The deliberations on India’s roadmap for the 2027 World Cup are “not meant for public consumption”, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in an interview to PTI, refusing to be drawn into any discussion on individual players and their much-speculated future in the team. Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dominate the chatter whenever there is any talk around the Indian team’s 2027 global campaign but Saikia is categorical that “strategic discussions in the board room” are best left inside.

While both former skippers are determined to play the mega-event, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have been non-committal on whether the squad will have space for the white-ball legends. Asked if the BCCI has had any internal conversations on the matter, Saikia said all stakeholders are aligned in their views in what is essentially an ongoing process.

“We have a very well-knit team and a lot of experts. All stakeholders are taken on board,” Saikia told PTI during an exclusive interaction.

“Whatever decisions that are made involve the cricket committee, the selectors and all other stakeholders, including the support staff, the head coach and the players concerned.

“There are regular conversations taking place. For that reason, we do not need any special session of interaction. This is an ongoing process,” the secretary said, keeping all his cards close to his chest.

He maintained that he would not divulge any board room information.

“I do not think I should disclose anything before the media or the public because these are strategic discussions. I am not authorised to speak about them before the media.” “Secondly, these are matters that should remain within the boardroom.”

BCCI to follow government diktat on Bangladesh

The Indian cricket team had postponed its white-ball tour of Bangladesh last year due to unrest in the neighbouring nation.

India’s eastern neighbours now have an elected government in place.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board too has a new president in former skipper Tamim Iqbal, who is keen on resumption of bilateral cricketing ties with India.

Asked if the BCCI’s stance would now change, Saikia replied: “The BCCI is a cricketing controlling board, and we have nothing to do with what is going on politically in other countries.” “As the BCCI, we follow whatever policy the Government of India has in place regarding participation in bilateral and multinational sporting events. Whatever regulations and policies the central government frames, we follow them, just like any other sports federation, whether it is football, athletics or any other sport,” he explained.

Saikia made it clear that it doesn’t concern the BCCI as to which party is running the government in Bangladesh.

“We are not concerned with who is running the government in a particular country, whether it is democratically elected, undemocratically elected or an autocratic government. That is none of our business.” “Our job is to run cricket. Whenever there is a scheduled tour to a foreign country for bilateral matches, we will proceed according to our plans and schedules,” Saikia said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Canada recorded the first men’s World Cup win in their history in stunning fashion, thrashing Qatar 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver on June 18.

Jesse Marsch’s side produced a dominant display from start to finish, overwhelming their opponents and securing one of the most memorable victories in Canadian football history.

The hosts took the lead in the 16th minute through Cyle Larin before Jonathan David scored twice before half-time to put Canada firmly in control. Qatar’s problems worsened when Homam Ahmed was sent off in the 33rd minute.

Canada’s dominance was reflected in the statistics. According to Opta, the team registered eight shots on target before the break, matching a World Cup record set by Romania against Argentina in 1994.

The second half brought more goals as Qatar were reduced to nine men following the dismissal of Assim Madibo. Nathan Saliba added a superb free-kick in the 64th minute before an own goal by Mohammed Manai made it 5-0.

David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to seal a famous victory for the hosts.

The night was not without concern for Canada after midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a serious leg injury and had to leave the pitch. Saliba paid tribute to his teammate by holding up Koné’s No. 8 shirt after scoring.

After the match, coach Jesse Marsch described the occasion as a historic day for Canadian football. It was a landmark moment for a nation that had previously failed to win a match in its men’s World Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022.

This time, however, Canada made history in emphatic style with a record-equalling first-half performance and a memorable six-goal victory.

“Amercians have been used to in-play ads for 40, 50 years, so culturally this fits right in,” says Rob di Gisi, lecturer in sport management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

“There is very little pushback here. Any changes which make games more Americanised will be embraced without people noticing.”

Fellow US broadcaster Telemundo, which shows matches in Spanish and is aimed at Latino Americans, is one of the few broadcasters which has decided not to show ads during the breaks.

