With under fifty days to go for kick-off, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has found itself at the centre of an unexpected geopolitical storm. US President Donald Trump has publicly suggested that Iran’s presence at the tournament may be inappropriate, even hinting at safety concerns, while voices in football circles speculate about a possible replacement with Italy national football team emerging as a contender if a vacancy arises.
At the heart of the issue is Iran national football team’s refusal to play matches in the United States, where all their group fixtures are scheduled. The team has proposed shifting games to Mexico, but FIFA has rejected the idea, citing logistical challenges. Whether Iran ultimately participates, and what happens if they don’t, is quickly becoming one of the biggest uncertainties ahead of the tournament.
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Political Deadlock Deepens
Tensions escalated after failed diplomatic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, took a firm stance, declaring that participation in the US was not possible under current circumstances. His remarks reflected broader political grievances, adding fuel to an already sensitive situation.
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Trump responded bluntly on social media, stating that Iran’s presence might not be appropriate “for their own safety.” Despite the rhetoric, Iran has stopped short of officially withdrawing, instead pushing for a venue change in hopes that FIFA might reconsider.
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino, however, has made the governing body’s position clear: the match schedule will remain unchanged and will follow the original draw.
Why a Mexico Switch Isn’t Feasible
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Relocating Iran’s matches to Mexico appears unrealistic at this stage. The tournament draw, finalized months ago, has already set in motion extensive planning, from travel arrangements and team bases to ticket sales and logistics.
Any change would also require agreement from other group-stage teams, Belgium national football team, New Zealand national football team, and Egypt national football team, making the process even more complicated.
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Additionally, concerns around playing conditions in Mexico, particularly at the iconic Estadio Azteca, have been raised due to altitude and heat. Hosting extra fixtures at short notice would also strain local infrastructure.
Knockout Complications Loom
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The situation could become even more complex if Iran progresses to the knockout stages, where a potential clash with the United States could force further schedule reshuffling. Given these cascading complications, FIFA’s reluctance to alter venues was always expected.
A Delicate Balancing Act for FIFA
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Selecting a replacement, if needed, would not be straightforward. FIFA would need to navigate competing interests among its member nations while maintaining diplomatic balance. Influential countries such as China and Russia are reportedly in favour of Iran’s inclusion, adding another layer of complexity.
Infantino’s close rapport with Trump has also drawn scrutiny, with some questioning whether politics could influence sporting decisions. Ultimately, FIFA faces the difficult task of managing a situation where sport and geopolitics are tightly intertwined.
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Rare but Not Unprecedented
Withdrawals after qualification are uncommon in modern World Cups. The last notable instance dates back to the 1950 FIFA World Cup, when multiple teams, including Turkey, France, Scotland, and India, opted out.
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There have been moments of protest as well. Ahead of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, several teams considered boycotting due to political concerns, though none ultimately withdrew. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff was a notable absentee.
Earlier editions saw more frequent disruptions, including withdrawals in 1938 and reduced participation in 1934, but such scenarios are rare in the modern era.
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FIFA having full control over the situation
FIFA regulations provide broad discretion in such cases. Clause 6.7 of the tournament guidelines states that if a team withdraws or is excluded, FIFA can decide on a replacement at its own discretion.
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This ambiguity has sparked widespread speculation. Teams like Bolivia national football team, Italy national football team, and United Arab Emirates national football team have all been mentioned as possible candidates, depending on how FIFA interprets its rules.
Bolivia may emerge as a contender after falling short in the intercontinental playoffs, while Italy could come into consideration as the highest-ranked side that didn’t qualify. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates remain in the mix, having been one of the teams affected during Iran’s qualification pathway.
Another update on the fitness of Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has emerged from Spain, as he races to be fit after his foot surgery.
Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images
Spanish outlet AS reports that Mikel Merino has been seen at Arsenal’s training ground without crutches, and that it’s estimated he’ll be able to run again in two or three weeks.
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If there are no setbacks in the player’s recovery, it’s expected that he should be ready for the World Cup.
AS add that Merino had to have a screw inserted in his heel as part of his operation, but the doctors and the player himself are convinced he’ll be fit in time for this summer’s tournament.
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Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images
This update follows another recent report from Spain, with Sport claiming it was far from certain that Merino would feature at the World Cup.
Sport added that Spain boss Luis De La Fuente is prepared to wait until the last possible moment to include the player, but there are no guarantees.
