Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
House of Cavani styled the India Champions team during the World Championship of Legends 2025
Cricketers including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina wore Cavani’s formalwear
Outfits included the Bond Navy blue blazer, Dakota beige chinos, and Ashley bi-stretch shirts
The team wore the brand to a pre-match press conference and dinner event
House of Cavani has 17 UK stores and is known for Italian-inspired menswear
29 July 2025, Birmingham – Leading menswear brand House of Cavani has partnered with the India Champions team for the World Championship of Legends 2025, styling the cricket legends for key events during the tournament.
Ahead of their opening match in the second season of WCL, the India Champions attended a press conference and team dinner dressed in Cavani’s signature pieces. The lineup included former international cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and brothers Irfan and Yusuf Pathan.
Outfitted by Cavani: Style meets sport
The players were seen in House of Cavani’s Bond Navy blue blazer, a piece suited to both formal occasions and professional appearances. This was paired with Dakota beige chinos, a versatile wardrobe staple, and the Ashley bi-stretch shirt, made with soft mercerised cotton for a slim, modern fit.
Brand and team speak on collaboration
Sukhi Mondair, CEO of House of Cavani, said:
“Styling the India Champions team has been a privilege, providing the perfect blend of performance excellence with sartorial craftsmanship. Their charisma deserves formalwear that matches the impact they’ve had on cricket.”
Jaspal Bahra, Co-Owner of the India Champions, added:
“It is flattering that the India Champions team is seen as a natural fit with such an iconic brand like House of Cavani, which is the epitome of timeless sophistication.”
About House of Cavani
House of Cavani is a UK-based menswear label known for its Italian-inspired tailoring, offering both formal and casualwear. With 17 stores across the UK, the brand continues to blend craftsmanship with contemporary style for the modern gentleman.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, is set to play an international friendly in India.
The match is likely to take place in Kochi, Kerala, between 12 and 18 November.
Australia is expected to be Argentina’s opponent.
Fans in India can look forward to seeing Messi and the 2022 World Cup winners in action.
Argentina to play an international friendly in India
The Argentina national football team, led by superstar Lionel Messi, is expected to play an international friendly match in India later this year. The match is likely to be held in Kochi, Kerala, on any day between 12 and 18 November, although no exact date has been confirmed.
Opponent and context
Australia is expected to be Argentina’s opponent in this high-profile friendly. The visit is part of Argentina’s international tour, giving Indian football fans a rare opportunity to watch the 2022 World Cup winners in action on home soil.
Earlier uncertainty cleared
Earlier reports in August suggested that Argentina and Messi might skip the Kerala leg of the tour. However, state Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman later confirmed that the team will indeed visit Kerala in November.
Significance for Indian football fans
The friendly is set to attract widespread attention, particularly because of Messi’s presence. Organisers in Kochi are expected to make special arrangements to accommodate the high-profile event, which promises to be a major highlight for football enthusiasts across India.
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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the new contract with Apollo Tyres runs until March 2028. (Photo: BCCI)
INDIAN cricket has signed Apollo Tyres as its new lead sponsor after fantasy sports platform Dream11 ended its contract following a government ban on online gambling.
The men's team travelled to the United Arab Emirates for the ongoing Asia Cup without a sponsor on their shirts after Dream11 exited the deal, which was worth about $44 million and was set to run until 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the new contract with Apollo Tyres runs until March 2028. While the value was not disclosed, the board said it is higher than the previous deal.
"The new partnership, secured after a rigorous bidding process, represents a substantial increase in sponsorship value, signifying the immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said, "We are excited about this being Apollo's first major sponsorship in India cricket, which speaks volumes about the sport's unparalleled reach and influence. This is more than a commercial agreement; it's a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions."
Apollo Tyres Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar said, "Cricket's unmatched popularity in India and worldwide makes it an honour for us to become the national team lead sponsor of Team India."
The Apollo Tyres logo will appear on the jerseys of the Indian men's and women's teams across all formats.
Last month, the Indian parliament passed a law banning online gambling. The government said gambling platforms had caused financial distress, addiction and even suicide, and were linked to fraud, money laundering and terrorism financing. Fantasy sports apps such as Dream11 continue to operate, though for prizes and not cash.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Tagenarine Chanderpaul. (Photo by PAT HOELSCHER/AFP via Getty Images)
BATSMEN Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze were recalled to the West Indies ranks when they were named in the squad to tour India on Tuesday (16) while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre is included for the first time.
The two-Test series, with matches in Ahmedabad and Delhi, marks the West Indies' first tour to India since 2018 and forms part of the World Test Championship.
Neither Chanderpaul nor Athanaze were involved in the recent series against Australia but have been included to bolster the top-order batting.
"The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling," said head coach Daren Sammy.
