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T20 cricket is a boon for Associate nations, says Kenya legend Steve Tikolo Steve Tikolo, batting mainstay of Kenya national cricket team at its peak, believes the rise of T20 cricket has been a “boon” for Associate nations, but insists 50-over cricket remains crucial for the long-term development of players from emerging cricket countries.“T20 cricket has been a boon for Associate cricket,” said Tikolo, head coach of the Uganda national cricket team during the side’s 15-day exposure tour in and around Mumbai. “There are more leagues, more opportunities and more exposure for players now.”Yet, the former Kenya captain remains a strong advocate for the 50-over format.“Personally, I would still want to see a lot of 50-over cricket because that is where a player grows,” he said. “T20 for me is more about entertainment. In 50-overs, players develop skills, temperament and understanding of the game.”Tikolo, the former Sri Lanka captain, said Uganda’s immediate focus remains qualification for two major ICC events later this year — the Challenge League B in Tanzania in August and the T20 World Cup sub-regional qualifiers in October.“The purpose of us coming here was to get some games and gain experience,” Tikolo said after Uganda played practice matches across venues in Mumbai. “The wickets in Tanzania will be slow and turning, so playing at various places in Mumbai, Palghar and Thane has been very good preparation for our boys.”Uganda’s steady rise in world cricket — highlighted by its appearance in the 2024 T20 World Cup — reflects the growing competitiveness among Associate nations. Tikolo acknowledged that T20 leagues around the world, led by the Indian Premier League, have significantly helped the Associate movement.ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav likely to face Uganda ahead of T20 Mumbai LeagueTikolo also pointed out that the ICC pathway structure now offers significantly more opportunities to emerging nations compared to his own playing days. Kenya, despite its famous 1996 World Cup upset over the West Indies cricket team and semifinal run in 2003, hardly played enough international cricket consistently.“When I was playing, Kenya would probably play only 20 ODIs in four years,” Tikolo recalled. “Now if Uganda gets ODI status, they can play at least 36 games in a cycle. That helps development massively.”Reflecting on Kenya’s decline, Tikolo admitted the country failed to build succession pathways after its golden generation featuring the Tikolos, Odumbes and Sujis. “We didn’t do enough development when that team was successful,” he said. “When senior players retired, there was nobody ready to replace them.”While Kenya continues to grapple with administrative instability and court battles, Tikolo remains cautiously hopeful about revival under a new administration. “It will take time — maybe five to ten years — but hopefully things can turn around,” he said.Published on May 26, 2026 #T20 #cricket #boon #Associate #nations #Kenya #legend #Steve #Tikolo

T20 cricket is a boon for Associate nations, says Kenya legend Steve Tikolo

Steve Tikolo, batting mainstay of Kenya national cricket team at its peak, believes the rise of T20 cricket has been a “boon” for Associate nations, but insists 50-over cricket remains crucial for the long-term development of players from emerging cricket countries.

“T20 cricket has been a boon for Associate cricket,” said Tikolo, head coach of the Uganda national cricket team during the side’s 15-day exposure tour in and around Mumbai. “There are more leagues, more opportunities and more exposure for players now.”

Yet, the former Kenya captain remains a strong advocate for the 50-over format.

“Personally, I would still want to see a lot of 50-over cricket because that is where a player grows,” he said. “T20 for me is more about entertainment. In 50-overs, players develop skills, temperament and understanding of the game.”

Tikolo, the former Sri Lanka captain, said Uganda’s immediate focus remains qualification for two major ICC events later this year — the Challenge League B in Tanzania in August and the T20 World Cup sub-regional qualifiers in October.

“The purpose of us coming here was to get some games and gain experience,” Tikolo said after Uganda played practice matches across venues in Mumbai. “The wickets in Tanzania will be slow and turning, so playing at various places in Mumbai, Palghar and Thane has been very good preparation for our boys.”

Uganda’s steady rise in world cricket — highlighted by its appearance in the 2024 T20 World Cup — reflects the growing competitiveness among Associate nations. Tikolo acknowledged that T20 leagues around the world, led by the Indian Premier League, have significantly helped the Associate movement.

ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav likely to face Uganda ahead of T20 Mumbai League

Tikolo also pointed out that the ICC pathway structure now offers significantly more opportunities to emerging nations compared to his own playing days. Kenya, despite its famous 1996 World Cup upset over the West Indies cricket team and semifinal run in 2003, hardly played enough international cricket consistently.

“When I was playing, Kenya would probably play only 20 ODIs in four years,” Tikolo recalled. “Now if Uganda gets ODI status, they can play at least 36 games in a cycle. That helps development massively.”

Reflecting on Kenya’s decline, Tikolo admitted the country failed to build succession pathways after its golden generation featuring the Tikolos, Odumbes and Sujis. “We didn’t do enough development when that team was successful,” he said. “When senior players retired, there was nobody ready to replace them.”

While Kenya continues to grapple with administrative instability and court battles, Tikolo remains cautiously hopeful about revival under a new administration. “It will take time — maybe five to ten years — but hopefully things can turn around,” he said.

Published on May 26, 2026

#T20 #cricket #boon #Associate #nations #Kenya #legend #Steve #Tikolo

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Steve Tikolo, batting mainstay of Kenya national cricket team at its peak, believes the rise of T20 cricket has been a “boon” for Associate nations, but insists 50-over cricket remains crucial for the long-term development of players from emerging cricket countries.

“T20 cricket has been a boon for Associate cricket,” said Tikolo, head coach of the Uganda national cricket team during the side’s 15-day exposure tour in and around Mumbai. “There are more leagues, more opportunities and more exposure for players now.”

Yet, the former Kenya captain remains a strong advocate for the 50-over format.

“Personally, I would still want to see a lot of 50-over cricket because that is where a player grows,” he said. “T20 for me is more about entertainment. In 50-overs, players develop skills, temperament and understanding of the game.”

Tikolo, the former Sri Lanka captain, said Uganda’s immediate focus remains qualification for two major ICC events later this year — the Challenge League B in Tanzania in August and the T20 World Cup sub-regional qualifiers in October.

“The purpose of us coming here was to get some games and gain experience,” Tikolo said after Uganda played practice matches across venues in Mumbai. “The wickets in Tanzania will be slow and turning, so playing at various places in Mumbai, Palghar and Thane has been very good preparation for our boys.”

Uganda’s steady rise in world cricket — highlighted by its appearance in the 2024 T20 World Cup — reflects the growing competitiveness among Associate nations. Tikolo acknowledged that T20 leagues around the world, led by the Indian Premier League, have significantly helped the Associate movement.

ALSO READ: Suryakumar Yadav likely to face Uganda ahead of T20 Mumbai League

Tikolo also pointed out that the ICC pathway structure now offers significantly more opportunities to emerging nations compared to his own playing days. Kenya, despite its famous 1996 World Cup upset over the West Indies cricket team and semifinal run in 2003, hardly played enough international cricket consistently.

“When I was playing, Kenya would probably play only 20 ODIs in four years,” Tikolo recalled. “Now if Uganda gets ODI status, they can play at least 36 games in a cycle. That helps development massively.”

Reflecting on Kenya’s decline, Tikolo admitted the country failed to build succession pathways after its golden generation featuring the Tikolos, Odumbes and Sujis. “We didn’t do enough development when that team was successful,” he said. “When senior players retired, there was nobody ready to replace them.”

While Kenya continues to grapple with administrative instability and court battles, Tikolo remains cautiously hopeful about revival under a new administration. “It will take time — maybe five to ten years — but hopefully things can turn around,” he said.

