Greater Noida will host Season 2 of the Big Cricket League (BCL), positioned as the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium from March 11 to March 22, 2026.

The 12-day tournament will bring together established international cricketers and Indian amateur players under a hybrid Pro-Am format that differentiates BCL from traditional leagues. Following a successful inaugural edition, organisers are targeting higher commercial traction and competitive intensity in the second season.

The player auction on February 16 is expected to set the tone for the tournament, with franchises focused on building balanced squads combining global experience and emerging domestic talent. Season 1 featured international names including Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs and Imran Tahir. More overseas participation is anticipated this year.

The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) is supporting the event, with stadium preparations underway to ensure operational readiness.

Prerna Singh, ACEO of GNIDA, said, “Greater Noida Authority actively supports initiatives that combine sporting excellence with regional advancement. Hosting Big Cricket League Season 2 at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium is a significant step toward positioning the city as a leading sports destination in the region.”

League Commissioner Dilip Vengsarkar said, “We are proud to bring Season 2 of the Big Cricket League to Uttar Pradesh, with the support of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA). As the world’s first Pro-Am cricket league, BCL is committed to building a professional platform where emerging amateur talent competes alongside established international cricketers. Uttar Pradesh’s strong focus on developing world-class sports infrastructure provides the ideal environment for this vision to thrive. Through this season, we aim to further strengthen the pathway for aspiring cricketers across the state turning ‘Ab Sapne Banenge Haqeeqat’ into a tangible opportunity on the field.”

Founder and President Rudra Pratap Singh said, “Season 2 marks a defining milestone for the Big Cricket League. The support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) reinforces our vision of building India’s most powerful Pro-Am cricket platform. With international stars joining hands with emerging amateur talent, this season will set new benchmarks in competitive cricket.”

Chief Patron Puneet Singh said, “The response to Season 1 validated our model. Season 2 is not just an expansion it is an evolution. From the player auction on 16th February to the grand matches in March, every aspect of this season has been strategically elevated to deliver scale, quality and impact.”

CEO and Co-Founder Annirudh Chauhan said, “Season 2 represents scale, structure and serious cricketing ambition. With support from the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), BCL is entering a new phase of growth. Our focus is not just on hosting matches, but on building a sustainable platform where global professionals and India’s rising amateur talent compete at the highest level.”

Season 2 is positioned as an expanded edition, combining sporting competition with regional infrastructure support and commercial growth as Greater Noida strengthens its credentials as a host for large-scale sporting events.

BABU88Sports, a prominent global sports news platform, has partnered with Sudurpaschim Royals as their official sponsor for the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2024. This collaboration emphasizes BABU88Sports’s commitment to nurturing emerging sports markets and connecting with cricket fans across South Asia.

The NPL, Nepal’s premier T20 tournament, will run from November 30 to December 21, 2024, at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. This year’s edition holds special significance following Nepal’s recent achievements, including their historic qualification for the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers.

“Cricket embodies resilience and community, values that resonate with BABU88Sports,” said Benjamin Harris, spokesperson for BABU88Sports. Through this sponsorship, Sudurpaschim Royals will benefit from financial support and fan-oriented initiatives aimed at bolstering their performance.

Led by marquee player Dipendra Singh Airee, Sudurpaschim Royals aim to secure victory in this landmark tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling cricketing season.

BABU88, a leading platform announced its sponsorship of the Grand Cayman Jaguars for the debut season of Max60 Caribbean League 2024.

Max60 Caribbean League 2024: A New Era of Cricket

The inaugural season of the Max60 Caribbean League kicked off on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Jimmy Powell Oval Cricket Stadium in George Town, Grand Cayman. Organized by the Cayman Islands Cricket Association (CICA), this high-energy T10 tournament runs until August 25, 2024, featuring five teams: New York Strikers, Caribbean Giants, Boca Raton Trailblazers, Grand Cayman Jaguars, and Miami Lions. With 25 matches packed into one week, the top four teams will advance to the knockout rounds, culminating to the exciting final on August 25, 2024.

Grand Cayman Jaguars: A Powerhouse Lineup

The Grand Cayman Jaguars, one of the most anticipated teams in the league, features a star-studded roster with international cricketing talents like former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, English batsman Alex Hales, Irish pacer Josh Little, and Nepal’s top cricketer, Dipendra Singh Airee. These players bring a wealth of experience and a dynamic style of play that promises to captivate fans throughout the tournament. Uthappa, who has a massive following in India and Bangladesh, was pre-signed by the Jaguars even before the draft. His recent success in the World Championship of Legends, where he led the India Champions with 225 runs in seven innings, reinforces his reputation as a consistent performer.