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It seems AS are more confident, and perhaps their timeline even suggests the player could play for Arsenal before the season is out. But taking the two reports in aggregate, maybe the most realistic outcome is that Merino reaches full fitness just as the club season comes to an end.
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Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Merino had scored six and assisted three goals for Arsenal before his injury in January, but he’s already missed three months of football since then. It appears likely he’s facing another month out before a potential comeback.
Matt Cumani, trainer from Ballarat, recognises the Stakes-winning potential in colt Deal Done Fast, but the stable’s main aim is to notch up a maiden victory first.
Both goals might materialise this Saturday at Flemington in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m), provided the colt mends his slow starts from the barriers.
With seven starts behind him yet winless, Deal Done Fast’s sluggish departures have led to specialised barrier drills by Cumani’s crew since his Australian Derby (2400m) effort at Randwick on April 4.
Earlier in the season, he secured third position in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.
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“He threw his race away right at the beginning last time and I’m still trying to work out exactly what he did, but it’s starting to look like a pattern now,” Cumani said.
“I gave him a pass mark for the first two runs of the prep.
“In his first race, it was a short distance, and he got squeezed as he came out of the barriers, in his second race he wasn’t concentrating and for him to come out slowly for the third race of his prep, it was a worrying pattern.
“We’ve done a bit of barrier work, and he seems to be breaking well enough, and he has no issues in the gates but is just a bit slow into stride.
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“I’m hoping over 2800 metres at Flemington, that shouldn’t be a problem and if he happens to do it again, he’ll have plenty of time to make up the ground.”
Cumani’s prior St Leger success came in 2023 with Dunwoody at Sandown’s 3000m distance, postponed four days after Dean Holland’s deadly incident at Donald on Anzac Day’s eve.
“When we won it, it was with a horse that probably had no rights to win a Stakes race, but having said that it was 3000 metres and now it’s back to 2800 metres,” Cumani said.
“It’s a tougher race this year than when we won it.”
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By skipping a nomination for the Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville next Saturday week, Cumani removes one dilemma.
“There is another Derby left if we want to go down that path, but I just want to see him win a race,” Cumani said.
“He’s been an unlucky maiden.
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“He should have won his first race, he was beaten a bob of the head, so he’s still got that tag, and it would be nice to get that sorted first.
“If he could do it in the St Leger, that would be fantastic and if not, we might look at other options before we put him away for a break.”
Te Taniwha will represent Cumani in the Saturday contest as well.
“He’s been crying out for ground, and this has been a bit of a long-range plan for him,” Cumani said.
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“We would have liked to have seen him do a bit more in his last race, but it’s got such a long tail this race that its always worthwhile having a horse in it for the prize money and it gives everyone a nice day at Flemington.”
Discover leading betting sites offering racing odds for the VRC St Leger.
Sara Tendulkar and sister-in-law Saaniya Chandhok (Screengrabs)
NEW DELHI: Sara Tendulkar turned heads in Mumbai this week as she stepped out alongside her sister-in-law, Saaniya Chandhok, marking another high-profile appearances together since Saaniya’s marriage to Arjun Tendulkar. The duo’s effortless style and easy camaraderie quickly caught the attention of onlookers, adding a fresh layer of public curiosity around the Tendulkar family’s next generation.While Sara has long been in the public eye for her fashion choices and social presence, Saaniya is gradually finding her own footing in the spotlight. Their joint appearance signaled a growing comfort with public life, as well as a glimpse into their bond beyond the cameras.Watch: Away from the buzz of Mumbai’s social circuit, Arjun Tendulkar is focused on a different kind of stage. Now part of the Lucknow Super Giants squad for IPL 2026, the 26-year-old cricketer is navigating both professional expectations and personal milestones. In a recent candid conversation with podcaster Shubhankar Mishra, Arjun opened up about his life beyond cricket, offering a rare peek into his grounded routine.Speaking about Saaniya, Arjun was clear and understated. “She never said anything. She has been supportive,” he shared, brushing aside any speculation about personal pressures affecting his career decisions. His remarks reflected a calm, steady partnership, one that thrives quietly despite the constant public gaze.Arjun also revealed a simpler side of his life, far removed from stadiums and scrutiny. He spends much of his downtime in Goa with his five dogs, valuing moments of normalcy. Interestingly, he noted that most of his close friends are not from the cricketing world, highlighting his preference for a balanced, low-key social circle.
