The Rajasthan Royals opener shared an Instagram story featuring himself batting in India’s blue jersey with the caption “New chapter.” The post quickly attracted widespread attention, with fans interpreting it as a possible indication that he may be included in India’s playing XI for the match at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Sooryavanshi earned his maiden senior national call-up after a prolific Indian Premier League campaign in 2026 but is yet to make his international debut. He was not selected for either of India’s two T20 Internationals against Ireland and also missed the opening match of the England series, which ended without a result after rain interrupted England’s chase.

According to reports, the teenager has been among the most diligent performers during India’s training sessions in England, spending extended periods in the practice nets and displaying impressive form with the bat.

Indian team officials have previously indicated that they do not intend to rush the young batter’s transition into international cricket despite his rapid rise through the domestic ranks. Nevertheless, his performances in training have continued to generate interest ahead of the second match of the series.

Sooryavanshi emerged as one of the standout performers in the 2026 IPL season while representing Rajasthan Royals. The left-handed opener scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, performances that earned him his first call-up to the senior Indian squad.

The opening T20I against England was abandoned after rain prevented a result, leaving the series evenly poised and increasing attention on India’s team selection for Saturday’s contest.

While Sooryavanshi’s Instagram post has fueled widespread discussion among supporters, neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India nor the team management has announced the playing XI or confirmed whether the teenager will make his international debut.

India’s final team selection for the second T20I is expected to determine whether one of the country’s brightest young batting prospects begins his international career in Manchester.

Former England striker says her experience as an international footballer has shaped the way she approaches television punditry, arguing that criticism of players should remain fair, balanced and respectful.

White, England’s all-time leading goalscorer in women’s international football with 52 goals in 113 appearances, said her years representing the Lionesses continue to influence her perspective while analysing matches from the broadcast studio rather than the pitch.

Reflecting on England’s successful campaign at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 under coach , White said she remains emotionally invested in the national team and understands the pressure players face during major tournaments.

“I’m a nail-biter. I’m horrible to watch a match with,” White said, describing herself as fully invested whenever England plays. She added that her playing career allows her to appreciate the emotions experienced by footballers competing on the biggest stage.

White said that understanding those pressures has become central to her work as a television analyst. She believes former players have a responsibility to ensure criticism remains constructive and would stand by the same comments in direct conversations with the athletes involved.

“When you’ve lived it and breathed it and you know what that feels like, it’s about having that fine balance of ‘would you feel comfortable saying it to someone’s face?’ Whatever you’re saying in front of the camera or in punditry. And if you would, then you feel maybe OK in saying that out loud on live TV,” she said.

The 37-year-old made the remarks after being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the in Manchester, an honour recognising her contribution to English football and the growth of the women’s game.

Looking back on her international career, White said representing England always brought a strong emotional response.

“I got goosebumps, complete joy and felt very lucky every time I represented my country,” she said.

White described her Hall of Fame induction as both an honour and an opportunity to reflect on achievements that were difficult to fully appreciate while she was still playing.

“When you’re playing it’s hard to reflect but, since I’ve retired, it’s been so nice to look back. I feel like you don’t really comprehend it when you’re in the moment. To have seen two parts of the women’s game’s growth, at the start and now the trajectory, it’s really special,” she said.

The recognition also drew praise from , chief executive of the National Football Museum, who described White as one of the defining figures of the modern era of English football.

Desmond said White has continued to represent the sport with “warmth, intelligence and integrity” through her broadcasting career following retirement.

The National Football Museum established its Hall of Fame in 2002 before relaunching the programme in 2019 with a commitment to achieving equal representation of women and men in recognising the sport’s most influential figures.

Since retiring from professional football, White has become one of the prominent voices in football broadcasting, using her playing experience to provide insight into elite competition while advocating for measured and respectful analysis of current players.

Shams Sadiq, 51, who owns two cafes in Manchester and has publicly supported Palestinian causes, said the approach occurred on May 15 at Ashton-under-Lyne police station when he attended to retrieve electronic devices seized following his arrest last year in connection with alleged offenses linked to Palestine Action.