Alex Hales, another key player for the Jaguars, has been in stellar form, scoring 204 runs in eight matches for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred. Hales’ aggressive batting style and proven track record make him a crucial asset to the team. Additionally, the Jaguars have secured Josh Little, a rising star from Ireland known for his impressive bowling, and Dipendra Singh Airee, Nepal’s cricket sensation who has been instrumental in elevating the sport in his home country. With such a formidable lineup, the Grand Cayman Jaguars are well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.

Meet the Grand Cayman Jaguars Super Squad:

This season, the Grand Cayman Jaguars have assembled a roster that combines seasoned experience with youthful energy, promising an exciting performance. Below is the complete list of players:

1. Sikandar Raza
2. Alex Hales
3. Robin Uthappa
4. Josh Little
5. Ben Dunk
6. Mitchell McClenaghan
7. Jake Lintott
8. Saif Zaib
9. Ross Whiteley
10. Sajid Ahmedzai
11. Logan van Beek
12. Dipendra Singh Airee
13. Mark Watt
14. Ramoon Sealy
15. Sam Foster
16. Patrick Heron

BABU88 Spokesperson Sachin Mehta Expresses Enthusiasm

Sachin Mehta, spokesperson for BABU88, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We’re genuinely excited to team up with the Grand Cayman Jaguars for the Max60 Caribbean League. New leagues like this are a fantastic sign of the thriving cricket scene, and we’re proud to be a part of this exciting venture with the Jaguars.”

Protein powders, once a niche product, have evolved into a thriving multi-million dollar industry. These powdered supplements are now ubiquitous, consumed by a diverse range of individuals, from bodybuilders engaged in intense weightlifting to long-distance runners logging miles. Their omnipresence extends from gym bags to fashion magazines and even public transport advertisements, underlining their widespread adoption.

Renee McGregor, a performance and clinical dietician, points out the primary allure of protein shakes – convenience. Their portability makes them a handy option when real food availability is limited, especially in scenarios like post-race recovery or a quick replenishment after a workout when time for a proper meal is lacking.

Contrary to the belief that a protein shake is a post-run essential, McGregor advises restraint. The necessity arises when there is a considerable gap between finishing a run and the next meal or when planning another training session within 12 hours. Ideally, if opting for a shake, it should be consumed within 30 minutes of completing the run, exploiting the body’s heightened nutrient absorption during this ‘magic window’ for efficient post-run repair and recovery.

Determining the appropriate protein intake involves considering factors such as body weight, activity level, and fitness goals. While a general rule suggests 0.8 to 1g of protein per kilogram of body weight for recreational athletes, serious athletes engaging in intensive exercise may require 1.2 to 2 grams of protein/kg. Recent studies propose even higher doses, such as 1.5 g per kilogram of body weight, to maintain and enhance muscle strength.

Many protein powders incorporate additional ingredients or supplements to aid recovery. These can range from enhanced concentrations of amino acids to substances like creatine. However, caution is necessary as certain products may contain banned substances or pharmaceutical drugs. To ensure safety, certifications like ‘NSF Certified for Sport’ or ‘GMP Good Manufacturing Practices’ can guide users toward properly sourced and substance-free protein powders.

Exploring Protein Powder Varieties

Whey Protein
– Quickly absorbed
– Rich in leucine, crucial for recovery
– Popular and extensively tested

Casein
– Slow-digesting, suitable for prolonged repair
– Makes up 80% of milk protein
– Suggested for consumption before bedtime

Pea Protein
– Dairy-free and vegan-friendly
– Complete protein containing essential amino acids
– Alternative for individuals avoiding animal-based proteins

Brown Rice Protein
– Vegan option with muscle-building effectiveness
– Slowly digested compared to whey
– Contains fibre for additional nutritional benefits

Spirulina
– Rich in essential amino acids and highly absorbable
– Contains powerful antioxidants
– Limited protein concentration in supplement form

Soy Protein
– Vegan protein derived from defatted soy flour
– Can have up to 90% protein content
– Neutral flavor for versatile use

In the quest for the ideal protein powder, considerations should include personal dietary preferences, fitness objectives, and potential allergies. As the protein powder landscape continues to expand, with numerous products claiming various benefits, consumers are urged to prioritize safety, opting for certified and reputable brands.

