BCCI Archives - Odisha Connect

IPL Founder Lalit Modi Announces Return to India After 16 Years Following FEMA Tribunal Relief

OdishaConnect — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:17:27 +0000

Indian Premier League (IPL) founder and former chairman Lalit Modi has announced that he plans to return to India after 16 years abroad, following a major legal relief in the 2009 IPL South Africa FEMA case.

Modi shared the news through a video on social media after the Appellate Tribunal under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA) set aside the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) penalty imposed on him in 2018.

Expressing his happiness over the ruling, Modi said he had fought the case for 16 years and was pleased that the tribunal had ruled in his favour. He maintained that his only concern had always been the success of the IPL.

“Now that this chapter is behind me, I am looking forward to returning to India. I may come back by the end of this year or early next year. My daughter is expecting a baby in October, and once everything is settled, I hope to return,” Modi said.

The case relates to the 2009 IPL season, which was shifted to South Africa due to the Lok Sabha elections in India. The ED had alleged that nearly USD 49.8 million was transferred abroad without obtaining prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). In 2018, the agency imposed a ₹10.65 crore penalty on Modi.

In its latest order, the tribunal held that Lalit Modi could not be held personally liable for BCCI’s compliance with FEMA, observing that there was no concrete evidence proving he was individually responsible for the board’s legal and financial obligations.

However, the tribunal upheld certain findings of the ED. It confirmed a ₹4 crore penalty on the BCCI for transferring funds exceeding the amount recorded in its accounts and also accepted the agency’s findings regarding delays in repatriating foreign exchange earned from ticket sales.

The ruling provides significant relief to Lalit Modi while partially affirming the ED’s case against the BCCI.

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Mohammed Shami’s Omission from India’s Test Squad Raises Selection Debate Ahead of South Africa Series

OdishaConnect — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:25:03 +0000

As India prepares to face South Africa at Eden Gardens after a six-year hiatus, the absence of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from the Test squad has reignited debate over selection transparency, fitness concerns, and the treatment of senior players in Indian cricket.

Shami’s Continued Exclusion Sparks Controversy

Despite being one of India’s most experienced fast bowlers, Shami has been out of Test action for over two and a half years. His exclusion from the squad for the upcoming Test against South Africa has surprised many, especially after a promising return to domestic cricket through the Ranji Trophy.

Sources suggest that selectors have cited fitness and recent form as the main reasons for his omission. However, Shami’s strong domestic performance and his open expression of disappointment have stirred discussions across cricketing circles.

Shubman Gill Stays Diplomatic on Shami’s Omission

Indian captain Shubman Gill, addressing a pre-match press conference at Eden Gardens, was careful when asked about Shami’s non-selection. “It’s something the selectors can answer better,” he remarked, choosing not to comment directly on the decision.

However, Gill praised the veteran pacer, calling him a rare bowling talent. “A bowler like Shami Bhai is hard to find,” Gill said, acknowledging the pacer’s value and experience. The captain also emphasized that the current pace attack—featuring Aakash Deep and Prasidh Krishna—is performing well, making team selection increasingly competitive.

Selectors Cite Fitness and Rotation Policy

Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar recently revealed that Shami had been considered for earlier tours to Australia and England, but medical assessments ruled him unfit for overseas participation. Agarkar maintained that Shami remains part of the selectors’ long-term plans, but the rotation policy and workload management have limited his opportunities.

“Shami’s experience is invaluable, but fitness assessments are crucial before every series. We want him back only when he’s fully ready,” Agarkar was quoted as saying.

A Career of Highs and Frustrating Breaks

Shami last featured for India during the 2023 World Test Championship Final, before sustaining an injury in the 2023 ODI World Cup Final. Since then, despite rehabilitation and a brief comeback in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, he has struggled to regain a permanent spot in the Test side.

Cricket experts note that India’s growing pool of pacers—combined with selectors’ focus on youth and long-term planning—has made it harder for veterans like Shami to return.

Team India’s Bowling Mix for the Eden Test

India’s current fast-bowling lineup, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will be supported by young quicks Aakash Deep and Prasidh Krishna. The selection reflects a balance between experience and emerging talent, with the team management reportedly keen on building a future-ready attack.

Gill noted that maintaining this balance is “one of the toughest challenges” as captain. “Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep seniors like Shami on the bench, but competition brings out the best in everyone,” he added.

The Broader Selection Dilemma

The Shami episode highlights the complex dynamics of Indian team selection, where form, fitness, and rotation policies increasingly dictate decisions. For a country with deep fast-bowling reserves, the challenge lies in managing transitions without sidelining proven performers.

With India gearing up for a high-stakes home series, Shami’s absence is both a strategic and sentimental talking point—a reminder of how quickly cricket’s landscape can shift, even for its stalwarts.

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PM Modi’s Glow? It’s People’s Love, He Tells World Cup Champs

OdishaConnect — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:55:05 +0000

A Day of Pride and Celebration at Lok Kalyan Marg

A day after scripting history by winning their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup, the Indian women’s cricket team visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, on Wednesday. The atmosphere was filled with pride, laughter, and camaraderie as the champions relived their victory moments with the Prime Minister.

