Latest news with #SkySports
Mint
36 minutes ago
- Sport
- Mint
‘Didn't have Kohli like Aura': Shubman Gill's ‘reactive' captaincy under the scanner after Leeds loss
Team India are going through a transition phase in Test cricket after the sudden retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the format and the appointment of Shubman Gill as the new leader in the longest format of the game. The young Indian captain did not have a great start to his international career as his side lost the first Test match against England by five wickets despite requiring over 300 runs on the last day of the match. Since the loss, there have been comparisons between Gill's captaincy style with that of his predecessors especially Virat Kohli whose famous 'I want them to feel hell' speech from Lords Test has often been recalled to show his captaincy skills. Many former cricketers have rightly pointed out that Gill is new on the job and should be given a bit of leeway before being judged on his merits. However, former England captain Naseer Hussain has now stated Gill did not have the same on-field 'aura' as some of his predecessors. Speaking on Sky Sports, Naseer said, "I thought I saw someone just finding his way, honestly. You've got to be very careful in the first Test match, the people he's taken over from, Kohli, and then Rohit Sharma. I thought he didn't quite have that on-field aura as the names I mentioned there. You look down on those two previous names, and you immediately see who was in charge of India," said Nasser on Sky Sports. The former English great went on to comapre Gill's captaincy to 'captaincy by committee', noting that he could notice a lot of captains on the field. "I looked down from the press box, the commentary position, there were a lot of captains; it was a bit captaincy by committee, which can happen in your early days as a leader because you're still senior players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul want to try and help you out as much as possible. I thought he followed the ball a lot. I thought he was reactive as opposed to proactive," Hussain added.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is the Club World Cup's Flashy Makeover Ruining Football?
Is the Club World Cup's Flashy Makeover Ruining Football? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FIFA's revamped Club World Cup has truly landed in the USA, bursting with bold innovations. From body cameras on referees to live VAR replays, the tournament feels like a Hollywood blockbuster. But are these changes revolutionizing football or turning it into an Americanized spectacle? Advertisement The 2025 Club World Cup, hosted across the US from June 15 to July 13, showcases 32 so-called elite teams, including Manchester City and Chelsea. FIFA mandates clubs field their strongest squads, with fines of at least $445,000 for withdrawals according to Sky Sports. This ensures star power but sparks debate about player fatigue. Is the Club World Cup a Spectacle or Spectacular? Referees now wear body cameras, broadcasting their perspective live. Fans in stadiums see VAR decisions on giant screens, adding drama and transparency. Semi-automated offside technology, using advanced sensors, promises faster, accurate calls, though some purists argue it disrupts the game's flow. "Superior Player" voted on by the public is surely a winner? The tournament's group-and-knockout format, with massive prize money, aims to rival the Champions League (FIFA hopes). FIFA's decision to reassign ticket holders' seats to fill TV-friendly sections has raised eyebrows, with critics calling it a superficial fix for empty stadiums according to the Daily Mail. There is no doubt this less about passion and more about perceived popularity. Botafogo beating Champions League Winners PSG has been the biggest 'upset' so byThese changes scream spectacle, tailored for American audiences craving entertainment. Live VAR and referee cams feel like reality TV, while the hefty fines ensure a star-studded cast. Yet, some fans on X worry the tournament's soul is lost in the glitz, prioritizing flash over football's gritty essence. Players coming out to glamour and glitz one-by-one is an odd-one! Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is clearly a fan. He said: "I think it's something special and new for us. I enjoyed it. Why not bring it to the Premier League?" Advertisement He went on to say that whilst a bit show-biz it might be fun, but also noted that being first out might mean a bit of a wait for teammates; which, in England in the cold wet rain might cause a few raised eyebrows. Lop-sided games are no fun for fans or viewers. That should change. The expanded 32-team format, up from seven, boosts inclusivity, featuring clubs from every continent says FIFA. However, whispers of a 2029 expansion to 48 teams and relaxed two-club-per-nation limits have European giants grumbling on X. The balance between global reach and elite quality, teeters. Player welfare remains a hot topic. With packed schedules, forcing clubs to bring top players risks burnout, especially post-season. FIFA's innovations aim to elevate the game, but critics argue they cater more to casual US fans than diehard supporters. The "8-second rule" for goalkeepers has been seen for the first time. The Club World Cup's new vibe is undeniably fun, with tech-driven excitement and a festival-like atmosphere. Yet, the Americanized gloss, think big screens and even bigger bucks, has some fans nostalgic for simpler times. Will FIFA's gamble make this a global celebration or a commercialized circus? Advertisement FIFA's vision is bold, blending cutting-edge tech with football's heart. The body cams and live VAR add intrigue, but the push for spectacle might alienate traditionalists. As the tournament unfolds, its legacy hangs on whether it unites fans or divides them over its flashy new face. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sub Secrets and Dressing Room Drama as the Premier League Goes Ted Lasso