Published on May 26, 2026

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Deadspin | Galaxy could be most comfortable on counter vs. FC Dallas Jul 25, 2026; Stanford, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfield Marco Reus (18) warms up before the start of the first half against the San Jose Earthquakes at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Galaxy may be the home side Saturday night when they face FC Dallas in Carson, Calif., but don’t be surprised if Greg Vanney’s group is content with playing on the counterattack. That hasn’t been Vanney’s preferred style as a manager across 13 MLS seasons with Toronto FC and then Los Angeles, but it’s the one that has led to the most success recently. Since April 26, the Galaxy (5-7-6, 21 points) are 3-1-2 in matches where they hold less than 50% of possession, and 0-2-1 in games where they have more than 50%. Perhaps that makes sense with an attack that has been balanced but not particularly explosive. Four LA players have at least four MLS goals, but Joao Klauss and Gabriel Pec lead the squad with five, and Klauss is injured while Pec is no longer with the squad. “You can manage 90 minutes by being off the ball a little bit more or you can manage 90 minutes by being on the ball a little bit more,” Vanney said. “Right now, sometimes we look a little more comfortable off the ball managing the larger stretches of the game. But we’ll see how the game plays out.” There is little doubt that Dallas’ attack runs through center forward Petar Musa, who will be returning from his second MLS All-Star appearance for the Saturday encounter. Musa shares the MLS lead with 13 goals in 15 appearances for Dallas (7-5-5, 26 points), including a late go-ahead tally in his return from the World Cup in a 2-2 draw against the host Portland Timbers on July 22. He is on pace to far exceed his career best of 18 goals during the 2025 season and is averaging an elite 1.01 tallies per 90 minutes, the third-highest rate among players still active in the league. (Hugo Cuypers recently transferred from Chicago to CF Monterrey in Mexico.) Musa, a Croatian international who scored his first World Cup goal in June against England, let himself savor the reward of the All-Star exhibition, including the Tuesday skills contest and Wednesday friendly between a team of MLS stars and a team of Liga MX talent. “Everything, especially (Tuesday), the skill challenge was fun,” Musa said. “But to meet new players, it’s been great. And we are enjoying each moment.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Galaxy #comfortable #counter #DallasJul 25, 2026; Stanford, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfield Marco Reus (18) warms up before the start of the first half against the San Jose Earthquakes at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Galaxy may be the home side Saturday night when they face FC Dallas in Carson, Calif., but don’t be surprised if Greg Vanney’s group is content with playing on the counterattack.

That hasn’t been Vanney’s preferred style as a manager across 13 MLS seasons with Toronto FC and then Los Angeles, but it’s the one that has led to the most success recently.

Since April 26, the Galaxy (5-7-6, 21 points) are 3-1-2 in matches where they hold less than 50% of possession, and 0-2-1 in games where they have more than 50%.

Perhaps that makes sense with an attack that has been balanced but not particularly explosive. Four LA players have at least four MLS goals, but Joao Klauss and Gabriel Pec lead the squad with five, and Klauss is injured while Pec is no longer with the squad.

“You can manage 90 minutes by being off the ball a little bit more or you can manage 90 minutes by being on the ball a little bit more,” Vanney said. “Right now, sometimes we look a little more comfortable off the ball managing the larger stretches of the game. But we’ll see how the game plays out.”


There is little doubt that Dallas’ attack runs through center forward Petar Musa, who will be returning from his second MLS All-Star appearance for the Saturday encounter.

Musa shares the MLS lead with 13 goals in 15 appearances for Dallas (7-5-5, 26 points), including a late go-ahead tally in his return from the World Cup in a 2-2 draw against the host Portland Timbers on July 22.

He is on pace to far exceed his career best of 18 goals during the 2025 season and is averaging an elite 1.01 tallies per 90 minutes, the third-highest rate among players still active in the league. (Hugo Cuypers recently transferred from Chicago to CF Monterrey in Mexico.)

Musa, a Croatian international who scored his first World Cup goal in June against England, let himself savor the reward of the All-Star exhibition, including the Tuesday skills contest and Wednesday friendly between a team of MLS stars and a team of Liga MX talent.

