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  • JioStar’s ‘jersey wahi toh jazba wahi’ breaks gender norms, champions ‘Women in Blue’

    JioStar’s ‘jersey wahi toh jazba wahi’ breaks gender norms, champions ‘Women in Blue’

    MUMBAI: JioStar’s new women’s WC ’25 campaign film opens with the protagonist asking his partner a slightly awkward question, “But is it necessary to wear the women’s jersey?” after she suggests he put one on for a match screening at a friend’s place. His partner, exasperated by the lingering stigma, looks on in dismay, pitying the shame that still surrounds supporting women in cricket. Undeterred, he steps out the door wearing the jersey, hiding it beneath a jacket.

    On his way, he notices fellow Indians proudly donning women cricketers’ jerseys, from colleagues to even the office lift operator, who delivers the knockout line, “Virat khelein ya Smriti, jeetega toh India hi na” (whether it’s Virat or Smriti, India will win anyway). The moment sparks pride as the protagonist ditches the jacket and walks into the office with his Smriti Mandhana jersey proudly on display.

    With the ICC women’s cricket world cup India 2025 just around the corner, JioStar’s “Jersey Wahi Toh Jazba Wahi” (conceptualised by Bubblewrap Films) celebrates the unifying power of the India jersey. It sends a clear message: no gender norms can diminish the pride of wearing blue, and the joy of support far outweighs the question, “Who watches women’s cricket anyway?”  

    JioStar, head of viewership and monetisation initiative – sports, Siddharth Sharma said, “This tournament is more than cricket. It is about rewriting history and inspiring a generation. Our endeavour is to channel this moment into a campaign that unites the country, reminding fans to take equal pride in every Indian jersey.”

    The ICC women’s cricket world cup 2025, hosted across India and Sri Lanka, kicks off on 30 September in Guwahati with India facing co-host Sri Lanka. With matches lined up against Pakistan, Australia, England and others, the women in blue are chasing a trophy that has long eluded them.

    With the roar of home crowds and the momentum of this campaign, JioStar aims to capture a cultural shift: cricket pride is not about gender, it is about the jersey and every fan who wears it.

  • Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    MUMBAI: Kho Kho, the homegrown Indian game of agility and grit, just got a high-speed upgrade on and off the mat. As the sport stretches beyond its traditional roots to stake its claim on the global stage, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) is playing tag with the future by launching its most advanced training initiative yet.

    The Advanced Level III-A Training Course for coaches and technical officials kicked off on June 2, 2025, at SGT University, Budhera, and will run till June 15. Organised by KKFI under the aegis of the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), the course is no ordinary classroom drill, it’s a knowledge sprint featuring 20 international coaches and officials from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Australia, England, Korea and Malaysia, alongside 50 Indian coaches and 65 technical officials.

    From biomechanics to sports psychology, recovery techniques to anti-doping awareness, the curriculum mirrors a sport in metamorphosis. With morning fitness sessions and rigorous classroom modules, participants are being immersed in a next-gen playbook designed to take Kho Kho from kabaddi’s countryside cousin to a globally recognised sport.

    5 June was a masterclass in modernisation with sessions on sports science by Pooja Bhati, anti-doping education by Vikas Tyagi and Anurag, and tactical training by legendary coach H. V. Nataraj. The day began with a sweat-inducing physical drill by Ashwani Sharma, reinforcing the discipline behind the dash.

    “This course reflects our commitment to preparing a new generation of coaches and officials who are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and international exposure to take Kho Kho to the next level,” said KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal. He also underlined how the sport is evolving with mat-based gameplay, a Decision Review System (DRS) and even the strategic ‘Wazir’ role.

    The training for coaches wraps up on June 11 with a practical exam and reflective session, before the officials’ segment begins from 12–15 June.

    With 135 participants in total and a syllabus as sharp as the game’s signature sprints, this course is more than just a seminar, it’s Kho Kho’s statement of intent. The message is clear: India isn’t just where the game began. It’s where the global future of Kho Kho is being written one pivot, one pass, and now, one world-class coach at a time.

