scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The group-stage phase concludes with a match against the Netherlands at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 18.

India’s Ishan Kishan (PTI Photo/R Senthil Kumar)

When India announced their squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Kishan’s name was back where it once felt natural. In a list that came with big talking points—Shubman Gill being dropped, Axar Patel named vice-captain, Rinku Singh returning—Kishan’s inclusion stood out for a different reason. It felt earned the hard way.At one point, when it seemed Kishan may have played his last game for India and would not return for a while, this comeback is both surprising and inspiring.

Two years ago, he was part of India’s regular white-ball plans. An aggressive opener who could also bat in the middle order. A left-hander who could change games in a few overs. Kishan was also drafted in India’s white-ball setup as a like-for-like replacement for Rishabh Pant and seen as India’s second-choice wicketkeeper. He even made his Test debut against the West Indies in July 2023.Then things began to slip. He stepped away from a South Africa tour in late 2023, citing personal reasons and mental fatigue. The timing was poor, and the explanation did not land well. Questions followed.Then came the bigger blow.Kishan made himself unavailable for domestic cricket during that period. The BCCI took note. When the central contracts were announced in 2024, his name was missing. The board ended its release with an unusually direct reminder that players must give precedence to domestic cricket when not on national duty. The message was clear, and it was not meant for just one player.Around the same time, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had written to centrally contracted players, warning them against prioritising the IPL over domestic and national commitments. The letter spoke of severe implications. Kishan became one of the first visible examples of that line being enforced, along with Shreyas Iyer. Shah told the Times of India, “If you look at the Duleep Trophy squad, apart from Rohit and Virat, the rest are going to play. It’s because of the harsh steps I have taken. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are playing Duleep Trophy.”India’s head coach at the time, Rahul Dravid, later said Kishan had not made himself available for selection and would need to play domestic cricket to be considered again. Even captain Rohit Sharma spoke publicly about the need for hunger, especially in the longer formats. In Kishan’s absence, Dhruv Jurel debuted in Tests, made an immediate impact, and became India’s second-choice wicketkeeper and a backup to Rishabh Pant.During this period, Kishan did not react publicly. No interviews. No emotional statements. He went back home to Jharkhand and did the one thing selectors always ask for but do not always reward—he played domestic cricket seriously.In IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad picked Kishan. He started the season with a storm, scoring a century in his very first game against Rajasthan Royals, helping SRH post a mammoth total of 286 for 6. Everyone thought this IPL would be Kishan’s redemption arc. But what followed was not a smooth story. Despite the opening century, Kishan ended the season with 354 runs. His 94 not out against RCB at the very end stood out, but runs did not flow consistently in the rest of the games.What followed was the best phase of his career.Leading Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Kishan played with clarity and purpose. He did not look like someone chasing a comeback. He looked like someone enjoying responsibility. Jharkhand went on to win their maiden SMAT title. Kishan finished as the tournament’s highest run-getter with 517 runs in 10 innings. Two hundreds. Two fifties. A strike rate brushing 200. And then the biggest one of all—a century in the final against Haryana.Two days later, India announced their World Cup squad.Timing matters in cricket. Kishan finally got it right.Speaking after the announcement, his words were simple. He spoke about happiness. About Jharkhand. About the team effort. Nothing about redemption. Nothing about proving a point. That told its own story.This selection was not driven by emotion. It was about balance and combination.With India deciding to go back to opening with a wicketkeeper-batter, the selectors wanted flexibility. Sanju Samson is the first-choice wicketkeeper. They needed a second option who could also open. That edged Jitesh Sharma out of the picture. Kishan fitted the role better.Ajit Agarkar was clear at the press conference. Shubman Gill missed out because of lack of runs and team balance. Gill remains India’s ODI and Test captain. This was not a long-term judgement. It was a short-format call.India squad for T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh.

NEW DELHI: The Indian selectors on Saturday made a clear statement of intent ahead of the T20 World Cup, dropping Shubman Gill from the squad and recalling wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan along with Rinku Singh. The move underlined the team management’s preference for impact-driven roles over reputation, especially at the top of the order in the shortest format.Gill’s exclusion was the key call taken at the selection meeting in Mumbai. Given his recent returns, the decision did not come as a surprise.