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft:
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid.
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team.
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Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2.
Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either.
Andre the Giant, the legendary wrestler and actor known for his formidable ring presence and gentle screen roles, has been honored with a roadside marker in his beloved adopted small town in North Carolina.
Officials unveiled the marker on Thursday in Ellerbe, a community of about 1,000 people where the wrestler, born Andre Rene Roussimoff, lived on a ranch just outside town.
This photo provided by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources shows a newly-erected historical marker celebrating Andre the Giant along a highway near Ellerbe, N.C., on Thursday, April 23, 2026 (Leslie Leonard/North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources via AP)
Roussimoff was billed at 7ft 4in (2.24 metres) and 520 pounds (236 kilograms) during his time wrestling for the WWE in the 1970s and 1980s. A larger-than-life villain, he was touted as unbeatable until he faced Hulk Hogan in a match in 1987 at WrestleMania III, an event that launched the once regional wrestling company into a nationwide entertainment force.
Later that year, Mr Roussimoff appeared on film as the giant Fezzik in The Princess Bride. Fezzik was the gentle-hearted muscle for the antagonist and needed rhymes to remember his instructions.
Born in France, Roussimoff fell in love with the American South as he wrestled across the region, buying his North Carolina ranch and raising cattle on his land about 60 miles (97 kilometres) east of Charlotte.
He became a critical part of the Ellerbe community. In 1990, he taped TV and radio spots against a possible low-level radioactive landfill nearby. A pair of his size-26 cowboy boots are kept at a museum.
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Donald Trump holds the World Wrestling Federation Championship belt flanked by Hulk Hogan, left, and Andre the Giant at a news conference, March 15, 1988 (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Roussimoff died in 1993 at age 46 in France, where he was visiting for his father’s funeral. They had a service for him there, but his body was cremated and his ashes spread at his beloved ranch.
Wrestler Vladimir Koloff, who befriended Roussimoff as he helped him get into the business, said his friend deserved the marker because he turned wrestling from a regional pastime into a huge international business. “The world of professional wrestling has given us a larger than life icon,” Koloff said just before helping take the cover off the marker.
The Richmond County marker at NC Highway 73 and Old NC Highway 220 simply says: “Andre The Giant. 1946-1993. Actor and professional wrestler. Was born Andre Roussimoff. Known for role in The Princess Bride in 1987. Lived nearby.”
Jack Grealish joined Everton on loan from Man City during the summer transfer window – but his long-term future at the club remains uncertain
Former Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry believes Jack Grealish won’t be short of interest this summer.
Grealish joined Everton on loan during the summer transfer window after falling out of favour with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. One of the main reasons the 30-year-old moved to make the move happen was so he could have a chance to feature in England’s World Cup squad.
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Although Grealish impressed for David Moyes’ side, scoring twice and claiming six assists in all competitions, his campaign was cut short in January after he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, which required an operation. A £50m option to buy was included in the loan agreement by City, but that valuation was placed upon him for accounting purposes.
And while Grealish’s time at City looks to be over, Everton are keen to extend his stay into a second season, preferably on loan, and the plan is to formally explore that at the end of the current campaign. But Barry believes the attacker won’t be short of offers from other clubs this summer as he prepares to make a decision on where he goes next.
“I remember speaking last summer when all the noise was about and I thought it would be a great move for both the club and Jack,” the former midfielder told the Manchester Evening News, via BetMGM.
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“I knew he would be desperate to win a World Cup space and that is why he started on fire, but unfortunately injuries stopped that happening.
“He is the type of player that Everton fans love. He is going to get the fans off their seats, he is going to give 100% and he brings that little bit of X factor as well.
“Jack is going to have a big decision to make and see what options he has, but with my Everton head on, I would love to see him at Everton next season, but I’m sure there will be interest from elsewhere as well.”
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Barry, though, is in no doubt that former club Everton should be doing all they can to ensure that Grealish returns to the club next season.
“Yeah, if I’m involved with Everton and making these decisions, then I am trying to keep Jack Grealish, as I think he has brought a lot to the club this year,” he said.
“He started on fire and brought excitement to the fans; between him and Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite wing, you can’t ask for much more entertainment.
“If the numbers work, then I think Everton should try and keep Jack. He seems really happy there, and the transfer would improve Everton as well. They need to keep taking forward steps like they have since David Moyes came in.”