Sadiq told The Guardian that two officers, whom he believed were connected to Operation Wildflower, a Greater Manchester Police initiative focused on activism-related concerns, informed him they were aware of his involvement with Palestine Action but that no charges would be brought arising from his arrest.

According to Sadiq, the officers then sought his cooperation, telling him there were advantages to assisting authorities. He alleged that financial benefits were discussed and that officers suggested they could overlook certain minor infractions, while making clear that serious crimes would not be tolerated.

Sadiq said the officers also referenced his standing within the local community, leading him to believe they were interested in information about individuals attending mosques or holding extremist views.

The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny of Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian activist organization that has faced increased attention from British authorities over direct-action campaigns targeting companies and institutions linked to Israel.

In a separate incident four days before the alleged recruitment attempt, Sadiq said he was stopped and questioned for more than three hours at Manchester Airport under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act after returning from Morocco. He was not arrested but said officers questioned him about Palestine Action, Iran and his financial circumstances, including his mortgage obligations.

Sadiq told The Guardian that his electronic devices were confiscated during the airport stop and later returned following a meeting with officers at the airport. He said the officers were cordial and apologetic during that encounter.

A vocal supporter of Palestinian causes, Sadiq has attended demonstrations and produced stickers for Palestinian organizations and cultural events. Local media previously reported that miniature Israeli flags were placed on the door of one of his cafes following his public activism.

Sadiq said he decided to speak publicly about the alleged recruitment effort because of concerns for his safety and reputation. He said his arrest last year had affected relationships within his community and that he feared ongoing scrutiny despite not being charged.
His solicitor, Simon Pook, said formal representations were being made to Greater Manchester Police regarding the incident.

Pook questioned whether the use of Schedule 7 powers was appropriate if the objective had been to encourage cooperation with law enforcement rather than investigate suspected terrorism-related activity.
Neither police nor other authorities were quoted in the report as responding to the allegations.

One day after an emotional farewell at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola was honored with a large-scale celebration attended by players, former teammates, club legends and supporters as Manchester City formally marked the end of one of the most successful managerial reigns in modern football.

The event, held at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, followed the club’s victory parade through the city and transformed what had been a tearful goodbye into a festive celebration of Guardiola’s achievements. Thousands of supporters packed the venue after spending the day lining the streets for a bus parade involving Manchester City’s men’s, women’s and youth teams.

Guardiola, 55, arrived alongside current players and club officials as the atmosphere shifted from reflection to celebration. The arrival of the team buses on either side of the stage drew loud cheers from supporters, while chants associated with several City stars echoed throughout the arena.

Among the players attracting attention was Rodri, who joined teammates in celebrating with supporters during the event. Fans repeatedly sang tributes to players including Bernardo Silva and John Stones, while chants dedicated to Guardiola underscored his enduring popularity among the club’s fan base.The evening also produced a significant announcement concerning City’s women’s team.

On stage, Khadija Shaw revealed that she would remain with the club despite speculation about her future. Shaw, one of the leading figures in women’s football, confirmed her commitment to Manchester City and expressed her desire to pursue further success with the team.

The announcement carried additional significance given Shaw’s recent performances. The striker finished as the Women’s Super League’s leading scorer, registering 21 goals in 22 matches during City’s title-winning campaign. Shortly after her appearance, confirmation of a new four-year contract was distributed to media covering the event.

Another notable participant was Noel Gallagher, one of Manchester City’s most prominent supporters. Gallagher shared a symbolic role in the farewell proceedings, having conducted Guardiola’s first major interview after the manager’s arrival at the club in 2016.

A decade later, Gallagher was again on stage to interview Guardiola during a ceremony that effectively closed the chapter on the manager’s time in Manchester. The exchange highlighted the close relationship that developed between Guardiola, the club and its supporters during a period that transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant football powers.