Pierre, meanwhile, has been included as the second specialist spinner in the squad after strong performances in the West Indies championship, where he claimed a chart-topping 41 wickets at an average of 13.56.
"Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions," said Sammy.
Another left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, who has not figured since the second Test against Pakistan in Multan in January, has been rested for this red-ball series to focus on the upcoming limited-overs schedule which includes the T20 World Cup in February and March.
West Indies, who are ranked eighth in the Test rankings, face a stiff test against the fourth-ranked side who are always so strong on home soil.
"Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions." said Sammy.
1st Test: October 2-6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
2nd Test: October 10-14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
(AFP)
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The PCB had complained to the ICC, alleging that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss in Sunday’s Asia Cup match.
THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Pakistan’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup. The decision came after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) blamed the Zimbabwean official for the “no handshake” incident during their game against India and reportedly threatened to pull out of the tournament.
The PCB had complained to the ICC, alleging that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss in Sunday’s Asia Cup match.
"Late last night, ICC had sent a reply to PCB stating that Pycroft won’t be removed and their plea has been rejected," an ICC source told PTI.
Pycroft, 69, is set to officiate Pakistan’s final group stage game against the UAE on Wednesday.
Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema also lodged a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), claiming Pycroft had insisted that team sheets not be exchanged between the two captains on Sunday, as is normally done.
After India’s seven-wicket win, Suryakumar and his team did not shake hands with the Pakistan players. The Indian players said it was a mark of respect for the Pahalgam terror attack victims and their families.
Pycroft is among the senior-most referees in the ICC Elite Panel, having officiated in 695 international matches across formats in men’s and women’s cricket.
It has emerged that the situation arose after PCB’s Director of Cricket Operations, Usman Walha, did not inform his captain about the tournament rules and regulations.
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the ACC, was reportedly angry at the handling of the issue and ordered Walha’s removal on Monday.
According to PTI sources, Walha was responsible for briefing Salman about the “No Handshake” policy but failed to do so, leaving the captain unaware.
"Walha should have released a statement at the toss itself when the two captains didn’t shake hands. Naqvi apparently was furious as he handled it poorly," a PCB source told PTI.
The PCB had wanted Pycroft removed from the whole tournament, but the ICC, headed by India’s Jay Shah, rejected the request.
Reports suggest the PCB is exploring options for Pycroft not to officiate in their games. One proposal is to replace him with Richie Richardson for the UAE match, though it remains uncertain if that will be accepted.
The 11th UK National Gatka Championship was hosted near Cardiff, marking the first time in Wales.
Winners included Roop Kaur (girls), Navjot Singh (boys), and Gurdeep Singh (men’s).
Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Akhara to support martial arts promotion.
Chief guests included MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation.
Gatka Championship marks Welsh debut
The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art with flair. Seven leading Gatka Akharas participated, thrilling spectators with their lightning-fast strikes, precision moves and elegant techniques.
Inauguration by global leaders
The tournament was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). He was joined by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, President of Gatka Federation UK, alongside other dignitaries including Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of Wales Kabaddi Club, and community leaders from the Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.
The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, WalesUK Parliament
Competition results
All events were held in the Farrie-Soti (individual) format:
Girls’ Category: Roop Kaur (Akali Phoola Singh Gatka Akhara Coventry) won first place, defeating teammate Manroop Kaur. Rihanna Kaur (Baba Banda Singh Gatka Akhara Gravesend) took third.
Boys’ Category: Navjot Singh (Baba Fateh Singh Gatka Akhara Woolwich) secured first place against teammate Jashan Singh. Dharam Singh and Tejveer Singh (both from Akali Phoola Singh Gatka Akhara Coventry) shared third.
Men’s Category: Gurdeep Singh (Jangi Horses Club Wolverhampton) claimed the title, defeating Kuldeep Singh (Baba Banda Singh Gatka Akhara Gravesend). Third place was shared by Anmoldeep Singh and Nihal Singh (both Baba Mitt Singh Gatka Akhara Wolverhampton).
Awards and recognition
All winners received medals and trophies. In a significant gesture, Gatka Federation UK presented £1,000 to each participating Akhara to strengthen training facilities and promote wider engagement in the sport.
Leaders praise UK’s Gatka growth
Harjeet Singh Grewal commended MP Tan Dhesi for his sustained efforts in promoting Gatka since 2013, pledging WGF and NGAI’s continued support in advancing the martial art across Britain.
In his address, MP Dhesi — also Chairman of the House of Commons Defence Committee — highlighted the growing enthusiasm among young people in the UK and thanked the Gurdwara committees of Swansea and Cardiff for their support in making the event a success.
Dignitaries in attendance
The championship was attended by prominent figures including Herman Singh Johal (General Secretary, Gatka Federation UK), representatives from Swansea and Cardiff Gurdwara committees, media partners from Akaal Channel, Sikh Channel, Jan Shakti News, and several community leaders.