During Canada’s opening match last week, its commentator said: “We prefer the old school way. We should be able to see what the players do.

“We show fans, people enjoying themselves, not the corporate direction of football.”

BBC Sport has contacted Fox Sports and Telemundo for comment.

In other big markets around the world ads are being used too, including in Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The broadcasters in those territories will not be able to charge prices as high as Fox Sports, and not all are running them for the maximum duration allowed, but the total amount accrued will be huge.

“When you start scaling that up over all the rest of the countries, it’s probably a billion dollars (£756m) from hydration break ads across the globe,” Di Gisi adds.

Having eyeballs on products during in-game breaks doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, however.

“Will advertisers in the hydration break be met with enough discontent that it negates the value of the advertising?” says T. Bettina Cornwell, head of marketing at the University of Oregon.

“It is the case that when brands violate the expected experience, in this case the flow of the game, fans can react negatively.”

After Spain’s disappointing draw in their opener against Cape Verde, speculation is, whether or not Lamine Yamal will start against Saudi Arabia. Several Spanish websites have reported that he may be ready to play for 45 minutes on Sunday. While Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente had said that he is in perfect shape, Barcelona won’t want to see the national team take risks with the forward. Yamal‘s fitness aside, one of the big talking points has been why La Roja’s biggest star is not wearing the most famous shirt number at the World Cup. And nobody in the dressing room seems to mind. The No.10 jersey has always carried a certain mystique. It belongs to artists, play-makers and match-winners. To the players who make stadiums rise from their seats. At this World Cup, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Bernardo Silva, Florian Wirtz and Luka Modric are all carrying that iconic number. Neymar, once he makes his tournament bow, will join the list.

Yet Spain’s brightest talent, and arguably one of the biggest attractions of this World Cup, has stepped onto the pitch wearing No.19. And for Lamine Yamal, that is perfectly fine.

The 18-year-old sensation arrived in North America as Spain’s main attacking weapon and one of the favourites to light up the tournament. At Barcelona, he has already inherited the famous No.10 shirt, following in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and generations of club legends. But with La Roja, things seem to work differently.

Spain’s No.10 belongs to Dani Olmo. And that is a sound decision, backed by team culture. 

Olmo may not be considered a bigger player. But his seniority counts. Olmo, who wears No.20 at Barcelona, has been part of the national setup much longer. With 50 caps to his name, he earned first choice when squad numbers were distributed. Yamal, despite already becoming the face of Spanish football, has made 25 appearances since his debut in 2023 and falls behind his Barcelona team-mate in the pecking order.

The system is straightforward. Players with the most international appearances get first pick among the available numbers. Olmo had the No.10 long before Yamal burst onto the scene, and no one inside the camp sees any reason to change that.

Yamal has already proven he can handle the burden that comes with football’s most glamorous shirt. Barcelona handed him the No.10 last summer, a responsibility that once proved too heavy for Ansu Fati.

After Messi’s emotional departure in 2021, Barcelona desperately searched for an heir. Fati inherited the number but injuries and enormous expectations made life difficult. The club later felt that placing such weight on a young player had been premature.

Yamal’s story has unfolded differently.

The teenager embraced the challenge. Last season, he delivered the finest campaign of his career, scoring 24 goals and adding 17 assists in 45 appearances. The number on his back mattered little because football spoke loudly enough.

That has been the case with Spain as well.

Inside the squad, there is no sense of frustration or rivalry over the jersey. Those close to the team insist Yamal has never viewed Olmo as an obstacle. If anything, respecting the established order is considered part of his growth.

Commercially, there is an argument that Spain are leaving money on the table. Yamal wearing No.10 would almost certainly boost shirt sales, and further strengthen the image of the country’s biggest football star.

But many feel Luis de la Fuente has built something more valuable than marketing opportunities.

His Spanish team thrives on collective values where hierarchies are respected. Veterans are valued. Individual status, however glittering, does not override team culture.