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks speaks with reporters during SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 16, 2025, addressing questions about his development and upcoming season while drawing attention from media members evaluating his presence ahead of the collegiate campaign. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings fans sat in their living rooms — some attended the draft party at U.S. Bank Stadium — expecting interim general manager Rob Brzezinski to select safety Dillon Thieneman, defensive tackle Peter Woods, or tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Instead, Brzezinski picked Florida defensive tackle Caleb Woods.
The pick raised eyebrows right away. Minnesota clearly sees long-term upside.
The selection inspired mixed reviews among fans, as Banks was considered a firm 2nd-Round pick entering the draft.
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Flores Gets a New Interior Piece for His Defensive Front
A Gator is now a Viking.
Florida players gather and sing after a win against Tennessee at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on Sep 16, 2023, as quarterback Micah Leon (12), defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88), and quarterback Graham Mertz (15) celebrate together following the game in a spirited postgame moment with teammates and fans. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports.
It’s Banks for MIN
After careful deliberation by fans, the Vikings announced the pick on Thursday, and it was not who they expected.
Vikings.com’s Lindsey Young wrote, “The Vikings added extra length and a whole lotta power to their defensive line group Thursday. Minnesota opened the 2026 NFL Draft by tabbing former Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, Banks boasted the longest wingspan at the NFL Combine, measuring a whopping 7 feet, 1.75 inches.”
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“That wingspan landed in the 99th percentile for defensive tackles and is the longest recorded at the combine since 1999. Banks is the third player ever drafted from Florida by Minnesota in the first round, joining Percy Harvin in 2009 and and Sharrif Floyd 2013 and 12th Gator ever selected by the Vikings.”
Banks began the draft cycle a few months ago as a sure-fire 1st-Rounder, but injury concerns sank his stock to Round 2. He recently sent a letter to all NFL general managers, reassuring them that his medicals were in good shape. Banks broke a bone in his foot at the NFL Combine at the end of February. From there, he became a no-brainer 2nd-Rounder — before the Vikings came knocking.
The Scouting Report
At 6’6″ and 330 pounds, 23-year-old Banks is a dominant force who already appears NFL-ready. His immense size is immediately evident on tape, where he explodes off the line with explosive burst, frequently bypassing interior blockers at the snap. Leveraging powerful hands and strength, he drives into the backfield, collapsing the pocket early.
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His statistics fully support these impressive on-field traits. Across 34 games at Louisville and Florida, he accumulated 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, demonstrating consistent pressure and robust run defense.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid ranked Banks as the No. 46 prospect in the draft and noted, “After a breakout 2024, Banks entered last season regarded as one of the country’s top interior defenders, but foot surgery in September limited him to only two games. Despite the injury, Banks is a potential-laden defensive tackle who shows quick hands and disruptive ability.”
“He reminded many evaluators why he was once viewed as one of the top interior prospects in this year’s class at the Senior Bowl, consistently showing his ability to win quickly against interior blockers. Banks underwent foot surgery for an injury that he suffered the day before the combine. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to full football participation in June.”
If Banks remains healthy, he has the ceiling to be an All-Pro and not too far down the road. If the injuries emerge, all bets are off. It’s as simple as that.
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Yes, This Was a Reach
Banks, in the end, fell to No. 44 on the Consensus Big Board. Based on that ranking, the Vikings could’ve traded their No. 18 pick to a team for the 44th pick and also grabbed a selection in a similar range. The discrepancy between Picks No. 18 and No. 44 is the equivalent of the 46th overall pick.
Therefore, if the Consensus Big Board means anything at all — it apparently does not for the Vikings — Brzezinski left meat on the bone to the tune of a 2nd-Round pick.
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) secures a fumble during the second half against LSU at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on Nov 16, 2024, turning a key moment into possession for the Gators as the defense capitalizes during a 27-16 victory in an SEC matchup. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle-Imagn Images.
Ultimately, one must ask herself if trusting community, media-driven draftboards is smarter than Brian Flores’s personal scouting. Who knows more? A guy at Bleacher Report? Or Flores? Because there’s just no way that Flores didn’t have his fingerprints all over this pick.