“Everything, especially (Tuesday), the skill challenge was fun,” Musa said. “But to meet new players, it’s been great. And we are enjoying each moment.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Galaxy #comfortable #counter #Dallas">Deadspin | Galaxy could be most comfortable on counter vs. FC Dallas Jul 25, 2026; Stanford, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfield Marco Reus (18) warms up before the start of the first half against the San Jose Earthquakes at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Galaxy may be the home side Saturday night when they face FC Dallas in Carson, Calif., but don’t be surprised if Greg Vanney’s group is content with playing on the counterattack. That hasn’t been Vanney’s preferred style as a manager across 13 MLS seasons with Toronto FC and then Los Angeles, but it’s the one that has led to the most success recently. Since April 26, the Galaxy (5-7-6, 21 points) are 3-1-2 in matches where they hold less than 50% of possession, and 0-2-1 in games where they have more than 50%. Perhaps that makes sense with an attack that has been balanced but not particularly explosive. Four LA players have at least four MLS goals, but Joao Klauss and Gabriel Pec lead the squad with five, and Klauss is injured while Pec is no longer with the squad. “You can manage 90 minutes by being off the ball a little bit more or you can manage 90 minutes by being on the ball a little bit more,” Vanney said. “Right now, sometimes we look a little more comfortable off the ball managing the larger stretches of the game. But we’ll see how the game plays out.” There is little doubt that Dallas’ attack runs through center forward Petar Musa, who will be returning from his second MLS All-Star appearance for the Saturday encounter. Musa shares the MLS lead with 13 goals in 15 appearances for Dallas (7-5-5, 26 points), including a late go-ahead tally in his return from the World Cup in a 2-2 draw against the host Portland Timbers on July 22. He is on pace to far exceed his career best of 18 goals during the 2025 season and is averaging an elite 1.01 tallies per 90 minutes, the third-highest rate among players still active in the league. (Hugo Cuypers recently transferred from Chicago to CF Monterrey in Mexico.) Musa, a Croatian international who scored his first World Cup goal in June against England, let himself savor the reward of the All-Star exhibition, including the Tuesday skills contest and Wednesday friendly between a team of MLS stars and a team of Liga MX talent. “Everything, especially (Tuesday), the skill challenge was fun,” Musa said. “But to meet new players, it’s been great. And we are enjoying each moment.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Galaxy #comfortable #counter #Dallas

Angel Reese had already established herself as one of the league’s top bigs in her first two seasons in Chicago. The former LSU star was named an All-Star in both her rookie and sophomore campaigns, broke a litany of rebounding records, and showcased her force on both ends of the floor.

But this season, she’s taken her game to a whole other level. While Reese’s individual accolades with the Sky were impressive, the team around her struggled, and the Sky found themselves near the bottom of league standings in back-to-back seasons. In April, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream, a team that already found themselves among the league’s best last year, but wanted to further bolster their frontcourt.

For the most part, it’s been a match made in heaven. Reese is averaging 15.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, and Atlanta is 17-10 and winners of four straight games.

This year, she became the fastest player in league history to record 1,000 rebounds (doing so in 78 games), and the fastest to reach 50 double-doubles (doing so in 65 games).

But, in part due to Reese’s play, they’ve already accrued wins against top teams like the Dallas Wings (who they are 3-0 against) and the Indiana Fever (who are they are 2-1 against), among others. The Dream have outscored opponents by 99 points in Reese’s minutes this season, the 21st-best net rating in the WNBA and the third-best on the Dream, per Hoops Junkie. Atlanta has had a rigorous schedule so far, and they have the third-easiest remaining schedule.

In a Wednesday night victory over the Wings, Reese tallied 22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and a block.

In a Wednesday night interview with sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby, Reese expressed gratitude for the situation she is in.

“I’m just so happy here in Atlanta; I’m just grateful to be here,” Reese said. “It’s been a sisterhood. They’ve had my back — through the highs, through the lows. It’s just a joy. I feel safe, I feel loved.”

The Dream are eyeing a title, and they have an elite core around Reese that includes Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada, and Brionna Jones, among others.

They’ll have to get through some of the league’s top teams in a potential title run — they’re 0-1 against the Las Vegas Aces, 1-1 against the Minnesota Lynx, and 0-3 against the Golden State Valkyries this season. But if Reese continues to trend upwards, and if the cast around her continues to thrive, a championship could be headed to Atlanta.

