South Africa still has one of the most talent-laden cricketing countries in the world. The country has produced amazing players over the years, including Jacques Kallis. Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting sees Kallis as an underrated player in the sport’s history.

While Kallis is a strong name in cricket history, he is often overlooked as one of the best players ever. Here are the reasons why he deserves to get more respect:

Superb batting credentials

Kallis stands tall as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen with an impressive record. He amassed over 13,000 runs in Test cricket, which makes him one of the best run-getters in the game’s history. That is the same with one-day internationals (ODIs), where he scored over 11,500 runs. 

That proved he was a remarkably versatile player who was consistent across cricket formats. Few players have maintained balanced production across formats. Across the many pitches and formats, Kallis was excellent and made sure he was one of the most reliable batsmen of his generation. 

Kallis was so good that he earned Ponting’s respect, even calling him the best cricketer ever. He said, ‘Jacques Kallis is the full stop for me. Thirteen thousand runs �?44 or 45 Test centuries and 300 wickets. He has had an amazing career. You can take 300 Test wickets, and you can score 45 Test centuries but to do both feats at the same time is amazing. Jacques has done both�?

All-round skills with bowling and fielding

Beyond the batting, Kallis was a talented all-rounder with contributions that were often decisive. He claimed over 250 wickets in Tests, as he operated well as a fourth seamer with the ability to swing the ball and maintain the pressure on the rival batsmen.

His bowling average highlighted his value, as he was more than a part-time option on that side of the game. Kallis could turn the match when called upon, as he completed many sharp catches, proving his all-around brilliance.

The combination of batting, bowling, and fielding made sure that South Africa was a formidable force. They had a complete cricketer in their ranks, and Kallis proved he was among the best.

Kallis remains unappreciated

Despite all the staggering achievements, Kallis is often overlooked in discussions about the greatest players in cricket’s history. With names like Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, and Sachin Tendulkar becoming popular on a global scale, Kallis has become forgotten. 

He was not the flashiest player, as he had a calm and workhorse-like approach. However, his contributions to South African cricket remain, and he proved he is deserving of more recognition than he has received over the years after he retired in 2014.

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Jacob Bethell was handed the captaincy for England’s T20I series against Ireland in mid-September. That is big news since he is only 21, which would make him the youngest-ever captain across formats, a record that has stood for about 136 years. This is a massive achievement, but it could potentially be an issue that negatively affects his career.

Too much pressure for a 21-year-old

Bethell is a highly rated prospect, as many see him as a talented batter. It seems like he is also a gifted leader, as the national team setup sees him as worthy of being a captain. Unfortunately, this could be too early, as he would become the youngest captain in history.

That could be an issue for some people, as they do not rate his ascent. He will be the youngest captain in the team’s history, which led to critics pointing out some of their worries. This includes former England captain Michael Atherton, who is not a fan of the decision.

Atherton said in The Times, ‘The captaincy is a red herring, though. Ben Stokes and Harry Brook are going nowhere and if this experience is part of long-term planning, then fair enough �?although they have to be careful that Bethell doesn’t start to wonder what he has done to deserve the keys to the entire kingdom�?

The concerns behind his lack of experience

A big concern that people have is Bethell’s lack of experience playing at the highest level of cricket. Compared to his England teammates, he does not have the experience of playing against the best teams in the world. 

People are also concerned about the pressure he is under, as leadership is a heavy role. It is an honour, but it could also be a burden. As a former captain, Atherton’s thoughts on the situation matter as he has experience within the same role.

At the age of 21, Bethell already has a bright future. However, the captaincy role might become a burden too heavy to carry. He is ready for his new role as captain. While it may seem concerning, he appears prepared for the new challenges.

England still has many top captains

With leaders like Ben Stokes and Harry Brook still available, many people found it peculiar that Bethell is the choice. This could mean England is building towards the future, as they need a readymade leader like Bethell moving forward.

This will be a huge challenge, but the English decision-makers are committed to giving Bethell an opportunity as a leader. He has the talent to become a top player, but his leadership will be tested, especially with a team filled with older players.

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Real Madrid issued a strongly worded statement opposing the decision to host a LALIGA match outside of Spain. This is a fixture revolving around Villarreal and FC Barcelona’s clash on 21st December 2025 in the 2025/26 LALIGA season. Spanish football fans and all team captains share Real Madrid’s concerns.

