Kathmandu:



Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest cricketers, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year career in the game's longest format.



The former captain played 123 Test matches, making his debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Since the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar in 2013, Kohli has been India's premier batter and a central figure in the global cricketing landscape.



“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right,” Kohli shared in an emotional post on Instagram. “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”



Kohli, 36, made his announcement just days after teammate Rohit Sharma also stepped away from Test cricket. Their departures leave a significant gap in the Indian lineup ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20.



Over his Test career, Kohli scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He also captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40 — the most by any Indian captain. His tally of seven double centuries in Tests is also the highest by an Indian, surpassing Tendulkar’s six.



Beyond the statistics, Kohli's legacy is deeply rooted in his passionate leadership and fierce competitiveness. He played a pivotal role in elevating India to the top of the ICC Test rankings and led the side to a historic first Test series victory in Australia in 2018.



“I am walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way,” he wrote. “I will always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”



Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, behind only Tendulkar (15,921), Rahul Dravid (13,265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122). He also ranks fourth in all-time Test wins as captain globally, trailing Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Stephen Waugh.



With over 271 million followers on Instagram and nearly 68 million on X (formerly Twitter), Kohli remains one of the most recognizable figures in world cricket.



While his Test journey ends, he is expected to continue playing ODIs and remains active in the Indian Premier League — though the tournament is currently paused due to escalating military tensions with Pakistan.



As the cricketing world absorbs the news, tributes have poured in. “Thank you, Virat Kohli. An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue forever,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India posted on X. “His contributions to Team India will forever be cherished.”



Source: AP

Virat Kohli retires from test cricket after 14 glorious years

Kathmandu: Cristiano Ronaldo’s eldest son, 14-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., has been included in Portugal’s U-15 national team for the first time.



Currently training with the youth team of Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, Ronaldo Jr. follows in his father's footsteps, as Cristiano Ronaldo Sr. continues to play for the senior team. Ronaldo Sr. signed with Al-Nassr in December 2022.



Sharing the news on social media, Cristiano Ronaldo Sr. expressed his pride, posting the team list with the caption: "Proud of you, son."



Ronaldo Jr. has been selected for the youth tournament taking place in Croatia from May 13 to 18, where Portugal will face Japan, Greece, and England.



Previously, Ronaldo Jr. has been part of the youth teams of Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Following in his father’s path, he is pursuing a future in football.



Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., who has won the Ballon d'Or five times, remains an active player for Portugal’s national team, having scored 136 international goals to date, a record for men’s football. In March, he scored a goal in the Euro qualifier match against Denmark, although he missed a penalty.



In that game, Portugal secured a dramatic win, clinching a spot in the semifinals.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., joins Portugal U-15 national team

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed serious concern over the delay in the ongoing work of upgrading the TU International Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur.



He called on office-bearers of the concerned bodies and contractors today to discuss the issue of the failure to complete the work of installing international-level parapets and floodlights at the stadium within the stipulated time.



During a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Oli expressed serious concern over the situation that the work could not be completed within the stipulated time.



It may be noted that after assuming office, as his first decision, Prime Minister Oli had announced that international-level parapets and floodlights would be installed at the cricket ground within 100 days. The period ends on May 7.



In response, Prime Minister Oli gave strict instructions to determine the reasons for which the work could not be completed on time and the days it would require to complete it. He also gave instructions to have the project completed within the next two months.



The discussion was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Chief of the Federal Secretariat and Management Office, the implementing body of the construction work, Chakraborty Kantha, and contractors involved in the work.



The secretary of the ministry, the head of the office and the construction contractors admitted that the work could not be completed within the specified period due to the delay in bids announcement, minor changes to be made in the design, rain hindrance, and delays in the process of opening the LC. They expressed their commitment to complete the work within the next month.



The discussion was attended by the Prime Minister's Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal and Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal Eaknarayan Aryal, among others.

PM Oli concerned over delay in TU Cricket Stadium work

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and visiting Brazilian former football player Roberto Carlos had a meeting today. The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar.



