With the arrival of the new year, 2022, omicron started creating humongous chaos all around the globe. In the last two years, the Covid-19 pandemic proved to be very impactful harshly to everyone. And this time, omicron, the newest version of the covid-19 virus is literally taking a toll and people are facing uncertainties all over again. Like all other work sectors, these viruses are hampering the sports world and the upcoming scheduled events.

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The year 2022 has a lot in store for sports fans throughout the year. Starting from cricket to football to the Olympics to Commonwealth Games, 2022 has a plate full of tournaments for the audiences. But definitely, there is a lot of uncertainties due to to the rapid increase of Covid-19 and omicron positive cases everywhere.

• Ranji Trophy has been postponed for an indefinite time.
• The Badminton All India Sub Junior & Junior Ranking tournament also postponed due to the current scenario. The starting date of tournament was 11 January at Panchkula.
• The silver medalist of Tokyo Olympics Ravi Dahiya was supposing to train in Russia in a pre-season training camp for the upcoming Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Unfortunately, the camp in Russia postponed due to the extreme rise in cases.
• Next is the Asian Youth Athletics Championships. This tournament also postponed from March to after 22 October.
• Also, the National Chess Championship postponed indefinitely considering the rapidly rising cases.

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Joshna Chinappa and Ahanat Singh created history by winning the Women's doubles title at the Asian Squash Championship 2025 at Arena Emas in Johor, Malaysia. They became the first Indian pair to win the Women's doubles in the Asian Squash Championship.

The Indian pair defeated the Malyasian pair of Ainaa Amani and Xin Ying Yee in a tightly contested final by 2-1. 

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The first game of the match was won by the Malyasian pair by 11-8. 

However, the determined Indian pair made a comeback in the second game by winning it 11-9. The final game went down to the wire, but the Indian pair held their nerve to defeat the home side. 

They clinched the title by winning the final game by 11-10. 

The 17-year-old Ahanat Singh will also play the mixed doubles final alongside Abhay Singh, which will be played from 4 pm IST on Thursday against the Malaysian duo, Ameeshenraj Chandaran and Rachel Arnold.

In a major step toward strengthening the integrity of grassroots and youth football in India, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) has announced the rollout of a comprehensive set of age verification reforms for the upcoming season.

The new regulatory framework is designed to curb age and identity fraud — a growing concern that has undermined the credibility of youth competitions nationwide.

Founded in 2019, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) is India’s largest AIFF-approved grassroots and youth football league. With operations in multiple cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi, and a partnership with European football development leader Double Pass, DPDL delivers structured, competitive, and long-term development environments for players aged 5 to 18.

The new measures, effective immediately across all DPDL cities, aim to ensure fair participation, safeguard honest academies, and promote age-appropriate player development.

The league, which has operated since 2019 in partnership with Belgium-based Double Pass and is recognised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is among the most structured youth football ecosystems in the country.

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Key regulatory updates

• Introduction of the DPDL Digital ID Card
  Each player will now receive a unique DPDL ID card embedded with a photograph, date of birth, verified documents, and a QR code for on-ground verification. This will be scanned at match venues to prevent impersonation and misrepresentation.

• Two-Season Limit Per Age Category
  In a move to ensure players compete at appropriate age levels, individuals will now be allowed to participate in a single age category for a maximum of two seasons. This rule will also take into account participation in past seasons dating back to 2019.

• Independent Age Verification Committee
  An expert panel will be established to evaluate disputed or extreme cases of suspected age discrepancy. The committee will include senior DPDL officials, football association representatives, pediatric specialists, and documentation experts. Where necessary, advanced assessments such as TW3 bone age tests may be recommended.

• Two-Year Ban for Proven Violations
  Teams found guilty of age or identity fraud will face suspension from all DPDL competitions for two consecutive seasons. The league has also stated that coaches or staff complicit in such cases may be subject to further disciplinary measures.

• Standardised Physical Benchmarks for Younger Age Groups
  For the U7, U9, and U11 categories, DPDL will implement height and weight benchmarks defined by pediatric consultants. This step addresses concerns regarding physical dominance in early age groups that may not align with documented age.

“Youth football must be built on the pillars of fairness and integrity,” said Sarthak Dubey, Founder and CEO of DPDL. “These reforms are not just administrative updates — they are essential safeguards to ensure that honest players and ethical academies are protected. We are committed to building a credible and transparent footballing pathway for India.”

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The announcement builds on DPDL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its integrity framework, following isolated incidents in past seasons where discrepancies in player documentation and eligibility were identified.

