La Salle faces Mike Phillips-sized void in UAAP title defense

KOLKATA: Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and his wife, Dona Ganguly, have reportedly received death threats, prompting police to launch an investigation into a series of threatening letters sent to the family. According to Indian media reports, a fresh threatening letter was opened on Monday at the office of the president of the Bengal Cricket Association. The letter was reportedly written entirely in English and contained threats against Ganguly and his family. The latest incident has raised concern because the family has allegedly been receiving similar letters for around six months. Initially, the messages were reportedly dismissed as letters from overzealous or unhappy fans. However, the increasingly aggressive language and repeated threats eventually prompted the family to approach police. A formal written complaint has been submitted to the local police station by Ganguly’s family. The state government’s security department has also reportedly been informed, with the family seeking appropriate security measures. The complaint stated that unknown individuals had previously sent letters containing offensive and objectionable remarks about the former India captain. At first, the messages were believed to be linked to personal resentment or someone unhappy with Ganguly. The situation took a more serious turn when two recent letters addressed to Sourav and Dona Ganguly reportedly contained threatening language targeting not only the couple but also people working with them. Police sources said their preliminary inquiry indicated that the threatening letters had been sent by courier to Ganguly’s residence. Authorities have assured Ganguly’s personal assistant that an investigation is underway and that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the former cricketer and his family. Ganguly, one of India’s most influential cricket figures, served as national captain before later becoming BCCI president. The latest threats have now placed his family under increased security attention as investigators work to identify those behind the letters.

Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 89 as West Indies reached 303-7 at lunch on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium. Hope faced 174 deliveries and struck six boundaries and one six during a composed innings that helped the hosts recover from early pressure. Pakistan made an important breakthrough soon after play resumed, removing well-set batter Kavem Hodge for 84. West Indies had started the day on 194-3 after rain severely disrupted the opening day. Hodge’s dismissal came after he edged a delivery from Mohammad Ali towards second slip, where Salman Ali Agha completed the catch. Pakistan’s bowlers had another chance shortly before the wicket when Hope was dropped in the slips by Azan Awais. The missed opportunity proved costly as Hope continued to strengthen West Indies’ position. At the other end, Shamar Joseph provided valuable support to Hope. He was unbeaten on 23 from just 12 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six to keep the scoreboard moving quickly. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad also tested the West Indies batters during the morning session, but Hope held firm to guide the hosts through to lunch. West Indies now have an opportunity to build a sizeable first-innings total, while Pakistan will look for quick wickets in the afternoon session to prevent the hosts from taking control of the Test.

The Celebrities Cricket League (CCL) is proud to announce the appointment of renowned content creator and digital entrepreneur Safeer Afridi as the official Brand Ambassador of the league in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The appointment marks a significant milestone as the league continues its preparations for its inaugural edition, reinforcing its commitment to promoting grassroots cricket, youth engagement, and community participation through the power of sport and digital influence. At 26 years of age, Safeer Afridi has established himself as one of Pakistan’s emerging digital creators, with more than eight years of experience in the online industry. Based in Islamabad, he has built a strong reputation by creating educational, informative, and engaging content covering technology, digital opportunities, entrepreneurship, and personal development. With a social media community of more than 100,000 followers across various platforms, Safeer has consistently focused on producing meaningful content that educates and inspires audiences. His expertise in content creation, audience engagement, and digital communication makes him a valuable addition to the Celebrities Cricket League as it seeks to connect with young people across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The league is being spearheaded by entrepreneur and digital creator Muhammad Anas, whose vision is to establish a platform that combines the excitement of cricket with youth empowerment and community development. Through this initiative, CCL aims to create opportunities for aspiring cricketers while bringing together celebrities, influencers, digital creators, and local talent on one stage. Subject to official approvals, the inaugural edition of the Celebrities Cricket League is expected to feature six competitive teams and is proposed to take place at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium around October or November. Beyond providing entertainment, the tournament has been designed to promote grassroots cricket, identify emerging talent, encourage healthy competition, and inspire young people to participate in sports. As Brand Ambassador, Safeer Afridi will play an important role in supporting the league’s awareness campaigns, engaging with audiences through digital platforms, and promoting the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and youth development. His strong connection with younger audiences and his experience in building online communities are expected to contribute significantly to the league’s outreach efforts. Commenting on the appointment, Muhammad Anas, Founder of the Celebrities Cricket League, said: “Safeer Afridi represents the energy, creativity, and positive influence that reflect the vision of the Celebrities Cricket League. His ability to inspire young audiences through meaningful digital content makes him an ideal Brand Ambassador for this initiative. We are delighted to welcome him to the CCL family and look forward to working together to promote grassroots cricket and create new opportunities for aspiring players across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” Expressing his enthusiasm, Safeer Afridi said: “It is an honour to join the Celebrities Cricket League as its Brand Ambassador. Cricket has always brought communities together, and I am excited to support an initiative that focuses on young talent, positive engagement, and the future of grassroots cricket. I look forward to contributing to the league’s vision and encouraging more young people to participate in the sport.” The Celebrities Cricket League believes that meaningful partnerships between sports, entrepreneurship, and digital creators can help inspire the next generation while creating a platform where emerging cricketers receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve. As preparations continue, CCL remains committed to delivering an event that celebrates cricket, encourages community participation, and strengthens grassroots sports development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