Sub Secrets and Dressing Room Drama as the Premier League Goes Ted Lasso originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Starting next season, Premier League broadcasts will get up close and personal, with substituted players facing live touchline interviews during matches and cameras sneaking into dressing rooms for exclusive glimpses. Advertisement This bold move, part of a massive $8.4 billion four-year TV deal, aims to deepen fan engagement. Sky Sports and TNT Sports will air up to 270 live games annually, amplifying the drama say Imagine the intensity: a player, fresh off the pitch, sweat dripping, answering questions as the game roars on. Substituted players will have a brief cool-down before facing the mic, ensuring they're composed but candid say the BBC. This American-style approach, common in sports like the NFL, is a first for UK football. Will we see dressing room scenes that Ted Lasso made famous? Camera operators will also dart onto the pitch for close-ups of goal celebrations, capturing raw emotion in real time. Dressing room access, however, comes with strict limits, no filming during team talks, preserving tactical secrecy. These changes, first reported by The Telegraph, promise to redefine how fans experience the game. Advertisement The Premier League's new TV mega-deal, fuels these innovations. Sky Sports and TNT Sports will dominate live coverage, while the BBC retains its iconic Match of the Day highlights (albeit without Gary Lineker), Football Focus, and enhanced digital rights for online platforms. Details on the frequency of touchline interviews and which matches they'll feature remain under wraps. The EPL will have in-game, on-field interviews of subbed off players next by Todd Kirkland - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images Related: World's Best Soccer Show Presenter Axed as BBC Woke Police Strike This shift has sparked debate. Some fans crave the raw access, while others worry it could distract players or reveal too much. The Premier League insists the changes balance entertainment with respect for the game's integrity. Team tactics will not be aired - but might we catch some Roy Kent language? Clubs will need to adapt to this new spotlight. Dressing room footage, though restricted, could offer fans a rare peek into pre- and post-match moments, humanizing the stars. Touchline interviews might reveal unfiltered emotions, from frustration to triumph, straight from the players' mouths. Advertisement Substitute interviews are going to be really unpredictable, a bit like the following quote maybe? Soccer People say funny stuff...'You could fill two internets with what I don't know about football.' Ted Lasso. The Premier League is betting big on fan engagement, drawing inspiration from American sports' in-your-face coverage. Yet, with such unprecedented access, the line between immersion and intrusion is razor-thin. Will players embrace the mic or shy away? These changes mark a new era for Premier League broadcasts, blending high-stakes action with intimate storytelling. Fans will feel closer to the game than ever, but the success of this experiment hinges on execution and plenty of bleep-outs and blooper reels. Next: Fake World Cup 2026 Tickets Are Here — How to Avoid the Scam This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
India Gazette
6 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Nasser Hussain terms Archer's inclusion in England squad for 2nd India Test a
London [UK], June 27 (ANI): Former England skipper Nasser Hussain shared his thoughts on the inclusion of right-arm seamer Jofra Archer for the second Test, where he believed that the Three Lions have played a 'gamble worth taking' by including him in the line-up. England announced the squad for the second Test against India, starting from July 2 at Edgbaston, with pacer Jofra Archer included in the team after over four years. England is leading the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar trophy 1-0 following a five-wicket win at Leeds. Speaking on Archer's inclusion, Nasser Hussain said, as quoted by Sky Sports, 'Firstly you have to say it's good news for Archer and England in that Jof must have been through so much with those [elbow and back injuries], the rehab, the pain, the mental torment of continually getting injured and making comebacks, so it's great to see him back in the squad, he hasn't played a Test match for four years. Fundamentally, if you're an England fan, you should be pleased to see Jofra Archer back in a red ball squad.' Further, the 57-year-old said that playing the spearhead in the second Test would be a 'risk too much this week' as he believes the bowler's body is not fully fit. 