Renowned football player Carlos is currently in Nepal to attend the ongoing Nepal Super League (NSL) third season football championship under way at Dashrath Stadium as a special guest.



On the occasion, PM Oli welcomed the football star Carlos and said that his visit to Nepal inspired the players and youths here.



Stating that Nepal and Brazil enjoyed a cordial diplomatic relations, the PM stressed on exchange of learning in sports sector between the two countries. The Prime Minister urged the Brazilian former player to visit Nepal again with an itinerary of enjoying mountain flight and jungle safari.



Carlos in turn expressed gratitude for the hospitality accorded to him in Nepal and said he was pleased to meet with Nepal's Prime Minister, youths and athletes.



Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history, Carlos made his senior debut for Brazil in 1992. He earned over 120 caps for the national team and was instrumental in Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup victory in South Korea and Japan.



Carlos spent most of his club career at Real Madrid, where he played from 1996 to 2007. During his time with the Spanish giants, he won four La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies.



Source: RSS

Brazilian star footballer Roberto Carlos calls on PM Oli

Kathmandu: Former All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Ganesh Thapa has filed a defamation case against ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai at the Kathmandu District Court.



Thapa alleges that Rai committed an offense under Section 306(1) of the Muluki Criminal Code Act, 2074, and has sought legal action in accordance with Section 307 of the same act. He is demanding punishment under Sub-Section (1) of Section 307, compensation under Sub-Section (2), and reimbursement of legal expenses incurred in the case.



As per Section 307 of the Criminal Code of Nepal, a person found guilty of libel can face up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 20,000, or both. The law also stipulates an additional one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10,000 if defamation occurs through electronic or mass media.



The case follows allegations made by General Secretary Rai, who claimed that Thapa embezzled Rs 170 million from ANFA during his tenure and later deposited Rs 80 million back into ANFA's account after a money laundering investigation.



Thapa has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and an attack on his character. He had previously lodged a complaint against Rai at the Cyber Bureau in Bhotahiti regarding the claims.



The Kathmandu District Court will now proceed with the legal examination of the case.

Former ANFA President Ganesh Thapa files defamation case against General Secretary Kiran Rai

Kathmandu: The 10th National Games will now be held from May 17 to 24, 2025, in Surkhet, Karnali Province, following a decision by the National Sports Council (NSC). The revised schedule was finalized during the 121st NSC board meeting, chaired by Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary. The event was initially set for April 5 to 12, 2025.



Additionally, the first-ever National Para Games is set to take place in Kathmandu from May 31 to June 4, 2025.



In a separate decision, the NSC suspended six national sports associations for their involvement in an unauthorized election of the Nepal Olympic Committee. The suspended associations include Nepal Badminton Association, Nepal Tennis Association, Nepal Cycling Association, Nepal Athletics Association, Nepal Gymnastics Association, and Nepal Weightlifting Association.

10th National Games rescheduled for May,2025 in Surkhet

Kathmandu: Nepal and Myanmar played to a 2-2 draw in the final league-stage match of the Four-Nation International Women’s Football Championship at Dasharath Stadium on Sunday.



Both teams found the net twice in the first half, but neither side managed to score in the second half, resulting in a deadlock. Myanmar took an early lead in the sixth minute, but Nepal’s Sabitra Rana Magar equalized in the 11th minute. Myanmar regained the lead in the 17th minute, only for Nepal’s star forward Sabitra Bhandari to level the score in the 41st minute.



Despite the draw, both Nepal and Myanmar had already secured their spots in the final after defeating Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan in earlier matches. Both teams remain unbeaten in the tournament.



Historically, Nepal and Myanmar have faced each other five times, with Myanmar winning three matches while the other two ended in draws.



In the day’s earlier match, Lebanon secured a consolation victory by defeating Kyrgyzstan, which lost all three of its group-stage matches.



Nepal and Myanmar will now meet in the tournament final on Wednesday.

Nepal and Myanmar draw 2-2 in four-nation Women’s Football Championship

Kathmandu: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced an open call for applications for the position of head coach for the men’s national cricket team. The vacancy was officially announced through a notice issued on Saturday.