This is a dream come true for the league’s president, Javier Tebas, who always wanted to bring Spanish football to a global audience. Hosting on foreign soil is a significant step forward, but the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) still needs authorisation from FIFA and UEFA before the match can go ahead. Why would Real Madrid be so against this idea? 

Why is this an issue for Real Madrid?

The match is a LALIGA event between Villarreal and FC Barcelona, two of the top contenders in Spanish football. That means it’s a fan-favourite matchup that the league is offering to showcase abroad, not to their dedicated local fans. 

Additionally, playing a LALIGA match outside of Spain contradicts the tradition of hosting domestic league matches on home soil. This would also mean that both sides play on neutral ground, rather than Villarreal hosting the event at Estadi de la Ceràmica. 

Other parties opposed to the LALIGA showcase abroad

Real Madrid isn’t the only one opposing this idea. The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) released a statement opposing the Miami-scheduled fixture as well. According to their statement, executives made the decision without consulting the rest of LALIGA. 

‘We want respect and transparency�?is a key statement highlighted. This statement is co-signed by all 20 team captains in the First Division, including Marc-André ter Stegen. Barcelona management was reportedly unhappy with their team captain’s stance, as the Miami showcase aligns with the club’s interests. 

Villarreal and FC Barcelona support the decision

The idea of playing a Barcelona game in Miami wasn’t a new concept that came out of nowhere. It was a continued endeavour for over seven years, which wasn’t successful until this season. With the proposal approved, the RFEF is now seeking FIFA and UEFA’s authorisation to hold the match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

Villarreal club president Fernando Roig acknowledged inevitable inconveniences, but will do their best to compensate. However, it’s a fantastic opportunity for the club. Villarreal offered to compensate 19,500 season-ticket holders for their travel to Miami to watch the match live. If they cannot attend or choose not to, they will receive a 20% discount on their season ticket.

Spain isn’t the only country with this idea. It was a race with Italy, which wanted to host a Serie A game in Australia. This is also happening in 2026 at Perth between AC Milan and Como. This means Spain is the first country to successfully host a major football competition abroad, giving LALIGA a huge lead over other leagues. 

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Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers after losing on penalties to Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan. Despite dominating domestically and previously competing well against top European sides like Bayern Munich, they couldn’t find the extra quality needed across the two legs. Both matches ended goalless, and Celtic eventually fell short in the penalty shootout.

The match: Missed chances and lack of spark

The tie across two games told a frustrating story. Kairat were stubborn, organised, and offered little attacking threat. However, Celtic, despite controlling 67% of possession, failed to find the killer edge.

James Forrest, Yang, and Daizen Maeda started the attack, later joined by Adam Idah and Arne Engels. Yet chances were scarce. Maeda’s miss in the 85th minute was the clearest opening, a strike that flew over the bar and summed up Celtic’s lack of composure.

Aiden McGeady described the display as ‘not good enough�?and blamed poor planning. John Collins pointed to weak set-pieces and limited creativity and questioned why no top attacking signings had been made.

Despite more shots and passes than their hosts, Celtic’s expected goals were just 0.5. Against a team ranked 311th in Europe, compared to their own 56th, that statistic highlighted the gulf between possession and productivity.

The stakes: More than just defeat

Missing out on the Champions League is a huge financial blow.

• Champions League qualification = approx. �?8m (£15.5m) in prize money, plus extra revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise.
• Europa League fallback = only around �?m (£3.46m), with smaller bonuses for wins and progression.

The setback is not only sporting but also financial, as the gulf between Champions League and Europa League earnings is massive.

The bigger picture: A wake-up call

This loss wasn’t just about one bad night. It exposed deeper issues: lack of quality in the final third, weak recruitment, and missed opportunities in the transfer market. For many fans, the defeat was a sobering reminder of how far Celtic still needs to go to compete consistently at this level.

The timing makes the setback even sharper. Celtic’s next game is the season’s first Old Firm clash against Rangers. A win could steady nerves, but a poor result might fuel frustration. 

Rebuilding from the blow

Celtic’s Champions League exit represents a financial and morale hit. Rodgers has called for unity, but questions remain about whether the squad has enough depth and firepower to move forward.

The Europa League offers a chance for redemption, but the real challenge lies in how Celtic rebuilds from here, both on the pitch and in their transfer dealings. The bigger question is: can Celtic turn this setback into a springboard, or will it mark another season of missed opportunities in Europe?