Throughout the evening, tributes focused not only on trophies and achievements but also on Guardiola’s influence on the club’s identity. Supporters celebrated a tenure that delivered sustained domestic and European success while reshaping the team’s style of play and global reputation.

The event concluded with Guardiola addressing those in attendance. After an evening filled with tributes, music, celebrations and memories from his years at the club, the departing manager ended his remarks with a brief message to supporters.“Thank you so much,” Guardiola said.

Those four words brought the celebration to a close, marking the end of an era that has left a lasting imprint on Manchester City and English football.

Pep Guardiola delivered an emotional farewell to Manchester City as he reflected on a decade that transformed both the club and his own legacy, using his final pre-match press conference to look back on one of the most successful managerial tenures in football history.

The 55-year-old manager, whose departure was formally confirmed earlier in the day, appeared relaxed and reflective as he addressed reporters for the last time before leaving the club he has led since 2016. What was expected to be a routine media briefing quickly became a retrospective on ten years that reshaped Manchester City into one of Europe’s dominant football powers.

Guardiola acknowledged the emotional weight of the occasion, revealing that he had spoken to players earlier in the day but struggled to find the right words. Describing the farewell address as “a disaster,” he admitted that conveying the significance of the moment had proved difficult after such a long and successful association with the club.

The Spaniard said he hoped the influence he brought to City would endure beyond his departure. “I like to think my vibe and energy will be there forever,” Guardiola said, reflecting on the culture and identity established during his tenure.

His final day as City manager was marked by a series of tributes that underscored his impact on the club. Shortly after confirmation of his departure, Manchester City announced that the club’s expanded North Stand would be permanently named in his honour.

The recognition came as another symbol of Guardiola’s status within an organisation that experienced its most successful era under his leadership.Guardiola revealed that club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak had informed him about the stadium naming earlier in the day.

He also learned during the press conference that a statue would be erected in his honour outside the stadium, a tribute reserved for figures considered central to the club’s history.

The manager responded with humour, joking about the prospect of the statue eventually being covered by bird droppings. While details of the design have yet to be finalised, Guardiola appeared amused by the attention and symbolism attached to the monument.

The farewell also highlighted Guardiola’s deep connection with Manchester beyond football. In a letter addressed to supporters, he referenced the music of Oasis, reflecting his close association with the city’s culture.

Over the years, Guardiola developed strong ties with local communities and became an adopted Mancunian despite his Catalan roots.He spoke emotionally about the lasting impact of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, recalling that members of his family had been present at the venue.

Referencing themes associated with Manchester poet Tony Walsh, Guardiola expressed his attachment to the city, describing it as home.Observers note that the relationship between Guardiola and Manchester has been mutually transformative.

During his decade in charge, Manchester City evolved into a global football powerhouse, while Guardiola became one of the defining sporting figures in the city’s modern history.Despite the emotional farewell, Guardiola indicated that exhaustion played a significant role in his decision to step away.

The relentless demands of elite football, combined with a schedule that has rarely slowed since his arrival in England, left him feeling that the timing was right for a break.“This is the time,” he said, suggesting that a period away from the pressures of management had become necessary after years of constant competition and scrutiny.

The departure ends months of speculation regarding his future. Throughout the season, Guardiola repeatedly pointed to the remaining year on his contract whenever questions about his future arose. While he consistently rejected suggestions that he was preparing to leave, uncertainty persisted around his long-term plans.

On his final day in front of the media, however, discussions about successors and the club’s next chapter took a back seat. The focus remained firmly on Guardiola and the legacy he leaves behind.The manager appeared in good spirits throughout the press conference, exchanging jokes with journalists and reflecting on memorable moments from his decade in Manchester.

He extended an invitation to television pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to share a drink in the future, a gesture that reflected the lighter atmosphere surrounding the occasion.Guardiola also revisited his long-standing friendship with Noel Gallagher, one of Manchester City’s most prominent supporters.