  • Alastair Cook returns to the crease for Easemytrip WCL glory

    Alastair Cook returns to the crease for Easemytrip WCL glory

    MUMBAI: Sir Alastair Cook is dusting off his cricket whites and stepping back onto the pitch, marking a historic return to competitive cricket. The legendary English batsman will join the England Champions squad for the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, set to take place at Edgbaston this July.

    Cook, who retired from international cricket in 2018 as England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, will reunite with his former teammate and captain Eoin Morgan, who is set to lead the England Champions in the highly anticipated tournament.

    Alastair Cook said, “It is great to be back playing for my country. I am really looking forward to being back on the field with Eoin and the other guys. The EaseMyTrip World Championship of Legends is providing the chance to be back involved with cricket at its best. I can’t wait!”
    Easemytrip WCL founder and CEO Harshit Tomar said, “Having a player of Sir Alastair Cook’s caliber join the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends will be a tremendous boost for the tournament. His legendary status will undoubtedly elevate the competition and bring immense value to the England Champions team.”

    “Sir Cook’s decision to return to cricket through the Easemytrip WCL platform demonstrates the tournament’s growing prestige and appeal to cricket icons worldwide,” Harshit Tomar added.

    England Champions owner Praveen Sharma said, “This is more than just a team announcement, it’s history in motion. With Cook and Morgan at the helm, England Champions is ready to take the Easemytrip WCL by storm.”

    Captain Eoin Morgan welcomed Cook saying, “Having Alastair back is not just about cricket, it’s about camaraderie, history, and creating new memories. We’re not just playing the game, we’re honoring it.”

    Easemytrip chairman and founder and Easemytrip WCL chief patron Nishant Pitti said, “We are thrilled to witness the return of Sir Alastair Cook to international cricket through the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends. His participation, alongside other cricket icons, perfectly aligns with our vision of supporting world-class sporting events that bring joy to millions of fans globally.”

    Cook’s career record speaks for itself, 161 Test matches, 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35, and 33 centuries, securing his place among the game’s greats. His return to competitive cricket is set to be a spectacle, reigniting old rivalries and bringing back the elegance of his batting to the global stage.

    As the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends gears up for its July showdown, Cook’s comeback ensures that this tournament will be more than just a nostalgic trip, it will be a thrilling contest of cricketing giants reliving their glory days.

  • ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Who is Your Favourite?

    ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Who is Your Favourite?

    The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is the biggest event in the cricketing calendar, and it will be held in India from October 8 to November 19. Ten teams will compete for the coveted trophy, which was last won by England in 2019. India, the hosts, and the two-time champions are widely regarded as the favorites for the title, as they have a formidable batting lineup, a balanced bowling attack, and a home advantage.

    However, who will win? Is your pick (or picks!) the undisputed favorites, or are there other contenders who can challenge them? In this blog post, we will analyze how each team fares and who is your favorite to win the title.

    India: The Hosts and The Favourites

    India is undoubtedly one of the strongest favorites of the betting app providers to win the World Cup, as they have a formidable batting lineup, a balanced bowling attack, and home advantage. Led by Rohit Sharma, India boasts of players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, who can dominate any opposition on their day. India has also been consistent in ICC tournaments, reaching the semi-finals or finals in six of the last seven editions. India has won the World Cup twice, in 1983 and 2011, and will be aiming to repeat the feat on home soil.

    India’s experience and leadership are also key factors that make them a formidable team. They have players who have played in many international matches and tournaments. They also have players who have won the World Cup before, like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. They have a calm and composed captain Rohit Sharma, who leads by example and motivates his teammates.

    Australia: The Five-Time Champions

    Australia is another team that cannot be taken lightly, as they have a history of winning the World Cup five times, more than any other team. Australia has a powerful batting lineup, featuring players like David Warner, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Marsh. Their bowling unit is also formidable, with players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, and Josh Hazlewood. Australia has also been in good form recently, winning the ODI series against India and South Africa earlier this year. Australia will be looking to bounce back from their semi-final exit in 2019 and reclaim their glory in 2023.