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After weeks of negotiations between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, Eberechi Eze is headed to Arsenal. It is a sudden hijacking of the move by the red side of North London, as Eze has chosen to make the move from South London to the Emirates. 

The now-former Palace player is set to join his boyhood club. He played in Arsenal’s Hale End Academy as a youngster, but was released as a 13-year-old. Now, he has made his move back to Arsenal as a 27-year-old, playing as one of the featured stars of the senior squad.

Eze provides Arsenal with a new world of options

With Eze joining Arsenal, his skill set provides many possibilities with the squad setup. They already have a set attacking midfielder with Martin Ødegaard. However, Eze can be a competition to him, but he can also play with the Arsenal captain. 

Most people believe that Eze could be the answer to Arsenal’s struggles with the left-hand side. Gabriel Martinelli was superb during the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, scoring 15 goals and dishing out five assists. 

Unfortunately, he has dropped off since that campaign, struggling with only 14 goals and eight assists across 68 Premier League matches over the past two seasons. With Eze joining the club, he provides a competitor and a likely replacement in the starting XI.

The added depth is also a big strength, as Arsenal dealt with all kinds of injuries in the 2024/25 season. As long as he stays healthy and productive, manager Mikel Arteta will keep him playing.

Eze has the winning mentality required to succeed

Since he was released as a youngster by Arsenal, Eze has developed a mentality that has made him a stellar player. He went from playing in the EFL Championship for Queens Park Rangers before earning a move to Crystal Palace. In South London, Eze became one of the most promising players, which the England national team took note of.

Eze’s Palace career was a strong display of loyalty and success, culminating in an FA Cup win in 2025, when he scored the winning goal against Manchester City. That winning pedigree is what he will bring to Arsenal.

Arsenal fans are ecstatic with his arrival

It is safe to say that Arsenal fans are ecstatic with Eze’s arrival. He is already immortalised in a mural on a tunnel wall near the Emirates Stadium. Fans on social media have praised the signing, especially since they got a player over their bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

Overall, this is a fantastic move for Arsenal, especially with what he provides on the pitch as a footballer and off the pitch as a likeable person.

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Sir Alastair Cook is seen as one of the greatest cricketers in England’s history. He is the nation’s second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He even had multiple accolades, including being the youngest player to reach 12,000 Test runs. 

Over the years, Cook was one of the most consistent players in English cricket. For English cricketers, he remains the shining example for the top players. Here is how he became an all-time great for a talent-rich country.

Cook was superb from the jump

When Cook debuted for England’s Test cricket team against India in 2006, no one would have predicted that he would be an all-time great. He was a late replacement, but he did not show any signs of nervousness at the start of his career. He was composed in the jump, scoring 60 in his first innings.

In his second innings, he announced his arrival by scoring an unbeaten 104, proving that he had the calmness, patience, and technique that could make him a top player. England got a fantastic player in 2006, and he kept proving his worth as one of the country’s best-ever players.

Cook never looked back after that magnificent debut. He progressed well, and England benefited from his play. He was often at the top of the batting order, and he kept delivering great moments.

A shining example of endurance

During his career, Cook played at the highest level for over 12 years without much drop-off in his performance level. That is a feat that only a few can match. He rarely missed matches due to injury, as his endurance and fitness allowed him to play 159 consecutive Test matches. That is a world record for any player in cricket. The longevity was not exclusive to avoiding injuries, as he also stayed relevant despite the ever-changing sport.

Despite some rough times for England, Cook was a constant. He found ways to bounce back whenever he had a rough performance. Over the years, Cook was always the man to watch for England, as he kept representing the country well.

Cook performed when it mattered

Known as a run machine for some cricket fans, he was always a consistent match-winner for England. Stepping up whenever needed was a constant positive for Cook, headlined by his performance in the 2010-11 Ashes when he scored 766 runs, including three centuries. 

Alastair Cook’s career is one to remember due to how he showcased discipline, production, and longevity. His records could be broken by other players, but he should be recognised as an all-time great.

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EaseMyTrip, one of India’s top travel booking platforms, has pulled out of sponsoring the India vs Pakistan semi-final match. This match is one of the most awaited games in the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL), so the announcement quickly sparked strong reactions.