Even when that individual happens to be Lamine Yamal, he does not necessarily get the most famous shirt. And perhaps that says as much about the team’s unity as it does about the teenager’s maturity.

Besides, Yamal hardly needs a number to announce himself.

Everyone already knows who he is. And at the World Cup Spanish fans are waiting for the real Yamal to show up.

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Man United and Manchester City could both challenge for the Premier League title in the 2026/27 season

Manchester City and Manchester United are second and fourth favourites respectively to win the Premier League title. The Blues took the title race down to the last week of the campaign last season with a draw at Bournemouth ultimately ending their hopes of winning the league as Arsenal were crowned champions.

City are going through a period of change with Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones all leaving at the end of the last campaign. However, according to Betfair, the Blues are expected to overcome the upheaval and have a strong season with odds of 5/2 on them winning the league.

Meanwhile, United are backed to do well this season after their resurgence under Michael Carrick in the second half of the last campaign. The decision to sack Ruben Amorim in January paid off as the Reds lost just two Premier League matches on the way to a third-place finish.

The turnaround from United ensured Carrick was handed the job on a permanent basis. However, despite finishing third, they are predicted to finish a place worse off next season with Betfair offering odds of 13/2 on United winning the league. Currently, Arsenal are favourites to retain the title.

They are priced at 6/4 to do what only City have managed in the past decade – retain the Premier League. As mentioned, the Blues are second favourites while Liverpool are third most likely to regain the league, priced at 6/1. The Manchester clubs’ only other realistic title challengers, according to the bookmakers, are Chelsea.

Under new head coach Xabi Alonso, they are priced at 11/1. Check out the full list of odds for the Premier League title below:

• Arsenal – 6/4
• Manchester City – 5/2
• Liverpool – 6/1
• Manchester United – 13/2
• Chelsea – 11/1
• Aston Villa – 28/1
• Newcastle United – 40/1
• Tottenham Hotspur – 50/1
• Brighton and Hove Albion – 150/1
• AFC Bournemouth – 200/1
• Everton and Brentford – 250/1
• Sunderland, Leeds United, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace – 500/1
• Ipswich Town, Coventry City, Hull City – 1000/1

18+ | UK only | begambleaware.org

Oregon landing 5-star 2027 WR Dakota Guerrant is a big statement for the Ducks as they chase another Top 5 class.

It’s an even bigger statement for WR Coach Ross Douglas.

On today’s episode of Locked On Ducks, Spencer I discuss the quality of depth in the cornerbacks room.

Will former 5-star Na’eem Offord have a more featured role in 2026?

Oregon has used the transfer portal very well in recent years to bolster its roster and fill holes.

Will there be a starting transfer on the Ducks’ offense this year?

00:00 Oregon’s 2027 wide receiver lineup
04:46 Jurrion Dickey’s Departure from Oregon
06:35 Oregon Ducks coaching and recruiting
15:14 Evaluating Naim Offered and Expectations
17:58 USC’s NFL prospects shine
21:39 Discussing college football prospects
24:32 Discussing Oregon’s offensive line starter

/ @lockedoncollegefootball  

Most of the news about Germany’s World Cup squad was around the return of Manuel Neuer. But beyond the headlines lies another story.

Eight of the 26 players representing Germany this summer have roots in Africa: Jonathan Tah (Ivorian father), Antonio Rüdiger (Sierra Leonean mother), Leroy Sane (Senegalese father), Felix Nmecha and Jamal Musiala (both Nigerian fathers), Assan Ouedraogo (both parents from Burkina Faso), Malick Thiaw (Senegalese father) and Jamie Leweling (Ghanian father).

In fact, if you look at the last year of Germany squad selections, there have been a total of 17 players with African roots called up. The connection Germany’s footballers have with African countries is inescapable and of huge importance at the 2026 World Cup.

“Today we have great diversity in the team, which symbolizes a new generation of German players,” Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, told DW. “That wasn’t always the case,” Baerbock added. “That shows how important anti-racism campaigns are. A team is also always a reflection of society.”