In each confirmed case, the league took prompt and appropriate disciplinary action — including point deductions, disqualification from knockout stages, and temporary suspensions of involved personnel — reinforcing its commitment to fair play and accountability.

With the new framework in place, DPDL hopes to set a national benchmark for how youth football leagues across the country address age fraud.

Note: This article has been created from an official press release

When the stakes are high, passions run even higher — and for sports fans, few moments rival the intensity and excitement of a major game. Whether it's a Grand Final, a State of Origin decider, or a headline horse race, big events have a remarkable way of sparking widespread discussion.

But what exactly is it about high-profile matches that gets fans talking, debating, and even arguing long after the final whistle?

The Emotional Pull of High-Stakes Matches

Sport is more than just competition — it’s a deeply emotional experience. Supporters invest their time, energy, and identity into their teams, players, and the outcomes of each match.

Big games carry not just the weight of the scoreboard but the hopes of entire fan bases. This emotional investment is often amplified during finals, derbies, or rival clashes, where there’s more than just points on the line — pride, history, and community allegiance are at play.

When emotions run high, people seek connection. Discussing the highs and lows of a dramatic game allows fans to process those feelings, find solidarity with others, or even vent frustration. This is particularly true in NRL and AFL communities, where team loyalty is often generational and tribal in nature.

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Shared Experiences Amplify Dialogue

A key factor driving conversation is the shared nature of big games. These events are often viewed live by millions, either in person or through broadcasts. Whether it’s a sold-out MCG or a bustling pub in Sydney’s Inner West, big games foster collective experiences that naturally lead to discussion.

These shared moments form social rituals — people debrief at the office the next day, dissect tactics on forums, or analyse controversial decisions on talkback radio. Social media has further accelerated this, enabling instant reaction, memes, and debate in real time. Fans from all over the country can now weigh in, share hot takes, or relive standout moments within seconds.

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Controversy and Drama Fuel Discussion

Nothing gets people talking quite like controversy. And in big games, the margin for error is small, which puts every umpire decision, coaching move or strategic call under the microscope. A missed call in the final minute, a sudden injury to a star player, or an unexpected tactical shift can dominate headlines and group chats alike.

The uncertainty of sport — and the unpredictability of how events unfold — adds another layer of intrigue. Conversations often revolve around “what if” scenarios, predictive discussions ahead of the match, and post-game dissection that borders on forensic analysis. This constant stream of opinion and counter-opinion fuels a feedback loop of engagement.

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Betting and Predictions Heighten Engagement

Online betting and fantasy sports have added a new dimension to how fans engage with big games. When there’s something riding on the result — a bet, a tip, or a multi — every play feels more personal.

In fact, research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that over 574,000 adults placed sports bets each month, with younger men aged 18–34 making up the largest group. This shows just how embedded betting has become in the sporting experience.

Fans aren't just interested in who wins — they care about how it happens. Will a forward kick the first goal? Will the margin be under 12 points? These layers of speculation fuel richer conversations. Platforms like https://www.betr.com.au/ give fans a structured way to get involved and talk sport with real stakes.

Sport as a Social Identity

In Australia, sport is an essential part of the national identity. Supporting a team, backing a horse, or following a greyhound circuit is more than a hobby — it’s a way of connecting with others, expressing loyalty, and being part of a broader culture.

Big games act as communal milestones — they mark time, gather people, and spark memories that last for years. These events become part of a personal and collective narrative, which is why they resonate so deeply. Talking about them, therefore, is not just about analysing a result; it’s about reaffirming identity, belonging, and community.

Takeaway

Big games matter — not just for what happens on the field or track, but for the ripple effects they create in the lives of fans. From living rooms to group chats, from pubs to podcasts, these moments ignite a shared energy that few other experiences can match. Whether you're a rusted-on supporter dissecting a coaching blunder or a punter chasing a thrilling upset, the conversation is where the passion lives on. And in sport, conversation is half the fun.

When discussing leadership roles in Indian cricket history, the conversation inevitably turns to MS Dhoni and his impact as a captain. His tenure as India's captain (2007-2017) saw the golden days of not only reaching the finals but also tasting victory.

The "Captain Cool" led India to an impressive 4 ICC Finals and secured a win in 3 of them. He is the only Indian captain to win all 3: the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy in his career.

Here we bring you MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals:

2007 T20 World Cup: Kicking off with a win

The 2007 T20 World Cup marked a significant moment in Indian cricket, not just for their inaugural win, but for the beginning of MS Dhoni's captaincy era. Having stepped into the leadership role for the very first time in the tournament, he led a relatively inexperienced squad and brought victory home.