#Angel #Reese #perfect #home">Angel Reese has found a perfect home Angel Reese had already established herself as one of the league’s top bigs in her first two seasons in Chicago. The former LSU star was named an All-Star in both her rookie and sophomore campaigns, broke a litany of rebounding records, and showcased her force on both ends of the floor.But this season, she’s taken her game to a whole other level. While Reese’s individual accolades with the Sky were impressive, the team around her struggled, and the Sky found themselves near the bottom of league standings in back-to-back seasons. In April, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream, a team that already found themselves among the league’s best last year, but wanted to further bolster their frontcourt.For the most part, it’s been a match made in heaven. Reese is averaging 15.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, and Atlanta is 17-10 and winners of four straight games.This year, she became the fastest player in league history to record 1,000 rebounds (doing so in 78 games), and the fastest to reach 50 double-doubles (doing so in 65 games).But, in part due to Reese’s play, they’ve already accrued wins against top teams like the Dallas Wings (who they are 3-0 against) and the Indiana Fever (who are they are 2-1 against), among others. The Dream have outscored opponents by 99 points in Reese’s minutes this season, the 21st-best net rating in the WNBA and the third-best on the Dream, per Hoops Junkie. Atlanta has had a rigorous schedule so far, and they have the third-easiest remaining schedule.In a Wednesday night victory over the Wings, Reese tallied 22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and a block.In a Wednesday night interview with sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby, Reese expressed gratitude for the situation she is in.“I’m just so happy here in Atlanta; I’m just grateful to be here,” Reese said. “It’s been a sisterhood. They’ve had my back — through the highs, through the lows. It’s just a joy. I feel safe, I feel loved.”The Dream are eyeing a title, and they have an elite core around Reese that includes Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada, and Brionna Jones, among others.They’ll have to get through some of the league’s top teams in a potential title run — they’re 0-1 against the Las Vegas Aces, 1-1 against the Minnesota Lynx, and 0-3 against the Golden State Valkyries this season. But if Reese continues to trend upwards, and if the cast around her continues to thrive, a championship could be headed to Atlanta. #Angel #Reese #perfect #home

per Hoops Junkie. Atlanta has had a rigorous schedule so far, and they have the third-easiest remaining schedule.

In a Wednesday night victory over the Wings, Reese tallied 22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and a block.

In a Wednesday night interview with sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby, Reese expressed gratitude for the situation she is in.

“I’m just so happy here in Atlanta; I’m just grateful to be here,” Reese said. “It’s been a sisterhood. They’ve had my back — through the highs, through the lows. It’s just a joy. I feel safe, I feel loved.”

The Dream are eyeing a title, and they have an elite core around Reese that includes Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada, and Brionna Jones, among others.

They’ll have to get through some of the league’s top teams in a potential title run — they’re 0-1 against the Las Vegas Aces, 1-1 against the Minnesota Lynx, and 0-3 against the Golden State Valkyries this season. But if Reese continues to trend upwards, and if the cast around her continues to thrive, a championship could be headed to Atlanta.

#Angel #Reese #perfect #home">Angel Reese has found a perfect home

Angel Reese had already established herself as one of the league’s top bigs in her first two seasons in Chicago. The former LSU star was named an All-Star in both her rookie and sophomore campaigns, broke a litany of rebounding records, and showcased her force on both ends of the floor.

But this season, she’s taken her game to a whole other level. While Reese’s individual accolades with the Sky were impressive, the team around her struggled, and the Sky found themselves near the bottom of league standings in back-to-back seasons. In April, Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream, a team that already found themselves among the league’s best last year, but wanted to further bolster their frontcourt.

For the most part, it’s been a match made in heaven. Reese is averaging 15.6 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, and Atlanta is 17-10 and winners of four straight games.

This year, she became the fastest player in league history to record 1,000 rebounds (doing so in 78 games), and the fastest to reach 50 double-doubles (doing so in 65 games).

But, in part due to Reese’s play, they’ve already accrued wins against top teams like the Dallas Wings (who they are 3-0 against) and the Indiana Fever (who are they are 2-1 against), among others. The Dream have outscored opponents by 99 points in Reese’s minutes this season, the 21st-best net rating in the WNBA and the third-best on the Dream, per Hoops Junkie. Atlanta has had a rigorous schedule so far, and they have the third-easiest remaining schedule.

In a Wednesday night victory over the Wings, Reese tallied 22 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and a block.

In a Wednesday night interview with sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby, Reese expressed gratitude for the situation she is in.

“I’m just so happy here in Atlanta; I’m just grateful to be here,” Reese said. “It’s been a sisterhood. They’ve had my back — through the highs, through the lows. It’s just a joy. I feel safe, I feel loved.”

The Dream are eyeing a title, and they have an elite core around Reese that includes Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada, and Brionna Jones, among others.

They’ll have to get through some of the league’s top teams in a potential title run — they’re 0-1 against the Las Vegas Aces, 1-1 against the Minnesota Lynx, and 0-3 against the Golden State Valkyries this season. But if Reese continues to trend upwards, and if the cast around her continues to thrive, a championship could be headed to Atlanta.

#Angel #Reese #perfect #home

There is a particular silence that falls over a club when it shuts down. Not the managers’ howling instructions or even the players weeping into their kits. It’s the quiet folding of spreadsheets, a refusal to pay a participation fee and a conglomerate deciding that Rs. 55 lakh is too much for the privileged for pretending to care.

And just like that, Jamshedpur FC, the steel city’s improbable footnote to the Indian Super League (ISL), wrapped up its senior team operations before the 2026-27 season, folded like a shirt no longer needed into the cupboard of Tata’s sprawling empire.

That is the reality of corporate football: when the romance wanes, assets become foldable liabilities.

This was a club that was competing for the title until the final matchday last season, which had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. When the footballing world was busy balancing books during the pandemic, the club actually made profits (Rs. 2 Cr.) in the 2019-20 season, and yet on July 31, 2026, it decided that the league, and its senior first team, was not worth the candle anymore.

“It took a lot of the members of the club aback, and it was informed in a grim breath in the evening. Naturally, most of the contingent was visibly shocked, rather disappointed,” a source told Sportstar.

Silence falls on Red Miners as Jamshedpur FC pulls the plug on its ISL journey There is a particular silence that falls over a club when it shuts down. Not the managers’ howling instructions or even the players weeping into their kits. It’s the quiet folding of spreadsheets, a refusal to pay a participation fee and a conglomerate deciding that Rs. 55 lakh is too much for the privileged for pretending to care.And just like that, Jamshedpur FC, the steel city’s improbable footnote to the Indian Super League (ISL), wrapped up its senior team operations before the 2026-27 season, folded like a shirt no longer needed into the cupboard of Tata’s sprawling empire.That is the reality of corporate football: when the romance wanes, assets become foldable liabilities.This was a club that was competing for the title until the final matchday last season, which had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. When the footballing world was busy balancing books during the pandemic, the club actually made profits (Rs. 2 Cr.) in the 2019-20 season, and yet on July 31, 2026, it decided that the league, and its senior first team, was not worth the candle anymore.“It took a lot of the members of the club aback, and it was informed in a grim breath in the evening. Naturally, most of the contingent was visibly shocked, rather disappointed,” a source told Sportstar. Jamshedpur FC had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. | Photo Credit: ISL Media Jamshedpur FC had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. | Photo Credit: ISL Media The Tata Group has not provided an explanation for the decision. But it comes against the backdrop of the prolonged decline of Indian football in the last few years, which has had a domino effect on the men’s topflight. The men’s team’s FIFA rankings have plummeted, the league’s commercial value shrank by 97 per cent last season, and four ISL clubs have either shut down or shifted base. ISL Clubs which have shut down or have been rebranded: Pune City FC Atletico de Kolkata Delhi Dynamos Hyderabad FC Jamshedpur FC Reliance, the initial commercial partner, is gone. The City Football Group abandoned Mumbai City’s ship last season, and now Tata, gently, has shown itself out.In the last two years, the Tata-owned club lost about Rs. 11 Crore, while its Central Rights income collapsed from Rs. 21.24 crore to Rs. 32 Lakhs – a fall of nearly 99 per cent. As a result, its deficit in football operations tripled, from Rs. 1 Crore in the 2024-25 season to Rs. 2.8 Crore in the 2025-26 season.Capital fuels growth, and that in turn drives football, and that goes on in cycles.The most promising trend for Jamshedpur FC, in the last two years, was grassroots development, player transfers and training compensation (providing facilities for player training). And the conglomerate, as they usually do, got its blue-eyed boy here – the kids.“JFSPL (Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited) remains committed, in other capacities, to the continued growth and development of football in India. We will continue in our endeavour to promote and develop the game of football, including at the grassroots level,” the club said in its statement.The decision also pushed players into choppy waters. Players, some of whom were chiselled at the storied Tata Football Academy (TFA), will now be expected to run from pillar to post late in the summer window for a new team when most teams already have their squads chalked out.But the real victims of the decision will not be the professionals. Footballers are mercenaries by profession: they will find another jersey to don, another bench to warm.The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. The roar at the JRD Stadium when a TFA product scored meant something, everything, and that is what will no longer be heard.The ones who gave free treats when Jamshedpur won, to the ones who quietly bought season tickets, the silence will now haunt them, leaving them wondering if this was just part of an elaborate, expensive dream. The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. | Photo Credit: ISL Media The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. | Photo Credit: ISL Media The Tata group showed that Jamshedpur FC, in the ISL, had always been a product rather than a community club, and when a product wears out, it is sold in parts, just like its ball bearings and wires.And dreamers? Well, they get a press release.Published on Aug 01, 2026 #Silence #falls #Red #Miners #Jamshedpur #pulls #plug #ISL #journey

