FORMER England all-rounder Ravi Bopara is confident The Hundred will act as a launching pad to boost the game in the country.
After getting delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the innovative new 100-ball franchise-based tournament involving eight men's and women's teams will kick-off on July 21.
The tournament promises to replicate the cricket fever witnessed in the country when England won the World Cup in 2019. Many of the England heroes from that glorious summer will be on show in The Hundred, such as Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Moeen Ali and Jofra Archer. They will also be joined by foreign stars such as New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, Australian big-hitter Glen Maxwell, South African paceman Kagiso Rabada, Afghan spin wizard Rashid Khan and many more.
Moeen Ali of Birmingham Phoenix (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images for ECB)
With new rules, shorter duration of play – Bopara, who will play for London Spirit, expects The Hundred to do well and in the long run benefit English cricket and its players.
“It's new and exciting,” Bopara told Eastern Eye.
“Fans will like The Hundred, a shorter version of the game, where people have got the time to watch a game of cricket where you can get a result within 90 minutes or two hours. You got the best players in the country playing it, you get the result on the same day. Not a lot of people have the time to watch cricket all day. Hopefully it develops some new cricketers and also put some of the current cricketers into the limelight.”
The ECB last month reported a loss of £16.1 million for the past year after its finances took a hit from the pandemic. Turnover fell by £21 million to £207 million as a result of the postponement of The Hundred last year as well as the cost of staging bio-secure tournaments without fans.
English cricket has invested heavily in The Hundred and the feeling is that unless the tournament succeeds then it could have major repercussions within the game in the country, and with so many tournaments around the world, including the juggernaut that is the Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred faces stiff competition to attract cricket fans.
Bopara has played around the world in different leagues, be it T20 or the T10 formats. He believes The Hundred will be popular on its own and need not have to compete with the other shorter versions of the game.
"I don't think the formats need to compete as such they can run alongside each other. The Hundred as a format with different rules and is not the same as T20 or T10 cricket. I think it's something the new audience will catch on to it, understand it and like it," he said.
Heather Knight of London Spirit will be one of the starson show during The Hundred (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for ECB)
Born in Forest Gate, East London, Bopara is one of the few British Asians to make a name for himself as an England player. He played 13 Tests, 120 ODIs and 38 T20Is for his country. He talked about his "interesting journey" to the top which started with playing the game with friends on the street as the schools he attended didn't play cricket.
"I had an interesting journey. I started playing cricket in the streets with friends and from there the schools I went to didn't play cricket. So we had to make our own cricket teams, had to force some of our sports teachers to create a cricket team and they were happy to facilitate as long as 11 players turned up wherever we went to play. We won the cups that we were entered in, and my journey came through like that and then playing club cricket which was through a charity youth centre from where I learned my cricket. I was lucky to have good people there and they helped me develop as a cricketer and as a person. I am just glad to be in the right place at the right time and scoring runs," Bopara recalls.
An estimated 30 per cent of recreational cricket players in the UK are from a British Asian background. This figure drops to just 5 per cent when it comes to the professional game.
Adil Rashid of Northern Super Chargers was a key figure in England's World Cup win (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for ECB)
The ECB launched the South Asian Action Plan in 2018 to address the issues preventing more cricketers turning professional.
Bopara says he sees things changing now with better facilities, better pathways and also stressed on the importance of family support for a young cricketer to come through at a pro level.
"I think there have been a lot of cricket scouts in the past who identified cricketers from private schools where I think a lot of the Asian community went...'there is no way to go really with no clubs in the city hardly'.
"But I think things are changing now with a lot of facilities available for a city kid to come through and do well. Also, a lot of it depends on family support that is important and you do need family support to come through and if your family has a big say on what your future is and what you must become then obviously that would impact you if not cricket," Bopara said.
The Hundred as a format has been designed to attract more younger and diverse crowds to watch the game. Bopara says cricket has always been a big part of British Asian communities. The site of grounds being packed to the rafters whenever the likes of India and Pakistan come to these shores and example of this.
Fans packed out the Oval during the World Cup match between India and New Zealand (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
"Cricket has always been massive in the Asian community. I don't think The Hundred is going to make any more impact to Asian community than cricket already has on them. The IPL, T20 cricket has already done that so I don't think there is going to be a major shift in interest all of a sudden in the Asian community because of The Hundred," he said.