The company’s co-founder and CEO, Nishant Pitti, announced on X (formerly Twitter) on 30 July 2025. He explained that the company would not support Pakistan because of its alleged links to recent attacks. His post said:

‘…the upcoming semi-final against Pakistan is not just another game, Terror and cricket cannot go hand in hand. @EaseMyTrip, we stand with India. We cannot support any event that attempts to normalise relations with a country that promotes terrorism�?

The post drew attention in both India and Pakistan. Most Indian users praised the move, but some criticised it. Was EaseMyTrip right to take this stand, or should it have kept business and politics separate? Here’s what you need to know.

The conflict: Terror attack from April to May 2025

Pitti’s post refers to the India–Pakistan conflict that began in late April 2025. The cause is still unclear, but many reports blame a group based in Pakistan for a major attack in India. The situation led to strained diplomatic ties, angry public reaction, and higher military alert. Many Indians still feel the emotional and security effects of that period.

What is EaseMyTrip and its relevance to WCL 2025?

EaseMyTrip is one of the main sponsors of the WCL 2025. Usually, sponsorship covers the entire tournament. That’s why many people found it odd that the company withdrew only from one match. While this step may not affect the WCL’s finances much, it sends a strong political message. It could also push other sponsors to take similar actions.

Turning sports into a platform for political protests can be risky. Some users praised Pitti for standing up for what he believes in. Others worry the move could damage the image of cricket as a sport that brings countries together.

What is the public sentiment about the decision?

Social media reactions were split. Many users called the decision brave and patriotic. But others said it was fake nationalism. They pointed out that since EaseMyTrip still sponsors the overall event, it still indirectly supports matches involving Pakistan.

Is CEO Nishant Pitti justified in his decision?

Pitti’s choice reflects the strong emotions many Indians feel after the April 2025 attack. For them, his message is clear: national security comes first. But critics say the move is more symbolic than real, especially if the company still profits from the tournament.

From a professional angle, some argue that backing out after agreeing to sponsor the event shows poor consistency. Still, others believe staying silent would be worse. The public remains divided, and this case might change how companies deal with politics in sports going forward.

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English football now has a new law that puts fans first. A new bill called the Football Governance Act has passed and gives power to a new body that will watch over the men’s game in the top five leagues. This independent regulator will ensure clubs are run correctly, protect fans' rights, and keep football safe for years to come.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a proud moment for English football. He said the law will make the game stronger and fairer. The Football Supporters�?Association (FSA) also said this is a big win for fans.

The idea for the regulator came from a fan-led review. It was first pushed by the former Conservative government in March 2024, but didn’t become law before the election. Labour brought it back after winning and passed it. The regulator is expected to launch later this year.

What the regulator will do

The new football regulator will bring key changes to how clubs are run. It will set new rules to stop poor owners and protect clubs from money troubles. Here’s what it will do:

• Make clubs show strong financial plans
• Block owners who don’t meet tough new rules
• Give fans a real say in club changes
• Ban clubs from joining closed leagues like the failed 2021 European Super League
• Protect club identity like team colours, badges, and stadiums
• Help make sure money is shared fairly between leagues

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said this law will stop clubs from being ruined by bad owners. She mentioned clubs like Wigan, which faced financial problems in the past. She said this move will put fans back where they belong, in the room when big decisions are made.

EFL chair Rick Parry called the law a 'watershed moment'. He said it will help clubs move up or down the leagues without risking collapse.

The future for fans and clubs

Some people, like West Ham vice chair Karren Brady and others in the Premier League, do not fully support the law. They think it may hurt how clubs compete and spend money. Still, many fans welcome the change. Groups like Kick It Out say the new rules will protect clubs and include all fans in key decisions.

Fans from Reading, a club that suffered from bad owners, say this law is long overdue. Jobs were lost, and the club nearly fell apart. They believe the new regulator will help stop that from happening again.

Kevin Miles from the FSA said fans helped push this bill through and will work with the new regulator to keep clubs safe.

A huge step for English football

This new law is a big deal. It gives power back to the fans, protects club history, and makes sure owners can’t just do whatever they want. Football fans now have more voice, more safety, and more power in the game they love.

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‘Swing hard�?�?That is Mitchell Owen’s plan when he’s batting. It doesn’t matter who it’s for or where he’s playing; what matters is that he stays true to this guiding principle. The world saw what that entailed in his international debut against the West Indies on 20 July 2025 at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. 