Fitness trackers have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, offering insights into our health with features like heart rate monitoring, pulse tracking, and step counting. These devices serve as efficient tools, providing valuable information about our workouts and overall well-being.

Exploring the Diverse World of Fitness Trackers in India

In a market saturated with choices differing in shape, size, battery life, and comfort, selecting the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task. To ease your decision-making process, we’ve compiled a list of the best fitness trackers available in India, each offering unique features tailored to meet diverse needs.

1. Noise ColorFit Pulse Grand Smart Watch

A compact yet powerful choice, the Noise ColorFit Pulse Grand Smart Watch stands out as an ideal fitness companion. Boasting a rapid 15-minute charging time for a full day’s use, it supports an impressive 60 sports modes. With a customizable touch, this watch includes features such as 24×7 heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, menstrual cycle monitoring, and sleep analysis.

Product Features:

• 1.69-inch LCD display
• 60 sports modes
• Quick charging capability

2. Fitbit Versa 2 Health & Fitness Smartwatch

Fitbit’s Versa 2 emerges as a comprehensive solution, granting you access to your world from your wrist. The built-in Alexa feature facilitates easy weather checks, reminders, and other functions directly from the watch. Offering a remarkable 5+ day battery life and an always-on display, it tracks steps, distance, active minutes, and calories burned.

Product Features:

• Built-in Alexa feature
• Extended battery life
• Always-on display

3. Fire-Boltt Ninja Fit Smartwatch

The Fire-Boltt Ninja Fit Smartwatch presents a full-touch experience with a 1.69-inch display featuring a pixel resolution of 240 x 280. With a sleek 9.5 mm thickness, it supports an extensive 123 sports modes, along with SpO2 monitoring, heart rate tracking, and sleep monitoring. Its powerful battery life enhances its appeal.

Product Features:

• Full touch display
• Powerful battery life
• Real-time heart rate monitoring

4. boAt Xtend Smartwatch

Long-lasting battery life characterizes the boAt Xtend Smartwatch, ensuring seven days of uninterrupted use. With a 1.69-inch square-shaped display and support for built-in Alexa, it accommodates multiple sports modes for comprehensive activity tracking.

Product Features:

• Extended battery life
• Square-shaped display
• 100+ watch faces

5. Amazfit Fitness Tracker

The Amazfit Fitness Tracker stands out with its 1.65-inch HD AMOLED display, offering a visually appealing experience. Supporting over 120 sports modes and featuring built-in Alexa, this powerful smartwatch includes Bluetooth music control, allowing direct control of your phone’s music from the watch.

Product Features:

• 50 watch faces
• Bluetooth music control
• Powerful smartwatch capabilities

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on product details available at the time of writing. Prices, features, and availability may vary, and it is advisable to check the latest information before making a purchase

In the recent clash between India and New Zealand, all eyes were on Virat Kohli’s homage to Sachin Tendulkar, but it was the inconspicuous WHOOP fitness band on Kohli’s arm that stirred curiosity.

Understanding WHOOP: A Unique Wearable Fitness Band

WHOOP transcends the typical definition of a strap; it’s a cutting-edge health and performance optimization tool. Boasting five sensors, this sleek band delves into an array of data vital for comprehending the wearer’s physiological state. Fueled by a five-day battery life, the WHOOP strap, when paired with its dedicated app, unlocks a trove of insights into the user’s body.

The WHOOP band, free of screens and extraneous features, has garnered attention, particularly as globally recognized athletes embrace it. Crafted by WHOOP, a US-based wearable technology company founded by Will Ahmed, the band has become more than a mere accessory. On the company’s website, Ahmed states, “Studying human performance is our full-time job,” emphasizing their dedication to optimizing human potential.

Despite its current success, WHOOP faced significant challenges. Ahmed revealed in a podcast that there was an intense 18-month phase where the company had less than three months of runway, coming perilously close to bankruptcy. WHOOP launched its first version in 2015, and after six years, it unveiled WHOOP 4.0.

Who Should Wear WHOOP?

WHOOP has evolved through several iterations, prompting the question of its suitability over smartwatches or fitness bands. Targeted at specific users, the WHOOP band serves as an everyday casual wearable offering insights into wellness, sleep cycles, and recovery. Ideal for runners, gym enthusiasts, and crossfit trainers, WHOOP consolidates various metrics into an intuitive platform, distinguishing itself from other wearables.

Founded by Harvard University student athlete Will Ahmed in 2012, WHOOP emerged from Ahmed’s desire to provide athletes with profound insights into their fitness and rest. Ahmed, a sports and fitness enthusiast from his early years, became a student athlete at Harvard, sparking his fascination with understanding the human body. This passion, coupled with years of physiology research, laid the foundation for WHOOP.

Metrics and Sensors: The WHOOP band adeptly tracks heart rate, variability, temperature, movement, and skin conductivity, generating 100 MB of daily data, offering a comprehensive overview of the wearer’s physical condition.

Data Presentation: The WHOOP app serves as the canvas for presenting collected data, providing insights into daily recovery, cardiovascular strain, training load, and sleep quality. The desktop version enhances visibility, enabling users to discern trends and make informed decisions.

Recovery Status: WHOOP’s calculation of recovery status, based on resting heart rate and heart rate variability, transforms it into a digital personal coach. A high resting rate signals fatigue or illness, while elevated heart rate variability indicates readiness for intense training.

Sleep Analysis: With a focus on sleep quality, WHOOP measures blood flow and heartbeats, conducting sleep cycle analysis. This method, utilizing heart rate variability and resting heart rate during specific sleep cycle times, ensures accurate and comprehensive sleep data.

Wearability: WHOOP’s design, featuring durable SuperKnit bands, ensures non-stop wear. Its flexibility allows it to transcend the wrist, seamlessly integrating with WHOOP Body apparel.

Health Monitoring: Beyond fitness, WHOOP monitors vital signs, including blood oxygen levels, skin temperature readings, and heart rate metrics, offering a holistic perspective on the user’s health.

Strain Coach: A standout feature, the Strain Coach recommends daily training levels, aligning with recovery status and current strain. This innovation serves as a guide, assisting users in optimizing their workouts.

The WHOOP app unveils visualizations of daily data and long-term trends, covering sleep data, recovery status, and strain scores. The desktop version facilitates a more profound examination of the data. The Strain Coach emerges as a game-changer, providing personalized training recommendations. This dynamic feature empowers athletes to strike a balance between strain and recovery, enhancing the effectiveness of their workouts.

Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment conglomerate, showcased resilience in the face of market fluctuations and challenges, as it reported robust revenue growth in its third-quarter earnings, buoyed by its strategic acquisitions and diversified portfolio. Despite headwinds stemming from the Hollywood strikes and other market conditions, Endeavor’s Q3 results revealed its ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic landscape.

The quarter, marked by the marriage of UFC and WWE under the TKO Group umbrella, saw Endeavor’s Q3 revenue surge to $1.34 billion, a significant increase from $1.2 billion in the same period of the previous year. The growth was underpinned by the stellar performance of its Owned Sports Properties unit, which includes its 51% holdings in TKO Group. This segment’s revenue soared by 19% to $479.7 million, primarily driven by the acquisition of WWE, now a part of the TKO Group alongside Endeavor’s dominant MMA league UFC.

Endeavor’s CEO, Ari Emanuel, highlighted the company’s diversified portfolio and leading position in sports and entertainment as key factors contributing to its strong performance. He emphasized the company’s progress in integrating TKO Group, achieving record ticket sales and attendance at live events, and meeting the demand for premium content and experiences. Additionally, Emanuel stated that the company’s focus remains on maximizing shareholder value through various capital return initiatives, including share repurchases and dividend payments, as well as exploring strategic alternatives.

The Representation segment, which encompasses WME, was the second-largest contributor to Endeavor’s revenue, generating $385.6 million, albeit a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA for this segment stood at $96.3 million, reflecting a 27% decline. Despite this dip, Endeavor’s diversified business model allowed it to mitigate the impact and maintain a strong overall performance.

However, despite the revenue growth, Endeavor faced a net income loss of $116 million, indicative of the challenges encountered during the quarter. The total operating expenses also experienced a significant increase, rising to $1.3 billion from $1.06 billion in the year-ago quarter. These challenges were met with resilience, demonstrating Endeavor’s ability to navigate the complexities of the market.

In the backdrop of these financial results, Endeavor’s recent announcement regarding its consideration of “strategic alternatives” for some of its businesses has piqued the interest of analysts and investors. While controlling shareholder Silver Lake has expressed its intent to take the company private, the company’s executives, including Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro, president and COO, are expected to address these developments in the upcoming conference call with analysts.

Endeavor’s ability to navigate through market shifts and challenges, while maintaining a focus on strategic acquisitions and maximizing shareholder value, underscores its position as a formidable player in the global sports and entertainment industry. As the company explores new avenues and adapts to evolving market conditions, its resilience and strategic vision continue to drive its growth trajectory forward.

Mathew Cyriac has invested $ 2 M in MyySports. Mathew is an existing Board Member and now joins as a Co-Founder. He is also the founder of Florintree Advisors.

Saurav Banerjee, founded MyySports in 2021. MyySports is a sports-tech start-up which through its App provides simple creator tools allowing millions of sports lovers to create, socialise and monetise their content. The App is sports and geography agnostic. MyySports has recently acquired a gaming company, MyyHashstash.

Mathew Cyriac, Co- Founder and Director, MyySports, said, “India is at the cusp of a digital revolution with 1 Bn smartphones in the hands of the people. MyySports enables capturing and socialising the sporting journey of every sports enthusiast. With its unique offering, MyySports is all set to capture the large sports community on its digital platform. I am pleased to partner with Saurav on this exciting journey.”

Saurav Banerjee, Founder, MyySports, commented, “I am extremely happy to have Mathew as a Co-Founder. He is a prolific investor with an unbeatable track record and has over five investments in the Sports sector. MyySports will gain immensely from his vast experience. A warm welcome on behalf of the entire MyySports team.”

FC Goa confirms the appointment of Gorka Azkorra and Joel Dones as the Club’s new Assistant Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coach respectively for the upcoming season.

Azkorra, a UEFA A license holder, has been working with the youth teams at Athletic Bilbao for the past three seasons after retiring from the game as a player in 2018. His playing days saw him making 5 La Liga and 116 Segunda appearances in addition to playing 3 games in the UEFA Cup (erstwhile Europa League) – playing as a professional across 14 seasons.

Azkorra: I’m going to the right Club at the right moment

“I’m very happy to join FC Goa. I feel very confident about us as staff, about the players we have and about the team we are going to be together,” stated Azkorra after signing on the dotted lines.

“I believe that I’m going to the right Club, with the right people (staff, club workers, and players) and at the right moment (people returning to the stadiums), so I’m looking forward to arriving in Goa and beginning the pre-season. It’s going to be a great season, I’m sure”.

Speaking on his appointment, FC Goa’s new Head Coach, Carlos Pena said, “Gorka is a professional with a lot of experience. He is one who lives the game. He has played many years at a high level in Spain and is one who has always had a keen interest in learning the game.

“He has been over the last three years in one of the best academies in Spain (Athletic Bilbao). He is really focussed towards the development of players and being one who pays attention to the small details. This will serve us well this coming season.”

Dones: Excited for the new season

Dones is an experienced strength & conditioning coach with a degree in Sports Science and a Professional master’s degree in High Performance in Team Sports from FC Barcelona. Dones also has a UEFA A License to his name. He has spent a number of years working as the Strength and Conditioning Coach with clubs in Spain in addition to a 2-year stint in the Hong Kong Premier League.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that FC Goa and Carlos have presented to me. I am looking forward to putting in the required work to move the team to the top of the Indian Super league,” stated Dones following his arrival to the team.

“I’m anxious to know more about India – the culture, the food, the traditions and especially the people. I’m sure this coming season will be an amazing experience for me and my family in this wonderful country.”

FC Goa head coach Carlos Pena also weighed in on the addition of Dones to the first-team coaching staff. “Joel, is an astute professional with a lot of experience of having worked with senior teams, and individual programs with football players. I have worked with him previously during my time with Lleida. I believe he is the perfect guy to push our players and get them to their highest physical level,” stated Pena.

“Both of them share values I want from my technical staff. They are people who will leave no stone unturned when it comes to preparation. They have a real passion for the game and the project we have at hand. I am excited to have them onboard.”

India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli, now has the most number of followers on Instagram. Virat Kohli now has 200 million followers on Instagram, the highest by any Indian celebrity or any Indian sportsperson on Instagram.

Virat Kohli has also the highest number of followers among all the cricket players worldwide. Among sportspersons, only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have more followers on Instagram than him.

Virat Kohli himself took to Instagram to thank his supporters. “200 mil strong. Thanks for all your support insta fam,” Kohli wrote along with a montage of his Instagram posts.

On the sporting front, Virat Kohli will next be facing the English team in a one-off or deciding test match. As the whole nation is praying for star batsman, he will be looking to break his poor run show.