While Gill has been consistent in Tests and ODIs, he has struggled to secure a defined role in T20Is, especially as an opener, where the team management is looking for quick starts instead of run accumulation. His powerplay strike rate and the rise of more aggressive options appear to have worked against him. Against South Africa, he scored 4, 0 and 28 in three matches.“Shubman Gill is short of runs at the moment and missed the last WC too,” chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said at the press conference.“It’s not about Gill’s form. We wanted to have a keeper at the top,” skipper Suryakumar said on Gill’s omission.Questions, however, remain around Suryakumar’s own batting form. He ended the 2025 calendar year without a fifty in T20 Internationals.In the recent T20 series against South Africa, which India won 3-1, Suryakumar scored 12, 5, 12 and 5.“I know what to do and I will do it. You will see Surya the batter. Everyone has gone through such a phase, just that mine has gone a bit longer,” Surya said after the squad announcement on Saturday.Suryakumar finished 2025 with 218 runs from 19 T20I innings, averaging 13.62 at a strike rate of 123.16, without a half-century.As India prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title, stronger batting returns from the captain will be required.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill of India (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

India’s T20 World Cup squad announcement on Saturday sparked widespread debate, with the biggest talking point being the exclusion of Shubman Gill. While Gill currently captains India in both Tests and ODIs, he was surprisingly left out of the squad for cricket’s shortest format. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has now shed light on the reasoning behind the decision. “It’s not about form, it’s about combination. We wanted to have a keeper at the top. We know the quality that Gill brings,” Suryakumar explained. The decision, he added, was driven by team balance rather than a reflection on Gill’s abilities.

Gill, 26, had missed the fifth T20I against South Africa due to a foot injury sustained before the fourth T20I, which was itself cancelled due to fog. Since his return to the T20 side during the Asia Cup, where he was also vice-captain, he has struggled to replicate his consistent Test form. In 15 T20 matches since his comeback, Gill scored 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137, without a single fifty and a highest score of 47. The reshuffle has also affected other batters. Sanju Samson, who had done well as an opener, including scoring three centuries, was moved down the order when Gill was drafted back and ultimately got dropped as well. In the last T20 against South Africa, Samson opened again and made a solid 37 off 22 balls, giving India a strong start. The team management now plans to revert to their original combination, with a wicketkeeper at the top. Consequently, Jitesh Sharma has been dropped, while Ishan Kishan has been drafted as the second keeper and reserve opener. Kishan comes off a brilliant domestic season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he captained Jharkhand to their maiden title. He scored 517 runs in 10 matches at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197, including two centuries and two fifties, with a hundred in the final against Haryana. Rinku Singh, part of the Asia Cup-winning squad, returns as the designated finisher in place of Jitesh. All-rounder Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, stepping into the leadership role alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav, who will lead India in both the T20 World Cup and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21.India T20 World Cup squad: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Axar Patel (vice-capt) Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan. India, the defending champions after a thrilling 2024 final victory over South Africa in Barbados, will open their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.

Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Saturday announced India’s squads for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The T20I series will begin on January 21 in Nagpur and will serve as India’s final assignment in the format before the global tournament, scheduled from February 7 to March 8. India have been drawn in Group A for the T20 World Cup, alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States. The hosts will open their campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.

Despite a lean run with the bat in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, which India won 3–1, Suryakumar Yadav has been entrusted with the captaincy for the marquee event. In 20 matches and 18 innings this year, Suryakumar has scored 213 runs at an average of 14.20, striking at just over 125, without registering a single half-century.

Full Squads

India T20Is vs New Zealand: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan India T20 World Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan India’s T20 World Cup squad sees some major changes. Notably, Shubman Gill, who was India’s vice-captain in the T20 setup, has been dropped, with all-rounder Axar Patel named as the new vice-captain. Gill had struggled to find form since opening the innings. Brought back into the playing XI as part of the management’s long-term leadership plan, his performances remained underwhelming. In 15 T20 matches since his comeback, Gill has scored 291 runs at an average of 24.25 and a strike rate of 137, failing to register a single fifty.Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who had performed exceptionally well, including scoring three centuries as an opener, was moved down the order. His Asia Cup performance was mixed, though he finished as India’s third-highest run-scorer with 132 runs, behind Abhishek Sharma (314) and Tilak Varma (213). A solitary outing in Australia at No. 3 yielded little impact, after which Samson was dropped from the playing XI. In the last T20 against South Africa, Samson opened the innings again and scored a solid 37 off 22 balls, giving India a good start. The team management now plans to return to their original composition of playing a wicketkeeper at the top. Consequently, Jitesh Sharma has been dropped, and Ishan Kishan has been drafted as the second keeper. Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh make the T20 World Cup squad, while Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma miss out. Kishan comes off a stellar domestic season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he captained Jharkhand to their maiden T20 title. He finished the season as the highest run-scorer, amassing 517 runs in 10 games at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197.