Diversity important in time of division

Musa Okwonga, a Ugandan-British author and football podcaster who has lived in Berlin for over a decade, believes the timing of this team’s diversity is significant.

“With the far right leading some major polls in Germany by five, six, seven points, I think it’s really important at this point in time, when a quarter of immigrants who arrived in Germany are thinking about leaving again, to show there are people here who are thriving within this country, who are not white, who have a heritage from elsewhere, who grew up here, who moved here, and made Germany their home,” Okwonga told DW.

The German FA (DFB) haven’t explicitly gone out of their way to highlight the diversity of this team, but do recognize its significance.

“At the end of the day, everyone is united to make a decision by conviction and less to do with picking the place where more sporting success is likely,” DFB Director Andreas Rettig told DW.

“We were happy to see an early commitment to the Germany team and that left an impression on us,” said Rettig, referencing the example of Jonathan Tah.

“We know it from the economy, mixed teams with men and women or different nationalities, young or old, is always advantageous to the end product so we are happy to have this diversity in the team,” added Rettig.

In early 2025, Tah visited the Ivory Coast for the first time since he was 14, explaining in an interview with DW that the trip was “extremely grounding.” Rüdiger has also set up a foundation in Sierra Leone.

“Going back to a place where you have benefited from the Western European colonial extraction, and you’re going back to see relatives of yours who only two generations ago, you were with and would have been around, that’s hard for a lot of people,” said Okwonga.

Given Germany has colonial historical roots in Namibia, Tanzania, Cameroon and Togo to name but a few, it is clear why connecting to both one’s country of origin and one’s new home comes with conflicting and complication emotions. Okwonga believes though that the visibility of footballers who have African roots but are also equally proud of having Germany as their home is an important symbol.

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Impact beyond football

In the build-up to Euro 2024, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann called out a survey by German public broadcaster WDR that revealed 21% of those asked wanted more white players on the national team.

“A football team can be a role model of how to unite different cultures, religious backgrounds and skin color. It is good the way it is now. We play the Euros for everyone in the country and whoever plays top football is invited to be a national team member,” said Nagelsmann.

His bullish stance on non-football matters was noteworthy, because the symbolic value and influence of the German team and football as a whole is widespread.

“In the 12 years of being here, the team I saw at the Euros was the best version of a Germany team. In terms of the football they played, how they worked together, how they supported each other. It’s everything you’d want from a football team, a collective, a community,” said Okwonga, who also said Vincent Kompany being Bayern Munich head coach has also positively impacted the environment for German players with African roots.

Clearly, a lot has changed since Gerald Asamoah became the first African-born German to appear in a World Cup in 2006. But the issue remains, as incidents such as the one in 2023 proved when two Germany youth internationals with African roots were inundated with racist comments on social media after missing penalties. Systemic issues can be improved by policies not the actions or words of a football team, but that doesn’t make their symbolism any less significant.

“I think this actually the diversity of this team is not really about the people that hate to see it. It’s about modeling the fact that friendship across all groups is entirely possible,” Okwonga said. “If they don’t win, it’s not because the multi-ethnic project was a failure. It’s because they got beaten by a better team.”

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What would a Germany World Cup win mean?

Germany are certainly not favorites for the World Cup this year, but were they to win it there is an obvious temptation to consider the social and political impact on the country. Could it bring the joy we saw in 2014 or even 2006 when Germany hosted a tournament and enjoyed a “summer fairy tale” despite not winning it?

“If Germany win the World Cup, it’s primarily a triumph for this group of players and the supporters that were behind them. I don’t think it is a point of political leverage in a progressive sense, because I think too many other things are going wrong in Germany at the moment,” Okwonga explained.

“I think that success in the football field from a diverse team can be a catalyst in the right political context. I do not, unfortunately, believe this is the right context.”

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With or without the right context, the diverse heritage of this Germany team requires recognition.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold