Concerns Grow As BCCI Reviews Rohit Kohli Future Plans
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P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
Ahmedabad | Planet & Commerce
A major strategic shake-up appears to be underway in Indian cricket as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly raised concerns over the match-readiness and long-term planning of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — two of the biggest icons in the sport. According to a Times of India report, the board has scheduled a high-stakes meeting in Ahmedabad next week, bringing together head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, senior officials, and members of the team management to discuss the duo’s future and India’s roadmap leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The meeting is expected to take place after the third ODI of the India–South Africa series in Visakhapatnam, marking one of the rare occasions in recent years where BCCI has formally convened a review to address the roles, preparedness, and expectations surrounding two senior players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature. Both superstars are currently active only in ODIs at the international level, and the board wants clarity on whether they will remain part of the team’s long-term plans. A senior BCCI source quoted in the report emphasized the need for transparency. “It is very important that players of Rohit and Kohli’s stature are given clarity about what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They can't just be playing with uncertainty,” the source said. The board has reportedly told Rohit to focus entirely on fitness and on-field performance, while refraining from reacting to speculation surrounding his future.
These developments follow concerns raised over the duo’s performance rhythm during the recent ODI series against Australia. Rohit Sharma was the standout player of the series, scoring 202 runs and winning Player of the Series. Kohli, however, struggled early, scoring two consecutive ducks before salvaging his form with a solid 74 in the third ODI. Despite the late resurgence, BCCI insiders were reportedly worried about their initial rustiness. “They looked rusty in the first two matches. One can’t afford that in every series,” the source said, adding that while their experience is invaluable, expectations for consistency remain extremely high.
The BCCI is also believed to be evaluating how the duo’s roles fit into the team's evolving ODI philosophy. Rohit Sharma, known for his aggressive and high-impact starts, is expected to maintain the fearless style he showcased during India’s Champions Trophy win. Sources say the team management wants Rohit to continue setting the tone at the top of the order, especially in conditions that demand bold decision-making.
“It is expected that he continues to lead by example as a fearless batter at the top. The conditions were tough in Australia, but it did look like he was avoiding taking risks,” said the source. Kohli, meanwhile, is expected to anchor the middle order with his trademark stability, enabling younger players to develop around him without feeling excessive pressure. One of the key agendas of next week’s meeting will be to provide both players with ample game-time ahead of crucial ODI assignments. The board is likely to advise both Rohit and Kohli to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy next month to help them regain match sharpness outside international cricket. With India set to play another ODI series against New Zealand in January and a high-profile 50-over tour to England in July, the BCCI wants both stalwarts in peak rhythm.
The upcoming 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, is expected to heavily shape selection discussions. India’s ODI squad has been undergoing gradual transition, with emerging talents vying for spots once cemented by the two senior players. The BCCI’s concern is not about Rohit and Kohli’s abilities, but whether they can maintain form, fitness, and availability consistently over the next three years. The board is also expected to deliberate on a long-term succession plan. While Rohit Sharma leads the ODI side with immense experience, Gambhir and Agarkar reportedly want a clear leadership transition blueprint for the next phase of Indian cricket. The goal is to prevent a leadership vacuum and ensure a smooth handover when the senior players eventually step aside.
The meeting serves as the first major review under Gambhir’s tenure as India’s head coach. Known for his uncompromising approach and direct communication style, Gambhir is expected to push for a performance-centric system in which all players — regardless of seniority — are held to the same standards of preparation and match-fitness. His partnership with Agarkar, one of India’s sharpest cricketing minds, will be pivotal in shaping India’s white-ball pathway. For Rohit and Kohli, the meeting could serve as a crucial checkpoint in defining their roles and expectations heading into the final chapters of their ODI careers. Both players will remain instrumental to India’s immediate plans, but their long-term involvement will likely depend on sustained form, fitness, and their willingness to commit to the ODI cycle. Beyond individual assessments, India’s ODI future also hinges on building a core group of younger batters and bowlers who can shoulder responsibility by 2027. The likes of Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Sanju Samson form the next generation of batting talent. Integrating them alongside Rohit and Kohli’s experience will be a delicate balance the BCCI and team management must negotiate.
The board believes that removing uncertainty will not only help the seniors prepare better but also give clarity to younger players who are waiting for their opportunities. The BCCI source reiterated that planning must begin early: “You cannot go into a World Cup cycle unclear about your captain, your senior core, or your playing philosophy.” Ultimately, the Ahmedabad meeting could shape India’s ODI roadmap for the next three years. Whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue as central pillars of the ODI setup or gradually transition into revised roles will depend on what emerges from the discussions between Gambhir, Agarkar, and the BCCI leadership. For now, India’s cricketing establishment recognizes that the nation’s two greatest modern-day batters still have much to offer — but also understands that succession planning, workload management, and consistent match-readiness are essential if India intends to reclaim the ODI crown in 2027. The coming weeks will reveal whether the meeting leads to reaffirmed roles for Rohit and Kohli, a shift in team strategy, or the beginning of a new phase in Indian cricket’s evolution.
Visa Dispute Forces Iran To Skip 2026 World Cup Draw
P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
Washington D.C. | Planet & Commerce
A fresh geopolitical flashpoint has emerged ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Iran announced that it will boycott next week’s World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., after the United States denied visas to members of its official delegation. The state-run IRNA news agency reported the decision on Friday, deepening tensions already heightened by U.S. travel restrictions and long-standing political hostilities between the two countries.
Iran’s football federation spokesman, Amir-Mahdi Alavi, said the delegation faced visa obstacles that “go beyond sports considerations,” suggesting that political factors heavily influenced the decision. The federation has appealed to FIFA to intervene and help resolve the dispute, though the global governing body has not yet responded publicly.
The incident stems from the Trump administration’s June announcement of a sweeping travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, including Iran. Notably, Haiti — also on the list — qualified for the World Cup last week, raising questions about how exemptions would be applied. The administration had promised exemptions for athletes and sporting delegations attending major events such as the World Cup or Olympics, but it remains unclear whether those exemptions extend to the World Cup draw ceremony scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center. The draw is a critical event in the lead-up to the expanded 48-team World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. National team managers, technical staff, and federation officials typically attend the draw to understand their groups, travel itineraries, and early-stage opponents. Iran’s absence marks the first time in recent history that a qualified nation has boycotted such an event due to visa conflicts.
At the centre of the dispute lies Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj, one of Asia’s most senior football administrators. Taj serves as a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and sits on two influential FIFA committees overseeing men’s national team competitions and World Cup organisational matters. His role would have placed him at the forefront of Iran’s official delegation — yet he and others reportedly received no visa approval from U.S. authorities. Iran argues that preventing its senior football leadership from attending the draw undermines the principles of fairness and neutrality in global sporting governance. The IRNA report suggested that the denial “raises serious concerns” about whether sporting bodies can operate independent of diplomatic constraints. The federation expects FIFA to step in and protect “the rights of all participating nations,” though analysts say FIFA has limited influence over sovereign visa decisions.
The U.S. government has yet to comment on why visas were denied or whether exemptions might still be granted. The State Department is responsible for determining eligibility for travel ban exemptions, but officials have historically adopted a strict interpretation of national security guidelines when dealing with Iranian citizens. This is not the first time international sporting events have been overshadowed by geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Iranian athletes have withdrawn from competitions to avoid facing Israeli opponents. Meanwhile, Iranian sports officials have repeatedly accused Western governments of politicising sports, particularly in events hosted in Europe or North America.
However, this incident carries additional significance because the 2026 World Cup is the first hosted by the United States since 1994 — and the first under the expanded 48-team format. By boycotting the draw, Iran risks complicating its preparation schedule, though its place in the tournament remains secure. Sports analysts say Iran’s absence could create minor logistical challenges but will not affect the integrity of the draw itself. Representatives of the Iranian federation are usually present to coordinate scheduling needs, travel arrangements, and training camp logistics. Without a delegation, those tasks will be handled remotely, potentially disadvantaging Iran in pre-tournament planning. The controversy also highlights growing frictions between sports diplomacy and rigid immigration policies. While exemptions exist on paper, their inconsistent application has created confusion among federations. The lack of clarity has also drawn criticism from human rights groups and sports governance academics, who argue that major international tournaments should not be constrained by unilateral political decisions.
Iran’s boycott may place additional pressure on FIFA, which has long insisted that host nations must facilitate visa access for all qualified teams and officials. Such obligations are typically written into World Cup hosting agreements. However, national security laws can supersede such commitments, leaving FIFA in a delicate position between defending its global mandate and respecting host nation sovereignty. The dispute comes at a sensitive time for Iranian football. The national team, known as Team Melli, has qualified for the World Cup consistently in recent years and remains one of Asia’s strongest sides. But internal political tensions, international sanctions, and football governance challenges have disrupted the federation’s operations. The visa denial and subsequent boycott add another layer of difficulty.Meanwhile, the U.S.–Iran political relationship continues to deteriorate. With diplomatic channels largely frozen, incidents like visa refusals take on heightened symbolic significance. Iran’s decision to boycott the draw will likely spark criticism from its domestic football community, which fears losing visibility on the global stage.
Some Iranian commentators argue that the U.S. should honour its sporting exemption pledge to uphold the integrity of international sports. Others believe Iran’s boycott is the correct response to what they see as discriminatory policies. In the United States, reactions have been mixed, with some lawmakers blaming Iran’s government for security concerns and others warning that politicising the World Cup undermines America’s responsibility as host.Despite the escalating rhetoric, there remains a narrow window for diplomatic resolution. FIFA could issue an urgent request to the U.S. State Department, asking for clarification or reconsideration of the visa denials. If exemptions are granted before December 5, Iran may reverse its boycott. If not, the draw will proceed without one of Asia’s most important football nations.As the World Cup approaches, this episode underscores the broader challenge of hosting major global sporting events in an era of increased geopolitical tension. For now, Iran’s absence from the draw ceremony raises uncomfortable questions about the balance between national security and the universal spirit of sport — questions that FIFA, the U.S., and the international community will need to confront long before the first ball is kicked in June 2026.
Struggling Hamilton Insists Ferrari Switch Was Right
P&C | Saturday, 29 Nov. 2025
Modena | Planet & Commerce
Lewis Hamilton has reiterated that he has “no regrets” about his blockbuster move to Ferrari, even as his first season with the Scuderia has turned into one of the most challenging campaigns of his illustrious career. The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion has struggled for form, results and consistency throughout 2025, leaving him 74 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and facing the possibility of finishing an entire season without a Grand Prix podium for the first time in 18 years.
Hamilton’s highly anticipated switch to Ferrari was one of the defining sporting stories of the year, raising expectations of a resurgence both for the driver and the team. Instead, his debut season has been defined by frustration, misfires and only fleeting flashes of competitiveness. In 22 Grands Prix, Hamilton has yet to score a podium, with his lone highlight coming in March when he secured pole position and won the China Sprint — an achievement now overshadowed by long spells of underperformance. His struggles reached a new low in Las Vegas, where he suffered the worst qualifying result of his career, finishing 20th and last on pure pace — something that had never happened in his 18-year F1 journey. Although he eventually battled through the field to score points, Hamilton described the Grand Prix weekend as “horrendous” and appeared dejected after the race, even suggesting that he was not looking forward to 2026 with Ferrari. However, ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, Hamilton addressed those comments in a calmer, more reflective tone. Speaking at the pre-race press conference, he explained that fatigue, frustration and the emotional toll of a gruelling season can distort a driver’s immediate outlook. “I'd be surprised if the other drivers are excited about next year at the end of a season,” he said.
“You don't have a lot of energy at the end — you're looking forward to time with your family. In the heat of frustration, often there's a lot of frustration at the end of races when things haven't gone well.”
Hamilton emphasised that his remarks were emotional rather than reflective of his actual long-term ambitions with Ferrari. “I'm excited to see what the team build next year,” he said, expressing confidence that the Scuderia’s engineers and leadership will make meaningful progress during the winter development cycle. When asked whether he would still have signed for Ferrari had he known how difficult his debut season would be, Hamilton refused to entertain the hypothetical.
“That's a hypothetical question so I wouldn't go into that,” he replied. But he made it clear that he stands firmly by the decision. “I don't regret the decision I've made joining the team. I know it takes time to build and grow within an organisation, and I expected that.”
Hamilton’s comments echo the long-term philosophy he spoke about during the early days of his Ferrari move — a belief that rebuilding a team takes commitment, patience and the willingness to endure short-term pain in pursuit of long-term success. His relationship with Ferrari remains anchored in this broader vision rather than immediate results. Still, the statistics underline just how uncharacteristically difficult this season has been for him. Hamilton has never completed an F1 season without a Grand Prix podium, even during years when his cars were not championship contenders. With only Qatar and Abu Dhabi left, he is running out of chances to avoid that unwanted first. His performances have been hampered by an unpredictable car, inconsistent grip, tyre-temperature struggles and setups that rarely provided him the confidence he once enjoyed at Mercedes.
At Las Vegas in particular, Hamilton’s Ferrari felt unstable throughout the weekend, and track evolution combined with setup misjudgments left him unable to extract pace in qualifying. He admitted post-race that it was one of the most challenging weekends he had ever experienced.
Nevertheless, Hamilton expressed cautious optimism for Qatar, noting that the high-speed and medium-speed cornering profile of the Lusail International Circuit may suit Ferrari better than Las Vegas. The race also features unique tyre restrictions, with Pirelli mandating that tyres complete no more than 25 laps — a rule that could introduce strategy dynamics favourable to teams that manage degradation well.
“I think the car should be pretty decent in terms of speed profile,” Hamilton said. “Might be hard to keep up with Red Bull but hoping for a better weekend.”
Ferrari, meanwhile, continues to view Hamilton as a central pillar of its long-term project. Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has repeatedly insisted that Hamilton’s leadership, experience and technical feedback are critical to Ferrari’s 2026 car — the machine that will debut under the revolutionary new engine and aerodynamic regulations. The Scuderia expects Hamilton to play a major role in shaping that next-generation concept. For Hamilton, Ferrari represents both a fresh chapter and a late-career challenge: reviving the most storied team in Formula 1 and guiding it back to world championship contention. But such a mission, he acknowledges, is not won in a single season.
Insiders within the paddock point out that Hamilton faced similar transitional struggles when he moved to Mercedes in 2013 — a decision initially questioned by many, but one that ultimately led to one of the most dominant eras in motorsport history. Whether his Ferrari move follows a similar arc remains to be seen, but Hamilton remains determined to make it work. With just two races to go, Hamilton’s focus is not on regret, but on rebuilding momentum and ending the season on a stronger note before shifting attention to the transformative 2026 regulations. The path has been far tougher than expected, but the seven-time champion insists the long game is still worth fighting for.
“I know it takes time,” Hamilton said. “I joined this team because I believe in what we can build together. I expected challenges, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
As the paddock heads to Qatar, all eyes will once again be on Ferrari’s No. 44 — still searching for his first podium of 2025, still determined to justify the biggest move of the Formula 1 decade.