    Pakistan: The Unpredictable Team

    Pakistan is a team that can surprise anyone with its unpredictable performances. Pakistan has a talented squad, with players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali. Pakistan also has a reputation for performing well in ICC tournaments, as they won the Champions Trophy in 2017 and reached the final of the World T20 in 2009 and 2007. Pakistan has also won the World Cup once, in 1992, under the inspirational leadership of Imran Khan. Pakistan will be hoping to emulate their success in 1992 and end their long wait for another World Cup title.

    Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are likely to open the innings, followed by Mohammad Rizwan at number three. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez can bat at number four and five respectively, while Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf can provide the finishing touches at number six and seven. Sarfaraz Ahmed can also be included as a wicket-keeper batsman who can bat anywhere in the order.

    England: The Defending Champions

    England is the defending champion of the World Cup, having won their maiden title in 2019 in a thrilling final against New Zealand. England has a dynamic batting lineup, with players like Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, and Moeen Ali. Their bowling unit is also impressive, with players like Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, and Sam Curran. England has also been consistent in ODI cricket in recent years, winning a series against India, Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. England will be aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Australia in 2003 and 2007.

    New Zealand: The Dark Horse

    New Zealand is a team that has always punched above its weight in ICC tournaments. New Zealand has a balanced squad, with players like Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Devon Conway, Ross Taylor, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee. New Zealand has also been in excellent form recently, winning the inaugural World Test Championship against India and reaching the final of the T20 World Cup in 2021. New Zealand has also reached the final of the last two ODI World Cups but lost both times to Australia and England. New Zealand will be hoping to go one step further in 2023 and win their first-ever World Cup title.

    They have players who have played in many international matches and tournaments. They also have players who have reached the final of the last two ODI World Cups, like Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult, and Tim Southee.

    Conclusion

    The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 promises to be an exciting and competitive tournament, with each team having its chance of winning the title. While India and Australia are the obvious favorites, Pakistan and England are also strong contenders, and New Zealand is always a dark horse. Who is your favorite to win the World Cup?

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  • Jason Roy, Reece Topley and Laurie Evan Shares Views On Their Teammates

    Jason Roy, Reece Topley and Laurie Evan Shares Views On Their Teammates

    In a recent interview, Jason Roy, Reece Topley, and Laurie Evans dish the dirt on their England colleagues.

    When asked, “who has helped you most in your game?”

    Hashim Amla, a former South African batsman, was named by Laurie Evans. He went on to say that the South African brought a sense of tranquility to the team’s locker room.

    Meanwhile, Jason Roy said that “he had complete mental support from his squad”. Kumar Sangakkara, Kevin Pietersen, Hashim Amla, Ricky Ponting, and Graeme Smith were among the cricket superstars he listed as having played for Surrey.

    If your life depended on catching a fish, who would you give the catch to?

    It didn’t take long for Jason Roy to identify his English colleague Chris Jordan. Jason Roy was then told by Laurie Evans that he, too, is a competent fielder. And humble Jason said that all he did was take a catch and perform his job.

    Next, they wanted to know, “Who does the Bleep Test the best?”

    When it comes to this, Arun Harinath was the one who Jason Roy identified. He continued by saying that he was incredible. He said, “Joe root as well may run for absolute days.”

    Which player usually leaves the pitch last?

    Even quicker than that, Laurie Evans identified Ben Foakes, the English wicketkeeper-batsman. Likewise, Reece Topley added, “Foaksey one hundred per cent. He often returns for a second or third blow. As the last player to emerge from the nets, Topley also singled out Ollie Pope. The squad has to wait for Ben Foakes and Ollie Pope to finish up whenever they are on the road, he said.

    Who are the best footballers in the team?

    I’m a horrible player and a terrible mover, Jason Roy interjected before Laurie Evans could finish his sentence. Following Roy’s declaration, Reece Topley agreed that Ben Foakes was the finest player by noting that Foakes had the left foot of Robin Van Persie.