Throughout the season, he guided the team with a calm approach and showed tactical brilliance with his choices in high-pressure situations. In the final against Pakistan, his main impact was behind the stumps, making great choices.

In a tense last over, with PAK needing 13 runs and Misbah-ul-Haq at the crease, he made a bold move by handing the ball to Joginder Sharma, who lacked experience. This tactical gamble paid off brilliantly when Misbah attempted a scoop shot and was caught by Sreesanth, securing India a 5-run victory.

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2011 ODI World Cup: A nation's dream

The 2011 ODI World Cup Final against Sri Lanka on home soil is something the fans will remember for a long time. After a challenging target of 275 runs set by SL, India's chase collapsed early as they lost key wickets of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.

Dhoni chose to promote himself to bat at no. 5 and formed a crucial partnership with Gautam Gambhir. He scored an unbeaten 91 runs and sealed the victory with a majestic six, bringing home India's second WC title after 28 years.

He was also named player of the match for his batting and wicket-keeping contribution. After this victory, he became the second Indian captain, after Kapil Dev in 1983, to lead India to a World Cup triumph.

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2013 Champions Trophy: Completing the set

The 2013 Champions Trophy saw Dhoni complete the set with a 5-run victory over England in the Final. India successfully defended a low total of 130 runs in the second half, showcasing great bowling efforts from the unit.

Talking about Dhoni's performance, he could not do much with the bat like many other players, and went out for a duck. However, his agility behind the stumps and ball rotation choices did the trick well for them.

With this victory, India achieved their second Champions Trophy title.

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2014 T20 World Cup: Runners-up finish

In the 2014 T20 World Cup, India showed a dominant form and reached the finals with an unbeaten record. Despite Virat Kohli's great efforts (77 runs off 58 balls), India struggled with the bat overall, posting a total of 130/4. Dhoni scored 4 runs off 7 balls and failed to accelerate the runs. 

Sri Lanka comfortably chased he target to clinch their first T20 World Cup title. Although India lost, it was MS Dhoni's second T20 World Cup Final as a captain, which highlights his consistent presence and contribution in major ICC clashes.

Getting an Indian team call up for any cricketer in India is a lot more difficult than debuting for another country. Because the game of bat and ball is so very popular in the sub-continent, almost everyone who instantaneously loves the sport wants to play for the Indian national team.

However, even at the professional level where there are 38 state associations in the BCCI to pick players and choose from, the overall pool of cricketers certainly get not less than any kind of a ginormous realm.

Perhaps even if someone then ascends and climbs up the entire ladder by reaching the national team’s shores, the individual needs to be sharply quick on his feet to fairly come good at its earliest. Otherwise, just like many many other exceptional talents, the player might come in and slip away in a whip.

In this article we will take a look at those forgotten Indian cricketers who just faded away from Indian cricket.

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10. Parvez Rasool

Parvez Rasool, the talented all-rounder from Jammu and Kashmir, made a name for himself during the 2012-13 Ranji season. His exceptional performances earned him recognition and paved the way for IPL contracts and call-ups in 2013. However, his journey in the national team has been a challenging one.

Despite being a skilled off-spinner, Rasool has struggled to break through the defenses of top batsmen. This weakness has also affected his batting abilities, making it difficult for him to contribute significantly to the team's scorecard. As a result, Rasool's last appearance in the Indian cricket team was in 2017.

9. Parvinder Awana

In 2012, the Kings XI Punjab made a wise decision by purchasing Delhi's right-arm bowler, Parvinder Awana, after his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy season. His ability to bowl accurately and move the ball off the ground earned him a national call-up for the T20 series against England that same year.

Unfortunately, Awana's debut was not as successful as he had hoped. He allowed 71 runs at a high economy of 11.83 in the two games he participated in, resulting in his immediate removal from the team. His struggles continued in the IPL, and since 2015, he has failed to attract any bidders in the auction.

Parvinder Awana announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2018.

8. Faiz Fazal

Being well-known as a solid top-order batsman for Vidarbha first-class cricket over the years, Faiz Fazal finally played an India ODI game in the year 2016 against Zimbabwe at Harare. The cricketer, while making his ODI debut, also had become the first Indian player in 16 years who was debuting in his 30s.

However, his India call-up also had come on the back of an excellent domestic season where the left-handed batsman had scored a pile of 714 first class runs at an average of 44.62. Especially his three centuries that also included a match-winning 127 against the Rest of India while chasing 480 had brought him on the selectors’ radar.