Recalling conversations with Gallagher, he reflected on how dramatically the club’s fortunes had changed during his time in charge. The transformation from a side struggling for consistency into a serial title contender became one of the defining stories of the Guardiola era.

While Guardiola did not discuss future managerial opportunities in detail, he suggested he was looking forward to a quieter period away from football. He spoke of spending more time with family, playing golf, travelling to warmer climates and enjoying a slower pace of life after years under the spotlight.

Those who attended the press conference described a markedly different Guardiola from the intensely focused figure often seen during competitive campaigns. With the pressure of results removed, he appeared more relaxed and open, sharing stories and reflections that highlighted both the personal and professional significance of his time at Manchester City.

Following the media session, Guardiola spent additional time with journalists and club staff, participating in informal farewell gatherings that included speeches, photographs and personal exchanges. The atmosphere reflected the mutual respect built over a decade between the manager and those who covered his career.

As he prepares to leave Manchester City, Guardiola departs as one of football’s most influential coaches, having overseen an era that delivered sustained domestic success and established the club among Europe’s elite.

For supporters, players and many within the game, his departure marks the end of a transformative chapter in the history of the club.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revoked his travel permission after The Telegraph revealed his upcoming tour of London, Manchester, and Birmingham, titled “Waking the Dead – Returning from the Darkness.” The Home Office concluded his presence was “not conducive to the public good,” citing concerns over public safety and social cohesion.

“Sheikh Farooq will not be permitted to enter the UK,” a Home Office spokesperson confirmed. “Our priority remains maintaining the safety and security of the UK and our communities. We have robust safeguards in place to prevent entry of individuals who seek to sow hatred and division.”

Airlines have reportedly been instructed not to allow Sheikh Farooq to board flights to the UK.

Preacher Under Fire for Comments on Slavery and Women

Sheikh Farooq, who is based in San Diego and affiliated with the One Message Foundation, stirred widespread condemnation after a video surfaced in which he claimed that sexual relations with female slaves captured in war were permissible under Islamic law.

Explaining his view in the video, he said: “Those taken under war as captives… you’re now going to support and keep in your house… they are like a wife… if Allah made it halal, then it’s not sinning, that is not adultery.”

His comments have drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates, secular organizations, and Muslim community leaders alike.

Fiyaz Mughal, founder of Faith Matters, condemned the preacher’s statements as “abhorrent,” adding, “Saying that sex with slaves is permissible sends a barbaric message to people. We’ve seen what groups like ISIS did to Yazidi women. Such views should not find a platform in the UK.”

Stephen Evans, chief executive of the National Secular Society, said: “Any charity hosting a speaker who condones sexual slavery should have its charitable status seriously reviewed. Promoting misogyny undermines public benefit and social harmony.”

Robert Jenrick, Shadow Justice Secretary, had earlier called on the government to prevent the preacher’s entry. “This man should never step foot on UK soil. His visa must be revoked immediately,” he stated. “Islamists spreading hate and sowing division are not welcome here.”

Sheikh Farooq previously toured parts of the UK last month, delivering lectures that also raised concerns. He has made remarks predicting the Islamization of Europe, the US, and Russia, saying, “The future is ours… every nightmare of a Muslim Europe will come true.” He urged Muslims to “never apologize” or “compromise” their faith.

In another appearance in Leicester, he made comments perceived as anti-Semitic, adding to the backlash.

Sheikh Farooq was set to appear alongside Ustadh Imran ibn Mansur, a social media figure who brands himself a Muslim entrepreneur. Mr. Mansur has shared videos advising Muslim women to create anonymous online content and has made controversial statements about women wearing perfume, calling them “fornicatresses.”

The UK government’s move reflects a broader effort to counter extremist ideologies, particularly those that incite hatred or undermine democratic values. The decision signals zero tolerance for individuals espousing regressive or inflammatory views, regardless of religious affiliation.

The ban underscores Britain’s commitment to ensuring that religious discourse does not become a platform for misogyny, antisemitism, or hate speech cloaked in theological justifications.