Bopara is of Indian heritage and will have a keen eye on the upcoming England vs India series. The Sussex star picks England as the favourites but expects India to put up a good fight.
"The Indian team is always improving and they got very good seamers who could exploit English conditions. I would say England will be favourites in these conditions specially but I have no doubt India can give them a good fight.
"India stand a good chance and it depends on the conditions at that time in each Test match. If the conditions get drier and the ball takes some turn then obviously, we can see India coming on top but if the wicket remains the same with a bit of movement and swing then probably you would see England dominate."
THE India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) brings "stability and predictability" for businesses in both countries, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday (18).
During a session at the India Global Forum (IGF) UK-India Week titled 'Agreement to Action in the UK-India FTA', the minister shared his optimism around the "good marriage" agreed between both countries, which will lead to doubling bilateral trade in five years.
"A free trade agreement brings stability and predictability to the relationship between two countries," said Goyal.
"That gives confidence to business to start investing in each other's economy and I think this will also pave the way for greater investments in the two economies, add to our trade in goods and services... India and UK can partner in innovation to work together to bring more resilient supply chains, working with each other, complementing each other and adding value and profits to both countries."
Earlier in the day, the minister arrived in London on a two-day visit to discuss with his UK counterpart Jonathan Reynolds the next steps towards implementation of the FTA, and explore ways to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
In their first joint public interaction since the FTA negotiations concluded last month, Reynolds said he was "genuinely excited" about the prospects opened up with the FTA.
Reynolds had told the House of Commons last week that the trade deal is estimated to increase bilateral trade in the long run by £20 billion ($25.5bn) every year – from the current annual estimate of £32.3bn ($41bn) – as tariffs are slashed across key sectors on both sides.
"This trade agreement is a huge economic win for the UK — the biggest trade deal since Brexit and the best deal that India has ever offered," Reynolds told Parliament.
On the Indian side, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted significant positive gains for employment in the country, offering a substantial improvement in competitiveness of Indian goods in the UK vis-à-vis other countries as well as easing mobility for professionals.
The FTA, announced on May 6 with a target to double trade between the two economies to £94.5bn ($120bn) by 2030, is now undergoing a process of legal text formalisation before it can come into force.
"Both leaders will review the progress made in the ongoing FTA negotiations and chart out a clear, time-bound roadmap for its finalisation and implementation," the commerce ministry said in a statement.
During his two-day UK visit, Goyal is also set to hold talks with chancellor Rachel Reeves to discuss macroeconomic priorities, financial cooperation, and investment facilitation between the two countries.
Besides, the minister is scheduled to meet secretary of state for culture, media and sport Lisa Nandy to explore avenues of collaboration in creative industries and innovation-driven sectors.
"These engagements will bring together global business leaders, investors, and policy experts to deliberate on the strategic contours of the India-UK economic corridor and the transformative impact of the proposed FTA," the statement said.
Also, Goyal is expected to interact with leading CEOs and industry stakeholders from key sectors, including shipping, fintech, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, with a view to deepening commercial linkages and promoting cross-border investments.
He is also set to address a session on 'UK-India Science, Technology and Innovation Collaboration' at IGF London on Thursday (19).
The bilateral trade between India and the UK increased to £16.8bn in 2023-24 from £16.1bn in 2022-23.
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Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled to launch on 17 July 2025,
Nintendo has revealed fresh gameplay details for Donkey Kong Bananza, the upcoming 3D platformer set to release exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on 17 July 2025. A key highlight is the inclusion of Super Mario Odyssey's Pauline as Donkey Kong's new sidekick.
Pauline, appearing in a younger form, was previously leaked and then quickly removed from Nintendo platforms. Her confirmed appearance in the game marks a significant crossover within the Nintendo universe, though her exact link to the Kong storyline remains unclear.
New abilities and co-op gameplay
In Donkey Kong Bananza, Pauline supports DK using her musical talents. Her singing enables Donkey Kong to transform into various creatures, including a charging zebra and a flying ostrich capable of dropping egg bombs. Pauline is also a playable character in local co-op mode, with her vocals becoming aimable explosive blasts through Joy-Con controls.
— (@)
Co-op functionality is further enhanced by GameShare, allowing players to join in on multiple Switch consoles without each player needing a separate copy of the game.
