Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has opened bidding for the rights to run a new team in the esteemed T20 Mumbai League, which will expand the men’s league to nine teams from what was eight earlier this season.

The new franchise will represent the Navi Mumbai region, broadening the league’s presence and offering more opportunities for cricketers from Mumbai and nearby areas.

The league’s growth follows a successful fourth edition held in June, which attracted high fan engagement and showcased competitive cricket. This success continues to solidify its status as one of India’s top franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments.

Interested parties may pick up the bid documents at the MCA office located in the Cricket Centre, Wankhede Stadium, Churchgate, Mumbai, from August 10 to August 25, 2026, between 11 am and 6 pm.

Bid documents are available after paying a non-refundable fee of ₹2.5 lakh via Demand Draft payable to the Mumbai Cricket Association. Alternatively, payment can be made through bank transfer to the account listed in the tender notice on the Mumbai Cricket Association’s official website.

MSC Maratha Royals successfully defended their T20 Mumbai League title this season, defeating ARCS Andheri by eight runs in a thrilling final at the Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, the Royals posted 154/5, with Chinmay Sutar anchoring the innings with a composed 61 not out, while Siddhesh Lad contributed 33.

In reply, Andheri were led by Divyaansh Sksena’s 51, but the Royals’ bowlers kept striking at crucial moments to restrict them to 146/8. Tushar Deshpande, who took over as captain after Lad suffered an arm injury, played a key role with the ball and dismissed Shivam Dube.

Sksena finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 261 runs and claimed the Orange Cap, while Deshpande won the Purple Cap with 12 wickets.

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday praised silver medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain for raising an objection after spotting a distorted map of India at a restaurant in Glasgow during the 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying her gesture would be remembered for a long time.

At his meeting with India’s Commonwealth champions following their trip to Scotland, Modi mentioned the incident. After the meeting, Lovlina, who had won a silver medal in the women’s 75kg event, was questioned by the Prime Minister about it.

“Kya hua wo restaurant waale se jhagda kar rahi thi? (What happened, you were fighting with that restaurant guy?)” PM Modi asked the Assam boxer.

Lovlina laughed and said that she had raised the point only since she was uncomfortable with the distorted map, even though the team were celebrating their success at the Commonwealth Games.

“It was a happy occasion sir, we were celebrating and I didn’t like to see the distorted flag. I politely told them and they have made the changes also,” Lovlina replied.

Narendra Modi praised the boxer for having noticed the problem even though she was in a celebratory mood and stated that her actions had importance that went beyond the immediate moment.

“To be able to recognise the significance of that map at a time when you were celebrating, and the Games were over, I can tell you truthfully that video was not ordinary. It will be remembered by people for a very long time,” he said.

The incident took place following India’s boxing team having a historic performance in Glasgow, bringing home a total of 10 medals. This consisted of seven gold and three silver medals, one of which was Lovlina’s silver in the women’s 75kg event. At a celebratory dinner with the members of the Indian boxing team, Lovlina noticed that the map of India on the restaurant’s menu was missing the Northeast. She then took the issue up with the restaurant management.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way. I felt a little hurt by this. In the map of India, our Northeast is missing. Yes, even outside, the map that’s displayed has cut off the Northeast. As someone from the Northeast, that really hurts us. That’s all I wanted to say. Please keep this in mind next time. Thank you so much,” she told the restaurant staff.

After Lovlina drew the restaurant’s attention to the matter, it then altered the map.

New Delhi, Aug 8: Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple Argentine media outlets.

Jorge had been struggling with health issues for a while. Lionel Messi had mentioned that his family was going through a tough time, but he did not share specific details about his father’s condition.

After scoring against Algeria in June, Messi became visibly emotional and was asked about his tears. He replied, “Why was I crying? It had absolutely nothing to do with football. I have had a few difficult days.”

These comments sparked intense speculation about why he was so emotional, with many media outlets connecting it to Jorge’s health. Conflicting reports soon surfaced regarding his condition, prompting the Messi family to release a statement requesting privacy.

“The Messi family wishes to inform you that Jorge Messi is currently dealing with health problems. He is under medical supervision and is recovering well,” the statement said.

The family expressed concern about the rumors surrounding Jorge’s condition. They criticized how some reports handled what they called a private family matter.

“Given the reports, rumors, and speculation that have been circulating in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern about the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some people have treated a strictly private family matter.”

The statement concluded with a plea for privacy and thanked those who had supported the family during this challenging time.

“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received. We ask that the privacy, confidentiality, and personal space of Jorge—and that of his entire family—be respected throughout this process,” it read.

Jorge’s health issues also seemed to impact Lionel Messi’s schedule. At the end of July, the 39-year-old skipped the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, with reports suggesting he traveled to be with his father.

Messi returned to play for Inter Miami in an MLS match a few days later, but these events highlighted the personal challenges he faced off the field.

Jorge had a significant role in Messi’s journey from a young player in Rosario to one of the sport’s greatest legends. He was a constant presence throughout his son’s career and acted as his agent.