Harleen Deol’s Playful Question Wins Hearts

During the interaction, star batter Harleen Deol stole the spotlight with a light-hearted question that had everyone in splits. With a smile, she asked, “Sir, what’s your skincare routine? You glow a lot!”
PM Modi, laughing heartily, responded, “Your love and the blessings of crores of Indians are my glow. I’ve not followed any skincare routine closely, but 25 years of governance and people’s affection — all that has an impact.”
The exchange set off laughter among players and officials, adding a personal touch to the otherwise formal occasion.

Team Spirit and Laughter Fill the Room

The cheerful mood continued when head coach Amol Muzumdar joked that dealing with the lively players had given him white hair. The humorous interaction was captured in a video shared by PM Modi on his social media handles, where he praised the players for their energy and positive spirit.

PM Modi Praises Team India’s Resilience

Commending the team’s resilience, Modi lauded how the women bounced back from three consecutive defeats at the start of the tournament to ultimately beat South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Navi Mumbai. He described their journey as a symbol of mental toughness and determination.

The Prime Minister encouraged the cricketers to visit schools and inspire young students, saying that such gestures would have a profound impact on future generations. He also urged them to promote the Fit India Movement, particularly among young girls, to strengthen India’s culture of health and fitness.

India Joins the Elite League of Champions

India’s victory marks a historic milestone — their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, placing them alongside cricket giants Australia and England as world champions in women’s limited-overs cricket.

The meeting, attended by BCCI President Mithun Manhas and senior officials, served as both a celebration and a reminder of the team’s responsibility to inspire millions of Indians. As Modi felicitated the players, he expressed confidence that their success would ignite a new wave of enthusiasm for women’s sports across the nation.

A Moment Beyond Cricket

For the players, it was not just a congratulatory meeting but a moment of shared joy, humility, and laughter. The conversation — from cricketing grit to skincare humor — reflected the human side of victory, capturing the true essence of celebration after glory.

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India-Pakistan Set for November Clash in Revamped Asia Cup; Trophy Row Lingers

OdishaConnect — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:31:14 +0000

Trophy Tussle Adds Drama to Historic Rivalry

The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan is poised for another thrilling chapter this November following a new proposal by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The announcement comes amid a lingering controversy surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup trophy, which India won but never received.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final, marking their third consecutive victory over their arch-rivals in the tournament. However, celebrations were overshadowed by a bizarre standoff — PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi allegedly refused to hand over the trophy, insisting that Indian players should personally collect it from him. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused, calling the move “unprofessional and provocative.”

The trophy, according to reports, remains with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), adding to the diplomatic chill between the two boards.

New Asia Cup Editions Announced

Undeterred by the fallout, Naqvi has unveiled two fresh Asia Cup tournaments designed to “expand the spirit of Asian cricket.” The first, titled the Asia Cup Rising Stars, will replace the Emerging Asia Cup and is scheduled to take place from November 14 to 23 in Doha, Qatar.

This revamped edition will feature eight teams, including “A” squads from Test-playing nations alongside top associate teams. The format opens the door for an India–Pakistan rematch under neutral conditions — an encounter that promises to capture the imagination of global cricket fans.

A second tournament, the Under-19 Asia Cup, is also in the pipeline for December 2025, though the final venue and dates remain undecided.

BCCI’s Stand: Trophy First, Matches Later

The BCCI has maintained a guarded stance on India’s participation in the proposed events. Sources close to the board suggest that India may demand the official return of the 2025 Asia Cup trophy before confirming its involvement in the Rising Stars tournament.

“The matter is not about one trophy; it’s about sportsmanship,” a senior BCCI official reportedly said. “Cricket thrives on respect between boards. We cannot endorse theatrics that undermine the spirit of the game.”

Trophy Saga: Symbol of a Broader Rift

The Asia Cup trophy dispute has grown symbolic of the broader strain in India–Pakistan cricketing relations, which have been frozen at the bilateral level for nearly a decade. The two nations now meet only in ICC or ACC tournaments, where encounters are highly charged both on and off the field.

Naqvi, however, appears intent on using the controversy to spotlight PCB’s assertiveness. “Any Indian player is free to come and take the trophy,” he reportedly said, a remark that has since gone viral on social media and sparked debate among cricket enthusiasts.

Fans Anticipate High-Voltage Cricket — On and Off the Field

Despite the off-field friction, fans across South Asia are already buzzing with anticipation. The potential India–Pakistan face-off in Doha this November could not only revive cricket’s most storied rivalry but also provide a chance for both sides to settle scores — both sporting and symbolic.

As the saga over the missing Asia Cup trophy continues, one thing is certain: cricket lovers around the world can once again expect fireworks when India and Pakistan step onto the field.

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Suryakumar Yadav Reveals T20 World Cup Prep Began with Asia Cup Triumph

OdishaConnect — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 09:09:50 +0000

Focus on World Cup Readiness

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup began immediately after their Asia Cup triumph earlier this year. Speaking ahead of the five-match T20I series against Australia, which begins on October 29 in Canberra, Yadav said the tour will serve as a key phase to fine-tune strategies and strengthen combinations before the mega event.

