Sports – storyboard18

Unilever backs women’s football as official sponsor of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025

The tournament, set to take place in Switzerland this summer (2–27 July), is anticipated to be the most viewed and attended UEFA Women’s EURO to date

Unilever and The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have today named brands from Unilever’s Foods and Personal Care Business Groups as Official Sponsors of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

‘In the mid-90s, I played for two years without a bat contract’: Sachin Tendulkar reflects on his early playing days

With a standing ovation accompanying the award presentation by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, Sachin Tendulkar revisited the values passed on by his father, which have shaped both his life and career. (Image: Moneycontrol)

Sachin Tendulkar also recalls how his stance to never endorse tobacco or alcohol left him without a bat sponsor for two years of his playing career.

BCCI set to implement performance-based pay structure for players

Under the BCCI’s updated policies, players' families can stay with them for up to 14 days during international series or tournaments lasting more than 45 days.

Contracted players may face cuts based on their performance, with new travel restrictions and team unity rules also in the pipeline.

ICC chairman Jay Shah to attend BCCI’s SGM as ‘special invitee’

Jay Shah's participation aligns with a precedent set by former ICC chairman N. Srinivasan, who attended BCCI meetings during his tenure in 2014-2015.

Jay Shah to participate in the BCCI meeting, while new office-bearers take charge and potential legal challenges loom.

Abhishek Bachchan joins ICC-sanctioned European T20 Premier League as co-owner

Speaking about his investment in the European T20 Premier League, Abhishek Bachchan said, “Cricket is not just a sport; it’s a unifying force that transcends boundaries. The ETPL is the ideal platform to showcase cricket’s growing global appeal."

The league, sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC), will run from July 15 to August 3, 2025, and aims to elevate the sport’s profile in Europe by featuring top players from Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

BCCI calls for emergency meeting to appoint electoral officer for vacant secretary and treasurer posts

Under the BCCI’s updated policies, players' families can stay with them for up to 14 days during international series or tournaments lasting more than 45 days.

Board seeks former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti’s appointment to oversee elections.

From Pushpa swag to IPL drip, India’s growing craze for merchandise

A report by Maximize Market Research valued India’s sports merchandising market at $673.34 million in 2022, projecting growth to $1.93 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2023 to 2029.

Experts estimate L&M sales in India at approximately $2 billion this year, compared to $356 billion globally. L&M industry grew by 4.6% in 2023 and is projected to maintain a healthy CAGR of 4.5% through to 2032.

IPL 2025 mega auction set for Riyadh amid scheduling challenges

Reports suggest that BCCI officials have already conducted preliminary visits to Saudi Arabia to assess potential venues for the auction.

All franchises finalize retained players as focus shifts to Riyadh for the highly anticipated auction on November 24-25.

ICC proposes chair term reforms, greenlights women’s cricket expansion

In December 2024, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), assumed the role of Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

New term limits for ICC Chair and Independent Director could see Jay Shah lead the global cricket body for six years, while women’s cricket gets a boost with new T20 competitions.

BCCI also considering Singapore as an option for IPL 2024 mega auction

While Singapore has emerged as a new contender, Saudi Arabia remains firmly in the running, with locations such as Riyadh or Jeddah under serious consideration.

With the IPL 2024 mega auction approaching, the BCCI is exploring international venues, including Singapore and Saudi Arabia, as potential hosts for the high-profile event. The auction is expected to be a two-day affair held late in November.