Environmental interaction and creative features
Among the new gameplay elements is the ability for Donkey Kong to skate across chunks of the environment he pulls from the ground. These pieces can be combined to form new structures such as bridges, adding a level of creative problem-solving to the gameplay.
A separate feature, called DK Artist, allows players to shape stone into decorative statues using the game’s destruction-based mechanics, adding a creative dimension to the platformer.
Classic characters and mini-games
Several familiar faces from the franchise make a return. Cranky Kong and Rambi the Rhino have been spotted in gameplay footage, while Nintendo has confirmed appearances by Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong in a racing mini-game. Their broader roles in the main game are yet to be detailed.
— (@)
The game also features a refreshed version of the iconic DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64. It is not yet confirmed whether original composer Grant Kirkhope, who was previously omitted from The Super Mario Bros. Movie credits, will be credited for the new version.
Development and amiibo details
While speculation has suggested the involvement of the Super Mario Odyssey team in developing Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo has not confirmed which internal studio is responsible for the title. Pauline's inclusion has further fuelled those rumours.
Nintendo has also announced a new amiibo figure featuring Donkey Kong and Pauline, launching alongside the game. This figure unlocks an exclusive costume for Pauline early in the game. Additionally, existing amiibo figures will work with Bananza, spawning helpful materials during gameplay.
IGN, in a hands-on preview, called the game "one of the most gorgeous Nintendo games" seen to date, praising its vibrant environments and expressive character animations. The preview noted how Bananza takes full advantage of the improved capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled to launch on 17 July 2025, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have recently announced their retirements from Test cricket. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA will miss Virat Kohli more than Rohit Sharma in the upcoming Test series against England, according to former England captain Geoffrey Boycott. Kohli and Rohit’s recent retirement from the format will affect India’s chances in the five-match series starting Friday, he said.
The two teams begin their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with this series, which will be played over six weeks.
“The retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma hurts the chances of India beating England. Kohli is the biggest loss as he has been their best batsman and talisman in all three formats,” Boycott wrote in his column for the Daily Telegraph.
“With so much international cricket played by India, and so little rest, it takes its toll and the mind becomes fatigued.”
'Kohli won’t be easy to replace'
Boycott called Kohli’s exit a bigger loss, saying mental freshness is key in Test cricket.
“It does not matter how much talent or experience you have, if you are not mentally fresh and up for the challenge then it becomes draining.
“Rohit was a superb batsman. At his best, a beautiful stroke player, but he won't be missed as much as Kohli because his Test record was good rather than exceptional. In the last couple of years his batting was a little inconsistent, which was not surprising in his late 30s.
“Rohit was never a natural athlete like Kohli and he knows that opening the innings in England can be pretty tough because the new ball moves around more. You really have to be up for the challenge to have any chance of success.
“I just think that over time the wear and tear of opening the innings and being captain in all three formats wore him down,” Boycott wrote.
'England need to control Bazball'
Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket last month. Shubman Gill has since been appointed captain in Rohit’s place. India last won a Test series in England in 2007. England are coming into the series after winning a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Boycott advised the Ben Stokes-led side to moderate their attacking ‘Bazball’ approach.
“England should beat India if they temper Bazball and use some common sense. At times their cricket has been thrilling and super enjoyable but also reckless batting has lost them Test matches.
“Their only thought should be winning because it is no use telling us how good you are when the last three World Test Championship finals have been played in our country but England have not qualified for any of them. They should be embarrassed. Their aim should be to make the next WTC final.
“The new cycle starts now and somebody needs to get through to the England players that being a winner is better than being known as an entertainer. If you can win and entertain, that is a bonus. At the moment England are like a one-trick-pony.”
'Don’t get complacent'
Boycott also warned England against taking India lightly, even in the absence of their senior players.
“It’s Bazball or Bazball and that is the way we play; take it or leave it. They don’t want to change or learn from their losses. It doesn’t seem to make any difference that so many top class ex-England Test players keep telling them to moderate their batting.
“So please, get your act together, bring your best game and apply some cricket nous,” Boycott wrote.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Radhika Apte stars in BAFTA-nominated Sister Midnight, now available to stream online
BAFTA and BIFA-nominated indie Sister Midnight is now available to stream on major digital platforms, including Altitude.film, Apple TV, Amazon, Sky Store, and Curzon Home Cinema.