Overall, while being the opener did mean that Fazal was in a long queue whose chiefs were the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. Also, unfortunately, Fazal’s name has never been synonymous when it comes to the IPL.

7. Munaf Patel

Munaf Patel played a crucial role in India's victorious 2011 World Cup campaign. The medium-pacer's consistent ability to take wickets and disrupt the opposition's momentum was instrumental in securing the coveted trophy.

However, Patel's fortunes have taken a turn for the worse in recent years. Despite his best efforts to impress selectors and secure an IPL franchise, he has struggled to regain his former glory. In November 2018, he announced his retirement from cricket.

6. Venugopal Rao

Venugopal Rao is a name that may not ring a bell for many cricket enthusiasts, but he is one of the forgotten Indian cricketers who made his international debut in 2005 when skipper Sourav Ganguly was dropped from the team. Rao had an impressive domestic track record while playing for Andhra Pradesh, which earned him his maiden call for the Indian team in 2005-06 when new players were being tested on the international stage.

Rao was a lower middle-order batter and a right-arm off-break bowler. He made some good scores between 2005-06 while playing for the Indian team, but unfortunately, they were not enough to sustain his position in the team. Despite playing a few matches in the IPL, he was never retained by any franchise.

After a career spanning 14 years, Rao decided to hang up his boots in 2019. However, he is nowhere to be seen these days, neither in commentary nor as a coach with any team.

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5. Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar was a famous name of the Indian cricket team, known for his exceptional skills as a medium pacer. However, his state teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar proved to be a tough competition, overshadowing Praveen's ability to generate strong bounce and swing the ball in both directions.

Despite his vast experience, the selectors had to make the tough decision of removing the veteran player due to his recurring injury issues.

Praveen Kumar announced retirement from all forms of cricket in 2018.

4. Mayank Markande

While Mayank Markande, by just being 23 years of age can definitely play a lot more for team India in the future, the leg-spinner as of now has only featured in a single T20I against Australia in 2019. The leg-spinner just before making his India debut was in an exceptional bowling form especially when Markande had played for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2018.

During his stay at the MI camp, the leg-spinner had played all 14 IPL games as a premier spinner and had scalped a collection of 15 wickets during the 2018 IPL season. Following his impressive IPL performances, Mayank then did a convincing job for the Punjab team in the 2018-19 season, as from his 6 games, the leggie grabbed a total of 29 wickets.

But then very soon after playing his debut T20I game for India, Markande had an unpleasant outing where he leaked 31 runs without managing to grab a single wicket. Overall, while a single T20I might not be entirely enough to judge his talent, the cricketer ever since then hasn’t exhibited much of his previous match-winning performances.

3. Dinesh Mongia

Dinesh Mongia was part of two World Cups, but he failed to make a mark in both. Having started his international career in 2001, Mongia did score one or two big knocks, like his 159 against Zimbabwe, which also won him the Man of the Match award.

But as a batting allrounder, that was the first and the last century of Mongia. Mongia was also in the playing XI under Sourav Ganguly against Pakistan series in 2005, but again, there were no memorable performances.

After a string of poor performances in 2005, he was dropped from the team. He was suspended by the BCCI in 2008 for appearing in unsanctioned Indian Cricket League (ICL). Though the ban against him was lifted, he was never seen in the Indian team again.

At 42, Mongia announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

2. Joginder Sharma

Remembered for his last over heroics against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup, Joginder Sharma had the arguably the shortest fame in international cricket. Hardly anyone knew him before that last over from the 2007 World Cup which India won. 

Having made his debut in 2004, the right-arm medium-fast bowler also played few IPL games with the Chennai Super Kings till 2011.

Sharma has played only 4 ODIs and 4 T20Is for India. He had a serious car accident in 2011, and since then he has not played any IPL or international match. He announced his retirement from cricket on February 3, 2023.

He is currently a Deputy Superintendent in Haryana Police.

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1. Murali Karthik

Though the left-arm orthodox bowler didn't have a poor international run, he couldn't get a full-time role as a bowler in the team due to presence of players like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh.

Karthik made few apperances for the Indian team from 2000 to 2007, but was never a permanent member. In a career spanning 7 years, Karthik appeared in 37 ODIs in which he took 37 wickets, while he took 24 wickets in 8 Test matches

He also played IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab. In all, he played 56 matches in six years and ended his IPL career with 31 wickets. His economy of 7.24, was also a big reason why teams couldn't continue with him.

Karthik announced his retirement from the game in 2021.