    Who has the craziest outfit?

    They all rock their clothes, and there’s a wide range to choose from, as all three participants attested. However, Laurie Evans then clarified that Reece also wants to join the list. Laurie Evans said that Reece Topley dislikes spending money and cited Ben Foakes. Jason Roy further, says that Ben Foakes irritates him because of his nice looks and the fact that he often chooses to play in equipment that does not complement his physique.

    Who is the most untidy roommate? was the last question made!

    When asked about his experience living with Ollie Pope, Jason Roy said it was challenging to share a room with him. And he called him a “messy dog,” he said. The English wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings is one of the messiest persons Laurie Evans knows, he said.

  • EURO 2020 Finals break viewership records in UK

    EURO 2020 Finals break viewership records in UK

    New Delhi: The Sunday-night high-octane clash between Italy and England in UEFA Euro 2020 was watched by over 31 million viewers in the United Kingdom, setting a record for the highest viewership ratings in British broadcasting history.

    According to the BARB figures shared by overnights. tv, an average of 29.85 million watched the entire match which was broadcast on both BBC and ITV. The viewership peaked at 30.95 million during the extra time, when both the teams were trying hard to up their score from 1-1 at London’s Wembley Stadium.

    The game went down to the wire and ended with England facing a painful penalty shootout exit, dashing hopes of millions of English fans who were hoping to see the trophy come home for the first time since 1966. However, Italy reigned over the game and clinched the trophy continuing its 34-match winning streak in the game.

    According to BBC, the combined viewership on both BBC One and ITV made the final match one of the biggest TV events in the UK since the funeral of princess Diana in 1997.

    In Italy, the game was broadcast on Radiotelevisione italiana (Rai), the national public broadcasting company of Italy. According to Rai, throughout the match an average of 18 million people tuned in, representing a 73.7 per cent market share, reported Variety.

    In India, the official broadcaster Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) made the most of the football fever that has swept the country over the last few weeks. While the latest viewership numbers are yet to come in, the previous data showed that the 19 June match between Portugal vs Germany was among the most-watched matches in the tournament. The defending champion Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo was defeated by 4-2 in the match in the group stage.

  • Sony Pictures Sports gears up for upcoming women tri-nation series

    Sony Pictures Sports gears up for upcoming women tri-nation series

    MUMBAI: Before ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Sony Pictures Sports Network (SPSN) will telecast the Women’s T20i Tri-Nation Series 2020 between India, England and Australia from 31 January to 12 February. The knock-out matches will be telecast live on SONY ESPN and SONY SIX channels.

    The tri-nation series that is going to be held in Australia will mark the first appearance of the Indian women’s cricket team in 2020 for a cricket battle. While the women in Blue is led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will take on hosts, Australia first led by Meg Lanning and then with England led by Heather Knight.

    The matches will be a crucial fixture for all three teams as they go straight into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup following this tournament.

    SPSN’s campaign for cricket, ‘Love for Cricket knows No Boundaries’ will be carried forward for this mega-series, which features the three cricketing giants, India, Australia, and England.

  • Watch Akshay Kumar On #PHILIPSHUE #CRICKETLIVE Exclusively On the Star Sports Network This Sunday!

    Watch Akshay Kumar On #PHILIPSHUE #CRICKETLIVE Exclusively On the Star Sports Network This Sunday!

    Mumbai: After 45 days of riveting cricket action from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, the quest for #CricketKaCrown will see a winner emerge when the host country England go against Blackcaps – New Zealand. The two teams clash in the final at the iconic stadium of Lord’s, London. To make the event bigger than ever, the networks flagship show, Philips Hue Cricket Live will see Khiladi of Bollywood – Akshay Kumar going LIVE from England, 1PM onwards on the Star Sports Network.

    Philips Hue Cricket Live has hosted the likes of Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra, Siddharth Malhotra and Hrithik Roshan during this World Cup. Akshay Kumar will be seen discussing his passion for the sport and the mega final on the Star Sports network when England take on New Zealand.