Pakistan men’s hockey team (IANS)

Former Pakistan hockey Olympian Anjum Saeed has landed in controversy following an incident during the national team’s return journey from the FIH Pro League in Argentina, after he was reportedly caught smoking on an aircraft while it was refuelling at Rio de Janeiro airport. Saeed, who was part of the senior Pakistan team’s support staff as manager for the Pro League tour, was travelling back with the squad when the incident occurred during a stopover in Brazil. According to reports, he was found smoking on board while the aircraft was on the ground for refuelling in Rio, a serious safety violation. As a result, Saeed and one Pakistan player were not permitted to reboard the flight, which was scheduled to continue on to Dubai. The former defender and midfielder later returned to Pakistan separately and has since claimed that his absence from the team’s return was due to personal work in Dubai. However, officials have disputed this explanation and confirmed that the issue has drawn the attention of the Pakistan Sports Board. A senior PSB official said the board had formally asked the Pakistan Hockey Federation to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter, stressing that the episode reflected poorly on Pakistan sport. The official added that while the board had already gathered preliminary information of its own, it wanted the federation to take responsibility and determine what action was required given the seriousness of the incident. According to the official, the situation escalated when Saeed and another player allegedly reacted angrily after he was confronted by airline staff for smoking during the refuelling stop. The matter was then reported to the authorities, leading to both individuals being offloaded from the flight. Saeed is a well-known figure in Pakistan hockey, having featured in the 1992 Olympic Games, including the semi-final, and being part of the squad that won both the World Cup and Champions Trophy in 1994. The controversy has further overshadowed Pakistan’s campaign in the FIH Pro League, where the team struggled during their first-ever appearance in the elite competition.

South African pace legend Dale Steyn heaped rich praise on Hardik Pandya after the India all-rounder’s explosive display in the fifth T20I, calling him a player who operates on a different mental plane and carries an unmatched presence on the field. Pandya smashed a 63 that included India’s second fastest T20I fifty, while Tilak Varma’s composed 73 laid the foundation for a dominant showing. India finished with a daunting total of 232, which proved far too much for South Africa as the hosts sealed a 30-run win on Friday.

Speaking on JioStar, Steyn likened Pandya’s on-field persona to that of a larger-than-life character. He said Pandya has moved beyond being just a sportsman and now walks out with the confidence and authority of a superhero, someone who dictates terms and refuses to bend. Steyn felt this was not arrogance but sheer dominance, reflected in Pandya’s body language, stance, and ability to stay mentally untouchable in a game where mindset often decides outcomes. According to Steyn, while many players possess skill, Pandya has taken things to another level. Steyn also criticised South Africa’s batting approach during the chase, particularly their decision to play cautiously against Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy. He felt the plan to simply survive Bumrah’s spell and target other bowlers worked against them. Steyn pointed out that Bumrah’s impact goes beyond his own wickets. He said South Africa allowed Bumrah to bowl without enough pressure, and once he dismissed Quinton de Kock, the momentum swung sharply. That moment, according to Steyn, opened the door for further damage, including the fall of Hardik’s wicket and Chakaravarthy finding his rhythm. He stressed that when chasing targets in the 230 to 240 range, teams cannot afford to wait and hope. Attacking elite bowlers, even at risk, is necessary because they will get breakthroughs regardless. On Varun Chakaravarthy, Steyn admitted that the mystery spinner holds a clear advantage over South Africa’s middle order. He said several batters struggle to read Chakaravarthy’s variations, with Aiden Markram being the only one who picks him reasonably well, though even he often gets out while trying to attack. Others, like Ferreira, were described as completely unsettled by Chakaravarthy’s subtle changes in pace and spin. Steyn concluded by noting that Chakaravarthy’s control has even forced Markram into a more cautious approach, something he believes is the worst possible mindset for a batter facing the Indian spinner.

NEW DELHI: India’s Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant has been named captain of the Delhi team for the upcoming National One-Day Championship in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting December 24, with veteran Virat Kohli also expected to feature in a couple of matches.In addition to Pant and Kohli, pacer Harshit Rana and seasoned campaigners Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini have expressed their willingness to participate in the tournament.

The DDCA has, however, not included Pant, Kohli, and Rana in the official 16-member squad, as they will only be available for limited matches — likely two to three — before India’s ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 11, 2026. The exact fixtures in which Kohli and Pant will play are yet to be confirmed.Ayush Badoni has been named vice-captain and will assume leadership responsibilities once Pant leaves for national duty, also serving as the second wicketkeeper for the ODI team.Regular Squad: Ayush Badoni (vice captain), Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh Dahiya, Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Anuj Rawat (wk).Additional Players: Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Navdeep Saini, Harshit Rana, Ishant Sharma.