Jamshedpur FC had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

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Jamshedpur FC had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

The Tata Group has not provided an explanation for the decision. But it comes against the backdrop of the prolonged decline of Indian football in the last few years, which has had a domino effect on the men’s topflight. The men’s team’s FIFA rankings have plummeted, the league’s commercial value shrank by 97 per cent last season, and four ISL clubs have either shut down or shifted base.

ISL Clubs which have shut down or have been rebranded:

Pune City FC

Atletico de Kolkata

Delhi Dynamos

Hyderabad FC

Jamshedpur FC

Reliance, the initial commercial partner, is gone. The City Football Group abandoned Mumbai City’s ship last season, and now Tata, gently, has shown itself out.

In the last two years, the Tata-owned club lost about Rs. 11 Crore, while its Central Rights income collapsed from Rs. 21.24 crore to Rs. 32 Lakhs – a fall of nearly 99 per cent. As a result, its deficit in football operations tripled, from Rs. 1 Crore in the 2024-25 season to Rs. 2.8 Crore in the 2025-26 season.

Capital fuels growth, and that in turn drives football, and that goes on in cycles.

The most promising trend for Jamshedpur FC, in the last two years, was grassroots development, player transfers and training compensation (providing facilities for player training). And the conglomerate, as they usually do, got its blue-eyed boy here – the kids.

“JFSPL (Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited) remains committed, in other capacities, to the continued growth and development of football in India. We will continue in our endeavour to promote and develop the game of football, including at the grassroots level,” the club said in its statement.

The decision also pushed players into choppy waters. Players, some of whom were chiselled at the storied Tata Football Academy (TFA), will now be expected to run from pillar to post late in the summer window for a new team when most teams already have their squads chalked out.

But the real victims of the decision will not be the professionals. Footballers are mercenaries by profession: they will find another jersey to don, another bench to warm.

The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. The roar at the JRD Stadium when a TFA product scored meant something, everything, and that is what will no longer be heard.

The ones who gave free treats when Jamshedpur won, to the ones who quietly bought season tickets, the silence will now haunt them, leaving them wondering if this was just part of an elaborate, expensive dream.

The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played.

The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

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The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. | Photo Credit: ISL Media

The Tata group showed that Jamshedpur FC, in the ISL, had always been a product rather than a community club, and when a product wears out, it is sold in parts, just like its ball bearings and wires.