What went down in Sabina Park? Australia vs West Indies 

What happened in Sabina Park was a thrilling comeback for Australia in their T20I series opener against West Indies. Australia won by 3 wickets with 7 balls to spare, chasing down 190 after West Indies posted 189/8. It was a close match, one that they almost lost if it weren’t for Mitchell Owen’s half-century. 

It was the ninth over and Owens was given the middle-order role, batting against a 4-78 difference that innings. Under pressure but not out of hope, the 23-year-old batter reached his 50th run after 27 balls. It resulted in Australia’s victory in the first match of the T20I series against West Indies, putting them ahead by 1-0. 

Sport-wide significance: Why is this a big deal?

Owen was not the only member in the Australian team to reach a half-century, nor was he alone in turning the tide for the team. Cameron Green also reached 51 runs from 26 balls in the game. In their last innings, Owen and Green put together an 80-run stand and gave their team the momentum they needed to make a comeback.

What makes Owen’s feat so special, not to undermine Green’s contribution, is that this is the first international participation for the 23-year-old Tasmanian batter. Australian cricket fans celebrate the fact that they have one more aggressive batter in their national team. Owen is also the first Australian ever to score a fifty on a T20I debut.

Cricket fans should expect Owen to be a pressure player

Mitchell Owen’s debut was an impressive display of batting strength and an unexpected reversal of what was originally a losing match. That’s what makes him stand out in the sea of talent, even against other half-century scorers that day like his teammate, Green, or Shai Hope and Roston Chase from the West Indies. 

The surprising chase for 190 runs happened while Owen was burdened with tremendous pressure. His 80-run stand with Green was built on taking calculated risks and attacking with full intent to beat the odds. That’s the batter Australia needs, and cricket fans can look forward to seeing him grow in future intense T20 cricket. 

Owen’s debut was a glimpse of raw talent, and his ability to perform strongly enough to shift momentum in tight situations shows his value as a power-hitter. With the right guidance and more international exposure, he could become a staple in Australia’s international teams. For fans watching this new era of cricket to unfold, he’s one of the top names to remember.

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Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honours awarded to the best and most influential personalities in any discipline. The International Cricket Council (ICC) oversees who gets the honour in the world of cricket. On 9th June 2025, they announced Mahendra Singh ‘MS�?Dhoni, the latest entry in the ICC Hall of Fame. 

With this announcement, MS Dhoni is officially the 11th Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame as one of the 7 inductees of 2025. The legend is still active in Indian leagues, but he officially retired from international cricket in 2020. In his tenure, he is well-known as the biggest playmaker and game changer in Team India. 

Who is MS Dhoni?

MS Dhoni was born in Ranchi, Jharkhand (before it was separated from Bihar), India, and it is where he debuted at 18 years old in 1999 for first-class cricket. He played for his hometown in the 1999/2000 Ranji Trophy season, where he scored a half-century in his first match. 

Since then, MS Dhoni has made a splash across all cricket formats, namely Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20). He is also the captain for the majority of his tenure, in both domestic and international cricket across all formats. MS Dhoni is held in high regard, not just among Indian cricketers and fans, but worldwide. 

MS Dhoni’s legacy �?The lore behind his greatness

MS Dhoni’s cricketing background is as follows:

• The only captain in history to win all three major ICC trophies:
  • ICC T20 World Cup (2007)
  • ICC Cricket World Cup (2011)
  • ICC Champions Trophy (2013)
• Led India to become the number 1 Test cricket team ranking for the first time in 2009.
• Scored over 10,000 runs in ODIs while maintaining a batting average above 50 for most of his career.
• Known for his ice-cold finishing abilities, with multiple game-winning sixes. 

Besides his impressive statistics, Dhoni also changed the way India approached cricket. He backed young talent, made bold field decisions, and led by example, often putting team success over personal milestones. MS Dhoni sealed the 2011 World Cup final with a towering six that remains etched in the minds of cricket fans worldwide.

Ms Dhoni is a legend who still proves his mettle

MS Dhoni is still active in the professional scene, but limits his participation to local events. There are constant rumours of his impending retirement, and he has entertained the thought. Cricket fans can rest easy knowing that they can still see more of the legend. 

Even when he eventually retires as a professional cricketer, he is dedicated to staying in the sport—either as a coach, a mentor, or a pundit. His commitment to cricket, his franchise, and fans remains strong as ever.

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