    With a dedicated line-up of special programmes beyond live cricket the network on the 14th of July which includes exclusive shows around cricket, cricketers, fans, commentators, stadiums, and more. The ‘Dil se India’ band which is a special programming line-up of shows begins at 8 a.m. with shows such as Philips Hue Cricket Live, Follow the Blues, Game Plan, Match Point and many more. The final match will also feature the bespoke experience of Select Dugout experts as they provide the viewers with a ball-by-ball analysis of this much awaited game.

    Taking fans beyond net sessions and giving them exclusive access into the lives of the players to cricketing experts analyzing the much-awaited match and tournament in detail with Akshay Kumar – the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 finals will be the biggest-ever on Star Sports Network.

    Catch all the cricketing action on ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 finals between New Zealand and England on July 14th from 1PM onwards exclusively on Star Sports Network and Hotstar.

    Link: https://sendgb.com/Scg0MPRoiv1

  • ICC World Cup 2019, India vs England: TV listing, live streaming, date, time

    ICC World Cup 2019, India vs England: TV listing, live streaming, date, time

    MUMBAI: India take on hosts England in Super Sunday of the 2019 ICC World Cup. The Men in Blue are flying in the tournament with five wins and a draw in their six matches. England started out as firm favourites but are now struggling to stay alive in the tournament. Given England’s current form, India are tipped favourites to win the content. However, the explosive nature of the hosts’ batting line up means they are fully capable of turning the tables on Virat Kohli’s men.

    Where will the 2019 ICC World Cup match between India vs England take place?

    The India vs England 2019 ICC World Cup match will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham

    What time will the ICC World Cup 2019 match between India vs England commence?

    The ICC World Cup 2019 match between India vs England starts at 3 pm IST on 30 June (Sunday).

    Which TV channels will broadcast the India vs England match?

    You can watch the India vs England contest live on the Star Sports network

    How can I live stream the India vs England match?

    You can live stream the India vs England match on Star India’s streaming service Hotstar.

  • SPN bags ECB’s media rights for 5 years

    SPN bags ECB’s media rights for 5 years

    MUMBAI: In another major breakthrough, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has acquired exclusive media rights from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the Indian subcontinent for a five-year term. Millions of cricket fans across India now can watch men’s and women’s international matches, including Test matches, T20 Internationals and ODIs, played in England, the native origin of the sport.

    The new deal allows SPN to both televise and digitally broadcast a bunch of international matches played in the territory of ECB within the Indian subcontinent. Five Test matches, three ODIs and three T20 Internationals of upcoming India cricket tour of England will also be broadcast live.

    “The acquisition of the media rights of ECB for a five-year term, effective now through 2022, provides for some exciting cricket viewership. Cricket is a passion for most Indians and this term of ECB games includes three tours of the Indian cricket team which promises some thrilling cricket, the first of these coming close on the heels of the hugely exciting South Africa series. SPN will now be home to almost all international away series giving our fans a one-stop destination to view their favourite stars in action,” SPN managing director and CEO NP Singh said.

    “Today’s announcement means millions of cricket fans across the Indian subcontinent can follow their favourite team in action the next time they tour England – as well as enjoying access to iconic cricketing contests like next year’s Ashes,” ECB CEO Tom Harrison added.

    “It will also help further raise the global profile of the English game–giving both the England men’s and women’s teams valuable exposure in a part of the world where people are passionate about cricket and avid followers of the global game as well as their own national team.”

    With this acquisition, SPN’s exclusive cricket portfolio includes most of the major international cricket boards, namely, Cricket Australia, ECB, Pakistan Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, Cricket South Africa, Cricket West Indies and Zimbabwe Cricket Board.

    Earlier SPN acquired the exclusive media rights for all men’s international matches played in Australia as well as well as women’s international cricket played in the country. It even acquired the media rights of the newly introduced T10 Cricket League last year.

    Also Read:

    SPN India acquires TV, OTT rights for T10 Cricket League

    Sony India acquires Cricket Australia’s subcontinental media rights for six years