The New-Look Defensive Line
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Once fans get over the shock of the Banks pick, they’ll warm up to this defensive front:
OLB: Jonathan Greenard DT: Jalen Redmond DT: Caleb Banks OLB: Dallas Turner OLB: Andrew Van Ginkel
Former NFL quarterback and NBC Sports pundit Chris Simms tweeted about the pick, “Whooaaaa Caleb Banks to the Vikings this is crazy!!! This is Chris Jones Part 2 #skol Hey Pro Football Talk baaaroooooooo.”
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) interacts with fans during the second half against LSU at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida, on Nov 16, 2024, reaching toward the stands after a play as the Gators close out a 27-16 win in front of a home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle-Imagn Images.
The Vikings have eight picks remaining on Friday and Saturday, with three lined up on Friday night, barring trades.
Keldon Johnson has been named the 2025–26 NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
The San Antonio Spurs forward was selected by a global media panel of 100 voters, finishing top of the voting with 404 points, including 63 first-place votes.
He set a Spurs record with 1,081 bench points, passing Manu Ginobili, who had previously held the mark with 927 during his 2007–08 Sixth Man of the Year campaign. With this win, Johnson becomes just the second Spurs player to claim the award, joining Ginóbili.
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Jaime Jaquez Jr. finished second in the voting with 361 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. placed third.
The award recognises the best-performing player coming off the bench during the regular season, and Johnson’s impact made him the standout choice this year.
Cameras showed former New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch in the team’s draft room Thursday night during the first round.
At one point, Tisch was seen standing near Giants head coach John Harbaugh. Despite no longer holding a majority stake in the NFL franchise, Tisch remains the Giants’ chairman of the board.
ESPN obtained an NFL memo last month detailing plans by Steve Tisch and his siblings to transfer their stake in the Giants to trusts for their children.
New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch warms up before the NFL game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Oct. 28, 2018.(Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
“Prior transfers to these Trusts were completed pursuant to 2023 and 2024 Finance Committee approvals,” the memo stated. “The Sellers now propose to transfer their entire remaining interests, totaling 23.1% of the Club, to the Trusts. … Following the transactions, the Sellers will no longer own any interest in the Club.”
It was not clear if the transfer requests were in any way related to Tisch’s name appearing in the Epstein files released by the U.S. Justice Department in January. Tisch’s name came up more than 400 times in the files. Tisch at the time said he knew Epstein but denied visiting Epstein’s island.
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As for draft night, the Giants made what some viewed as an unconventional pick at No. 10, selecting offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.
Francis Mauigoa of Miami celebrates after being selected as the tenth overall pick by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on April 23, 2026.(Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Before that, the Giants added another piece to their pass rush, selecting hybrid edge/off-ball linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 5.
Reese earned All-American honors at Ohio State and finished his first season as a full-time starter with 6.5 sacks.
Arvell Reese of Ohio State celebrates after being selected as the fifth overall pick by the New York Giants during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., on April 23, 2026.(Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Olympic cricket stadium for LA 2028 could host Indian Premier League teams in the future as part of its global expansion plans, says Kolkata Knight Riders chief executive Venky Mysore.
Construction has now started on the site at the Fairgrounds, officially known as Fairplex, in the southern Californian city of Pomona in readiness for cricket’s return to the Games.
The stadium will become the home to KKR’s US franchise, Los Angeles Knight Riders and will host Major League Cricket (MLC) matches this July.
It will be a modular venue built in three phases with capacity for 5,000 fans this year, rising to 8,500 in 2027 and then up to 15,000 for the six-team T20 tournament for LA 2028.
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Mysore also hopes the ground could eventually stage IPL exhibition fixtures as the competition looks to expand into the United States.
“Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” he told BBC Sport.
“The challenge is always player availability. Once the IPL season is over, everyone’s calendars are packed and they’re running in different directions.
“But the BCCI has talked about a couple of teams going out and playing exhibition games to grow cricket… so that’s always on the agenda.”
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The USA is widely regarded as the world’s largest sports market and seen as a key growth area for cricket.
Mysore said there had been “concrete proposals” from both the US and Canada to host IPL teams in the past, although neither have come to fruition.
“This is my 16th season with the IPL and we’ve tried every year, but somehow it hasn’t happened,” he explained.
“There’s a real opportunity to piggyback on what’s happening with MLC to grow the market further.
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“When viewership goes up, it has a positive effect on things like media rights. It makes a lot of sense. But first things first – we have to deliver what we’ve started here.”
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