Director Karan Kandhari’s first feature arrives with plenty of praise and a striking lead performance by Radhika Apte, whom critics say delivers “an endlessly expressive marvel.” Set in the humid, buzzing heart of Mumbai, the film follows a newly married couple trying and often failing to fit into each other’s worlds within the cramped confines of a one-room home.
Apte plays Uma, a new bride forced into a life she didn’t choose, navigating nosy neighbours, a heat-soaked home, and a clueless husband she barely knows. With little support and mounting frustration, she begins drifting into the unpredictable world of Mumbai’s nights, where street dogs, shadows, and music accompany her search for identity and escape.
Kandhari doesn’t stick to the rules. The film unfolds like a fever dream, part dark comedy, part urban myth. It’s messy, but purposefully so. The chaos mirrors Uma’s journey. The paper-thin walls of her shack aren’t the only things breaking down; so is her idea of who she’s supposed to be.
With a soundtrack as unpredictable as the protagonist, Sister Midnight swings between classic rock, old blues, and raw punk, featuring legends like Howlin’ Wolf, Motörhead, and The Stooges, along with original music by Interpol’s Paul Banks.
Radhika Apte’s raw, magnetic energy grounds the chaos
While the film is full of jagged energy and eccentric moments, Apte’s performance ties it all together. She doesn’t just play Uma, she unravels her, one twitch, glare, and outburst at a time. Critics have called her work here “electrifying” and “oddly poignant.” The film clocks in at 110 minutes and carries a 15 certificate for its edgy themes.
But Sister Midnight is far from just gritty; it’s a rare mix of heart and havoc, offering a glimpse into one woman’s unravelling, with the city of Mumbai acting as both witness and accomplice.
It’s been 26 years since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hit the big screen, but Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s rich, emotional tale of love and longing still lingers in the hearts of movie lovers. Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn, this film was a cultural moment. Here are five things you may not know about this now-iconic musical drama.
1. KK’s Bollywood debut began with heartbreak
Before he became one of the most beloved voices of the 2000s, singer KK got his big Bollywood break with the heart-wrenching song Tadap Tadap. The track, composed by Ismail Darbar and written by Mehboob, captured the raw ache of lost love, and KK’s soul-stirring vocals made it unforgettable. Few know that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was his first major entry into Hindi cinema, thanks to Bhansali's knack for spotting rare talent.
Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan in a still from Bhansali’s unforgettable love storyInstagram/bhansaliproductions
2. Tadap Tadap still strikes a nerve with heartbroken souls
Even decades later, Tadap Tadap remains a go-to song for anyone nursing heartbreak. Its haunting melody and painful lyrics have earned it a permanent place on every “breakup playlist.” It’s not just a song, it’s a punch to the gut, and Gen X especially holds it close, often revisiting it during nostalgic or emotional moments.
Aishwarya Rai’s performance brought grace and heartbreak in equal measureInstagram/bhansaliproductions
3. It was only Bhansali’s second film
Most directors take a while to find their signature style. Not Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was only his second directorial project, but it cemented his place as a filmmaker known for blending grand visuals with emotional depth. The film’s cultural textures, sweeping sets, and deep emotions became a Bhansali trademark.
Salman Khan’s raw vulnerability added soul to Bhansali’s tale of longing and lossInstagram/bhansaliproductions
4. It echoed the storytelling of Indian film legends
Many critics at the time drew parallels between Bhansali and classic directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and K. Asif. Like them, Bhansali crafted scenes with intense emotional weight, often using music, silence, and visual flair to convey what words couldn’t.
Ajay Devgn delivered quiet intensity in Bhansali’s emotionally charged love triangleInstagram/bhansaliproductions
5. The music album was a blockbuster on its own
Beyond Tadap Tadap, the film’s soundtrack was packed with gems. From the playful Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan to the devotional Albela Sajan, the album was a complete package. Ismail Darbar’s score, paired with poetic lyrics and powerful vocals, played a major role in the film’s emotional impact.
Bhansali’s next film is already making waves
Two and a half decades later, Bhansali remains a force in Indian cinema. His upcoming film Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is already one of the most anticipated releases. And while Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam remains a fan favourite, expectations are sky-high for his next chapter.