According to CAN, the ideal candidate must hold an ECB or Cricket Australia Level 3 coaching certification or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, applicants must have at least five years of coaching experience at a professional level and possess a strong understanding of Associate Nation cricket operations.



The deadline for applications has been set for February 28.



The vacancy follows the expiration of Indian coach Monty Desai’s two-year contract last month, which was not renewed by CAN.

CAN opens applications for Men's National Team head coach

Kathmandu: Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary has blamed the Finance Ministry for delaying the approval of guidelines and financial procedures, halting preparations for the 10th National Sports Competition.



Speaking at a parliamentary committee meeting on Friday, Chaudhary said repeated requests to the Finance Minister went unanswered due to administrative bottlenecks. â€œOfficials keep citing incomplete paperwork. It seems administrative work alone takes up to a year,â€ he said.



National Sports Council (NSC) member-secretary Tanka Lal Ghising revealed that proposals for budget discussions were submitted in early 2024 but board meetings were repeatedly postponed. The NSC finally met in December 2024, approving amended guidelines and budget allocations, which now await Finance Ministry approval.



Lawmakers, including Maoist Center MP Rekha Sharma, warned that further delays could push the competition beyond April 5, 2025.



Minister Chaudhary also addressed the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) controversy, accusing President Jeevan Ram Shrestha of violating legal procedures in election processes, which led to disputes among sports federations.

Finance Ministry delays stall 10th National Sports Competition: Sports Ministry

Kathmandu: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has officially decided not to extend the contract of national cricket team head coach Monty Desai, citing a mutual agreement.



On Saturday evening, CAN took to Facebook to acknowledge Desai’s contributions. “From defending our ODI status against the odds to locking horns against Asian giants India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup, to dancing on the World Cup stage with passion and commitment, you’ve made Nepal’s cricketing dreams soar,” the statement read. “Your belief, your smiles, and your heart built not just a team, but a lasting LEGACY.”



The association also extended its best wishes for his future, writing, “As you embark on your next adventure, know that our 12th Men will always echo your name – and our gratitude will be as endless as the memories you’ve gifted us.”



Despite these setbacks, Desai remains a beloved figure among Nepali cricket fans, having guided the national team through several historic moments. His coaching philosophy, often described as the ‘one-ball battle,’ inspired the team’s resilience on numerous occasions.



With Desai’s departure, CAN will now look for a new head coach to lead Nepal’s cricket team in upcoming international fixtures.

CAN confirms coach Desai’s departure

Kathmandu: Cricket fans can watch the upcoming Women's T20I series involving Nepal, the Netherlands, and Thailand for free, as the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has decided not to charge entry fees.



The series will take place from January 30 to February 7 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Each team will play three matches against the others.



The opening match on January 30 will see Nepal face the Netherlands, followed by a game between the Netherlands and Thailand on January 31. Nepal will play against Thailand on February 1, with further matches scheduled for February 2, 4, 5, and 7.



CAN has also announced Nepal's 15-member squad for the series, led by captain Indu Barma. The team includes former captain Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Puja Mahato, Alisha Kumari Yadav, Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Kabita Kunwar, Mamta Chaudhary, Kabita Joshi, Rewati Dhami, Roma Thapa, Rajmati Airee, Manisha Upadhyaya, and Ishwari Bista.



CAN has urged fans to support the Nepali women's cricket team throughout the tournament.

Free entry for Nepal Women's T20I Series

Kathmandu: The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has taken disciplinary action against national cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane for misconduct during the Jai Trophy cricket tournament held in Birgunj and Janakpur.



Lamichhane was penalized for disputing an umpire’s decision and posting about the matter on social media, which violated CAN’s code of conduct. As part of the disciplinary measures, CAN has imposed a one-match suspension on him from its tournaments and reduced his merit points.



According to Article 2.7 of the code of conduct, players, match officials, and team members are prohibited from making public comments about CAN, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the International Cricket Council (ICC), or others associated with the game.



The incident highlights the governing body’s firm stance on maintaining discipline and upholding the standards of the sport.

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