Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 14: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged Messi event fraud linked to Reporter TV and its owners, even as the former Finance Minister and CPI-M leader K.N. Balagopal refused to answer questions on alleged GST dues connected with the visit of football superstar Lionel Messi to Kerala in 2025, which failed to take place.

State BJP General Secretary S. Suresh demanded that the V.D. Satheesan government hand over the investigation to the CBI, saying that the controversy had international dimensions involving Argentina, Embassies, apart from alleged financial irregularities.

He alleged that the state government’s name had been misused in the proposed Messi event and called for a comprehensive probe into the financial transactions involved.

He also demanded a criminal case into the alleged GST evasion and said those found responsible should face legal action, including arrest wherever warranted.

Suresh also alleged that serious charges had surfaced against the previous LDF government and sought a probe into allegations of political protection being extended to those involved.

He warned the Satheesan government against entering into any political understanding with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to suppress or delay the investigation.

The BJP leader also claimed that the alleged intermediary (sponsor) in the Messi event faced around 19 cases, including cheating cases, and demanded that the entire financial and international dimensions of the controversy be examined by Central agencies.

Meanwhile, Balagopal, who served as the Kerala Finance Minister from 2021 to 2026 and now sits in the Opposition front row alongside Vijayan, faced questions on the alleged non-payment of GST linked to the principal sponsor of the Messi event.

Known for his sharp responses on public finance during his ministerial tenure, Balagopal offered little on Friday.

He said he did not have any papers on the matter and suggested that officials might know more.

The response was particularly notable given Balagopal’s repeated criticism of the Centre over Kerala’s finances and devolution of funds while he was the Finance Minister.

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.