“Our T20 World Cup preparation started with the Asia Cup. We have done a good job in this format, and it will continue without disruption,” Yadav said during the pre-match press conference.
India had lifted the Asia Cup title after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan, a victory that boosted the squad’s morale and set the tone for the months ahead.

Consistency in Team Composition

Talking about the team structure, Yadav revealed that the squad remains largely unchanged from the recent South Africa tour, maintaining two pacers, one all-rounder, and three spinners to suit the conditions.
He emphasised that India’s approach and mindset remain steady, even though the upcoming T20 World Cup will be played largely in Asian conditions.

“We are not changing our mindset. This series is an opportunity to test our skills under different conditions and ensure our combinations are well-prepared for the World Cup,” the skipper explained.

Australia Series: A Crucial Test

Describing Australia as a “beautiful and challenging” cricketing country, Yadav said he expects tough but exciting matches in the series. The five T20Is will provide the team with much-needed exposure to overseas conditions, which will help them adapt quickly during global tournaments.

He added that both teams have been training intensely in the nets, ensuring the contests are competitive and high-quality.

Building Momentum Ahead of the World Cup

This series marks India’s first bilateral T20I assignment since the Asia Cup, giving the management and players a chance to consolidate their strengths, assess form, and refine tactical plans.

As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, Suryakumar Yadav’s focus remains clear — continuity, adaptability, and teamwork will be the pillars of India’s campaign.

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Unbeaten Varma Lights Up Dubai: Men in Blue Crush Pakistan for Asia Cup 2025 Crown

OdishaConnect — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:58:28 +0000

A Final for the Ages

India pulled off an incredible turnaround to claim their ninth Asia Cup title, defeating Pakistan by five wickets in the 2025 final at the Dubai International Stadium. In a classic Indo-Pak rivalry clash, India chased down 147 after early setbacks, marking their third victory over Pakistan in this tournament—following wins in the group stage and the Super Four.

This was the first-ever Asia Cup final between India and Pakistan, adding to the electric atmosphere inside the buzzing Dubai stadium.

Pakistan’s Bright Start Cut Short by Kuldeep’s Magic

Pakistan’s openers gave them the perfect launchpad, with Sahibzada Farhan’s quickfire 50 (38 balls) and Fakhar Zaman’s 46 pushing the total past 100. At 113/1, they looked set for a massive score.

But Kuldeep Yadav’s sensational 4/30 changed everything. His 17th over proved decisive—three wickets for just one run triggered a collapse, reducing Pakistan from 113/1 to 146 all out. Support came from Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah, who picked two wickets each to wrap up the innings.

India’s Chase Rocked Early

The chase started nervously as India slumped to 20/3 inside four overs, losing Abhishek Sharma, skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and vice-captain Shubman Gill.

At this point, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson rebuilt with a steady 57-run stand. Samson fell for 24, but Shivam Dube (33) joined Varma to add 60 runs off 40 balls, swinging momentum back in India’s favor.

Varma’s Brilliance and a Dramatic Finish

Needing 10 runs off the final over bowled by Haris Rauf, India held their nerve. Tilak Varma smashed a four and a towering six, before Rinku Singh sealed the win with a boundary on the fourth ball.

Varma’s unbeaten 69 off 48 balls earned him the Player of the Match award. Reflecting on his knock, he said: “It was all about staying calm and trusting ourselves.”

Pakistan’s Pain, India’s Supremacy

Fahim Ashraf bowled with discipline, but Pakistan’s collapse after a strong start proved costly. For India, the blend of varied bowling and intelligent batting under pressure highlighted their dominance.

This victory reinforced India’s supremacy in Asian cricket while intensifying the regional rivalry. As fireworks lit up the Dubai night sky, the message was clear: subcontinental cricket is only set to burn brighter in the days ahead.

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Shreyas Iyer Emerges as Strong Contender for India’s White-Ball Captaincy Post IPL 2025 Success

OdishaConnect — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 10:47:06 +0000

Shreyas Iyer’s stellar performances in IPL 2025 have propelled him into the spotlight as a leading candidate for India’s white-ball captaincy. After guiding Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final and previously leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 title, Iyer’s leadership is drawing serious attention from the BCCI.

With Indian cricket entering a transition phase following the exit of veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, selectors are looking to the next generation for leadership. Iyer, traditionally seen as a mainstay in the ODI setup but overlooked in T20Is and Tests, has now re-entered the conversation due to his calm, tactical gameplay and consistency with the bat.

A BCCI official, as reported by The Indian Express, acknowledged Iyer’s rising stock: “He is part of the ODI setup, but what he’s done in the IPL cannot be ignored. He will definitely be considered for white-ball captaincy.”

Iyer’s captaincy has been a game-changer. In back-to-back seasons, he not only inspired team cohesion but also delivered under pressure, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. His IPL track record is now seen as a blueprint for modern leadership.

As the BCCI evaluates options for the future—including discussions around Rohit Sharma’s Test role—Iyer’s all-format potential is hard to dismiss. Fans await an official verdict, but the buzz suggests Iyer may soon lead Indian cricket into a bold new era.

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