Sky Sports News has tracked this story for more than a decade. In 2014, former Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra expressed his readiness to play for India, with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar reportedly willing to help. In 2017, Millwall defender Danny Batth — whose father was born in Punjab — also voiced his desire to pull on the India shirt.
Bhatia and Bezos close in on Liverpool
A consortium led by British Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia is nearing a deal to acquire approximately one third of Liverpool, according to Sky News. The investor group includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. The proposed deal values the club at £4.4 billion, which would rank among the largest transactions in football history. Liverpool and FSG had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
West Ham's Virani sets sights on Premier League return
West Ham United interim chief executive officer Karim Virani has made no secret of the club's immediate priority: returning to the Premier League after last season's relegation. West Ham beat Leeds United on the final day but still finished 18th, dropping into the Championship.
"Everyone is aware we have one primary objective this year, which is to get out of the Championship and back to the Premier League," Virani said at a West Ham United and Inclusive Irons event with Desi Ballers, held to close South Asian Heritage Month. He added that the club's commitment to inclusion and equality remains equally important alongside the on-pitch mission. Club ambassadors Matt Jarvis and Bobby Seagull also attended the event, which showcased the 2025/26 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season.
Yan Dhanda's unforgettable debut
With the EFL Championship resuming this weekend, it is worth revisiting one of its most memorable opening-day moments. Eight years ago, a 19-year-old Yan Dhanda came off the bench for Swansea City away at Sheffield United — in Graham Potter's first match as Swansea boss — and scored a late winner to seal a 2-1 victory.
"It was crazy. I'd done really well in pre-season. I was only 19 but I was confident. I wanted to play," Dhanda told Sky Sports News in 2018. "All night I'd been dreaming of coming on and scoring. I was texting my cousin the night before saying imagine if I come on and score on my debut. It's the dream."
Dhanda recalled the moment the ball fell to him late in the game at Bramall Lane: "30 seconds later, the ball fell to me in a good position where I backed myself. I just hit it and then it was a mad blur. My dad and cousin were in the stands right behind that goal. It was honestly the best feeling."
Young players on the move
Fulham youngster Farhaan Ali Wahid has joined National League side Boreham Wood on loan, stepping into senior football for the first time after recording 17 goal contributions in 21 PL2 appearances last season — a campaign that earned him a PL2 Player of the Season nomination. Meanwhile, Riya Mannu has completed her transfer to West Bromwich Albion Women, and Pakistan international Zahmena Malik has signed for Actonians.
Award recognition for Mahmood and Iqbal
Pakistan international Mariam Mahmood and former Arsenal club doctor Dr Zaf Iqbal have both been shortlisted for Sports Personality of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards. Dr Zaf departed Arsenal at the end of last season having played a key role as the Gunners ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title and reached their first UEFA Champions League final in 20 years. He previously held roles at Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Crystal Palace, and served as chair of the Premier League Doctors Group and co-chair of the FA Medical Society.