And dreamers? Well, they get a press release.

Published on Aug 01, 2026

#Silence #falls #Red #Miners #Jamshedpur #pulls #plug #ISL #journey">Silence falls on Red Miners as Jamshedpur FC pulls the plug on its ISL journey There is a particular silence that falls over a club when it shuts down. Not the managers’ howling instructions or even the players weeping into their kits. It’s the quiet folding of spreadsheets, a refusal to pay a participation fee and a conglomerate deciding that Rs. 55 lakh is too much for the privileged for pretending to care.And just like that, Jamshedpur FC, the steel city’s improbable footnote to the Indian Super League (ISL), wrapped up its senior team operations before the 2026-27 season, folded like a shirt no longer needed into the cupboard of Tata’s sprawling empire.That is the reality of corporate football: when the romance wanes, assets become foldable liabilities.This was a club that was competing for the title until the final matchday last season, which had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. When the footballing world was busy balancing books during the pandemic, the club actually made profits (Rs. 2 Cr.) in the 2019-20 season, and yet on July 31, 2026, it decided that the league, and its senior first team, was not worth the candle anymore.“It took a lot of the members of the club aback, and it was informed in a grim breath in the evening. Naturally, most of the contingent was visibly shocked, rather disappointed,” a source told Sportstar. Jamshedpur FC had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. | Photo Credit: ISL Media Jamshedpur FC had an actual stadium that it owned, and prided of a genuine, effective pipeline for talent. | Photo Credit: ISL Media The Tata Group has not provided an explanation for the decision. But it comes against the backdrop of the prolonged decline of Indian football in the last few years, which has had a domino effect on the men’s topflight. The men’s team’s FIFA rankings have plummeted, the league’s commercial value shrank by 97 per cent last season, and four ISL clubs have either shut down or shifted base. ISL Clubs which have shut down or have been rebranded: Pune City FC Atletico de Kolkata Delhi Dynamos Hyderabad FC Jamshedpur FC Reliance, the initial commercial partner, is gone. The City Football Group abandoned Mumbai City’s ship last season, and now Tata, gently, has shown itself out.In the last two years, the Tata-owned club lost about Rs. 11 Crore, while its Central Rights income collapsed from Rs. 21.24 crore to Rs. 32 Lakhs – a fall of nearly 99 per cent. As a result, its deficit in football operations tripled, from Rs. 1 Crore in the 2024-25 season to Rs. 2.8 Crore in the 2025-26 season.Capital fuels growth, and that in turn drives football, and that goes on in cycles.The most promising trend for Jamshedpur FC, in the last two years, was grassroots development, player transfers and training compensation (providing facilities for player training). And the conglomerate, as they usually do, got its blue-eyed boy here – the kids.“JFSPL (Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited) remains committed, in other capacities, to the continued growth and development of football in India. We will continue in our endeavour to promote and develop the game of football, including at the grassroots level,” the club said in its statement.The decision also pushed players into choppy waters. Players, some of whom were chiselled at the storied Tata Football Academy (TFA), will now be expected to run from pillar to post late in the summer window for a new team when most teams already have their squads chalked out.But the real victims of the decision will not be the professionals. Footballers are mercenaries by profession: they will find another jersey to don, another bench to warm.The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. The roar at the JRD Stadium when a TFA product scored meant something, everything, and that is what will no longer be heard.The ones who gave free treats when Jamshedpur won, to the ones who quietly bought season tickets, the silence will now haunt them, leaving them wondering if this was just part of an elaborate, expensive dream. The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. | Photo Credit: ISL Media The tragedy will lie with the fans – people who built a community organically, named it the Red Miners, and rallied behind the team no matter how it played. | Photo Credit: ISL Media The Tata group showed that Jamshedpur FC, in the ISL, had always been a product rather than a community club, and when a product wears out, it is sold in parts, just like its ball bearings and wires.And dreamers? Well, they get a press release.Published on Aug 01, 2026 #Silence #falls #Red #Miners #Jamshedpur #pulls #plug #ISL #journey

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