South Korea’s football association has apologised over a controversial old scandal involving claims that foreign referees were provided inappropriate entertainment during visits to the country more than a decade ago. The apology came after a media report revived allegations surrounding incidents that reportedly took place between 2011 and 2012, including during visits by referees involved in qualifying matches for major international tournaments. According to the report, foreign match officials were allegedly provided inappropriate entertainment on several occasions. It cited a 2016 investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which reportedly found that such entertainment had been arranged seven times between March 2011 and March 2012. The allegations included visits to massage establishments where the costs of sexual services were reportedly covered. The claims have renewed questions over the standards and practices surrounding officials during that period. The Korea Football Association expressed regret over the matter and apologised for the controversy. The governing body also stressed that such practices are no longer taking place and that corporate cards are not being used in a similar manner. The resurfacing of the allegations comes at a difficult time for the association, which is already facing scrutiny over the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. South Korean police reportedly raided the association’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hong’s appointment, which has attracted significant criticism. The latest developments have therefore placed the football body under renewed pressure to address concerns over governance and transparency. While the historical allegations date back more than a decade, the association’s apology has once again brought the episode into the spotlight, raising fresh questions about accountability within South Korean football.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning that removing the football chief would be a “terrible mistake” as opposition to Infantino grows within several major football confederations. Trump’s intervention came after UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) jointly criticised Infantino in an unusually strong open letter, accusing him of damaging trust and placing his authority above the wider football community. “If, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump said on Truth Social, “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake.” The US president described Infantino as “fantastic” and praised his leadership of the expanded 2026 World Cup, which was hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump also argued that the tournament had been the most successful World Cup ever and warned that FIFA could struggle to maintain the same level of success and profitability without Infantino. The public backing is significant because Infantino is facing growing resistance over a controversial proposal to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The plan was eventually withdrawn after fierce opposition from European football authorities. UEFA had threatened to boycott future World Cups if the investment proposal went ahead, describing the arrangement as an opaque and questionable deal. The pressure ultimately played a major role in Infantino abandoning the plan. The FIFA president received renewed support from senior officials during an emergency meeting in Morocco last week. However, UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC dismissed that backing, arguing that the meeting did not address the concerns raised by the confederations. The three bodies accused Infantino of failing to uphold the principles of accountability and collective leadership. They stressed that football’s governing structure should not revolve around one individual. The dispute could have major consequences ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. Infantino, who has led FIFA for a decade, is seeking a fourth and final term. Candidates must declare their intentions by November 18. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is regarded as a potential challenger, although Infantino continues to enjoy support from several influential football bodies. The Confederation of African Football has backed him, while South American governing body CONMEBOL remains broadly supportive. Several individual national associations have also expressed support. However, FIFA’s voting system means individual member associations—not confederations—will ultimately decide the election. Infantino’s position had appeared secure after the successful 48-team World Cup, but the private investment controversy has dramatically changed the political landscape. The latest confrontation has therefore turned the road to the 2027 FIFA election into an increasingly intense power struggle, with Trump now openly backing Infantino while several major football authorities demand greater accountability and collective decision-making.