'I think it's too much of a risk this week, but it may have gone so well - I don't know Jofra Archer's body - it may have gone so well that they say 'we'll play you this week'. Then the problem is, who do you leave out? I do think it is a gamble worth taking, I just don't know if it's worth taking this week. I would do it a week after at Lord's,' he added. The 30-year-old right-arm quick returning to the England Test since February 2021 will be looking to add to his 13 Test caps at Edgbaston next week, as per an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) release. Archer has 42 wickets at an average of 31.04, with the best figures of 6/45. Archer played his first red-ball contest in more than four years earlier this week when he turned out for Sussex in their four-day match against Durham at Chester-Le-Street and showed glimpses of his best as he scored 31 with the bat and collected figures of 1/32 from 18 overs as the teams played out a draw, as per ICC. Other than that, the squad remains unchanged. England Men's Test squad for 2nd Test: Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes. (ANI)
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sky Sports: Fulham Pushing to Sign 17-Goal Brazilian Striker
Fulham Eye Brazilian Talent Romulo in Ambitious Striker Pursuit Fulham appear to be taking strides in the transfer market with their sights firmly set on Göztepe striker Romulo, according to reports originally published by Sky Sports. The West London club, known for their measured yet ambitious recruitment strategy, are believed to be pushing for a deal that would bring the 23-year-old Brazilian forward to Craven Cottage ahead of the 2025–26 Premier League campaign. Romulo's Rise in Turkey Romulo's emergence in Turkish football has not gone unnoticed. The Göztepe forward registered an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions last season, sparking interest from a number of European clubs. Advertisement Fulham, according to Sky Sports, have already tested the waters with a reported €16 million bid, though this was turned down by the Turkish outfit, who value the player closer to €20 million. Photo: IMAGO Such output in a single season highlights Romulo's all-round attacking threat and hints at his growing potential. At 23, he's entering his peak years and appears to possess the profile Fulham are seeking as they aim to evolve from mid-table consistency to a genuine top-half presence. Fulham's Forward Options Require Reinforcement Despite some attacking flair last season, Fulham's goalscoring record has drawn criticism. The departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic left a noticeable void, and while Rodrigo Muniz showed flashes of brilliance, consistency at Premier League level remains a work in progress. Advertisement The pursuit of Romulo signals intent. It's not just about numbers, it's about profile. Romulo offers a blend of pace, sharp movement and clinical finishing that aligns with Marco Silva's attacking philosophy. He also carries that added South American edge, often seen in players who bring tenacity and flair in equal measure. Negotiations Underway Amidst Growing Interest While Fulham are reportedly leading the race, they are not alone in monitoring Romulo. According to the Sky Sports report, 'he has several suitors across Europe,' underlining the competition that could complicate matters. However, Fulham's willingness to table a €16 million offer shows serious intent. With pre-season rapidly approaching, time is of the essence if the Cottagers hope to integrate a new striker into Silva's system effectively. Advertisement If they are to close the gap to Göztepe's valuation, Fulham may need to offer closer to €20 million, possibly with performance-related add-ons to sweeten the deal. Strategy and Timing Will Be Key Romulo's potential arrival would not only boost Fulham's attacking depth but also act as a statement of ambition. While negotiations continue, Fulham must weigh their options carefully. Securing a player with such an upward trajectory could prove a masterstroke if managed efficiently. Our View – EPL Index Analysis As a Fulham supporter, this news is genuinely exciting. Finally, the club is chasing a forward who has both the statistics and the energy to make a real difference. Romulo's 17 goals and 10 assists are not just numbers, they are evidence of a player who can influence games from multiple positions in attack. Advertisement Fans have longed for a replacement for Mitrović who doesn't just wait for chances, but creates them. Romulo seems to be that player. He's quick, hungry, and at 23 years old, he fits the mould of a modern Premier League forward. If Silva can mould him into the system early, he could be one of the signings of the summer. What excites me most is the potential partnership between Romulo and Muniz. With Willian and Pereira pulling the strings behind them, we could be looking at a forward line full of flair and unpredictability. And given Fulham's growing reputation for improving players, this feels like a calculated risk worth taking. Paying the full €20 million? If he fires us into the top half or better, it'll be money well spent.
