Rohit Sharma Stars As Mumbai Indians Defeat Gujarat Titans In IPL 2025 Eliminator
n a high-stakes IPL 2025 Eliminator, former skipper Rohit Sharma silenced critics with a scintillating 81 as Mumbai Indians outclassed Gujarat Titans by 20 runs. Backed by aggressive cameos and disciplined bowling, MI posted their highest total of the season and marched into Qualifier 2, ending GT’s campaign.
WPL 2025: BCCI Unveils Women’s Premier League 2025 Schedule
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the schedule for the third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The WPL 2025 will take place in four cities across India; Baroda, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mumbai. WPL 2025 To Start In Baroda The WPL 2025 is set to commence on February 14, 2025 at the newly constructed BCA Stadium in Baroda, where Gujarat Giants (GG) are going to take on the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Six matches are going to be played in Baroda. Bengaluru To Host A Couple Of WPL 2025 Fixtures The next challenge now goes to Bengaluru as the tournament advances to the preliminary games from Baroda. RCB will host a home game at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 21, 2025 against the Mumbai Indians (MI). RCB has three home games after this against UP Warriorz (UPW) on February 24, 2025, followed by a fixture against Gujarat Giants (GG) on February 27, 2025 and lastly, against the Delhi Capitals on March 01, 2025. Lucknow To Witness WPL 2025 Action Lucknow will debut in the WPL 2025 as another venue. UP Warriorz will have three of their fixtures at their home ground Lucknow’s WPL 2025 debut is expected to add an additional excitement for locals. Mumbai To Hosts The Last Phase And The WPL 2025 Playoffs The last leg of the WPL 2025 will be held in Mumbai where the last two league matches along with the much-awaited play-offs will be played at the Cricket Club Of India (CCI) Brabourne Stadium. Mumbai Indians will finish their league stage schedule by playing back to back home games against the Gujarat Giants on March 10, 2025 and RCB on March 11, 2025. WPL 2025 Playoffs The conclusion of playoffs will be with a cliffhanger-type finale, where the top team will enjoy direct passage to the final. The second and third-ranked teams will compete on March 13, 2025 in an Eliminator, which will be a fantastic opportunity to survive to the championship match. The WPL 2025 grand finale will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, where the winner shall bag the prestigious WPL 2025 title. Single-Header Format For WPL 2025 As was the case in the previous seasons, all the matches in the third edition are going to be single-header fixtures, so every game is going to be of immense importance in the quest for supremacy. The WPL 2025 is going to be another exciting chapter in the growing legacy of women’s cricket in India, as there are diverse venues and teams eager to flaunt their skills. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: 5 Players Return To Where It All Began For Them
The reunions in the IPL 2025 auction were dramatic as the big names of cricket are coming back to their franchises where they once etched their names. The fans and the faithful would just love to see some faces again in the jerseys of their former teams and these are the top five comeback players returning to where it all began for them. 1. Ravichandran Ashwin – Chennai Super Kings One of the most important moments in IPL 2025 auctions came in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin‘s return to Chennai Super Kings. The veteran Indian off-spinner was bought for Rs. 9.75 crore, which meant returning to the franchise that was his first in the IPL. Ashwin initially gained prominence with CSK in 2009. He played a vital role for CSK in their championship-winning seasons in 2010 and 2011. Ashwin has represented Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. Now he is back to his parent club, bringing with him vast experience. 2. Glenn Maxwell – Punjab Kings Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is returning to Punjab Kings, a side he last played for in IPL 2020. The explosive batsman and big hitter, Maxwell had a great time with Punjab between 2014 and 2017. His best season came in 2014 when he scored 552 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 187.75. After four seasons with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Maxwell was picked up by Punjab for Rs. 4.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction and would look to rekindle his form with his old team. 3. Trent Boult – Mumbai Indians Kivi pace bowler Trent Boult returns to Mumbai Indians after having represented Rajasthan Royals for two years. Boult, who was an integral part of Mumbai’s 2020 IPL title-winning team, took 25 wickets in 15 matches that season and played a key role in the team’s success. He was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs. 12.50 crore at the 2025 auction and will lead their pace attack alongside Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah. Fans will be eager to see Boult back in his old role as Mumbai’s spearhead. 4. Jofra Archer – Rajasthan Royals England fast bowler Jofra Archer returns to Rajasthan Royals, the side that gave him his IPL debut in 2018. Archer was a star for the Royals, taking 46 wickets in just three seasons. His best year was in 2020 when he took 20 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of under 7. Injuries kept him out for most of the last few seasons, but with his fitness back on track, Archer will look to continue his excellent form for Rajasthan after being picked for Rs. 12.50 crore. 5. Devdutt Padikkal – Royal Challengers Bangalore Stylish left-handed batter Devdutt Padikkal is returning to Royal Challengers Bangalore after two seasons with Rajasthan Royals and a brief stint with Lucknow Super Giants. Padikkal started well in his IPL career with RCB in 2020, scoring 473 runs in his debut season. He then had another decent season in 2021 but was not so fortunate in 2024 for LSG, scoring only 38 runs in seven innings. Bought for Rs. 2 crore by RCB at the 2025 auction, Padikkal will be hoping his second stint with the franchise helps him rediscover his best T20 form. These comebacks have rekindled the excitement among fans and promise to make the IPL 2025 season even more thrilling with these familiar faces returning to the fold. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
How An Ordinary Mumbai Boy Became A Household Name In Cricket
A young boy from Mumbai dreaming of playing cricket at the highest level spending countless hours on the bustling maidans of the city. That boy is Rohit Sharma and today he’s not just a cricketer but a legend in the making. From The Grassroots Rohit’s journey began in the narrow lanes of Borivali, where he first picked up a bat. As a child he was mesmerized by the game and with every swing, he inched closer to his dream. His raw talent was soon spotted by the Dronacharya Awardee, Mr. Dinesh Lad, who converted Rohit from a raw material to a finished product. Listen From Rohit’s Dronacharya Rohit quickly rose through the ranks, making his debut for Indian Cricket Team in 2007. However it wasn’t an easy ride. Early in his career, consistency eluded him and there were whispers about his potential being unfulfilled. Rohit earned his initial IPL contract at the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural season of the league and then shifted to the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2011 season. Since then Rohit has been the face of Mumbai Indians with his spectacular performances. Shifting To The Top Gear Everything changed in 2013 when Rohit was asked to open the innings in ODIs. It was as if a switch flipped. The world witnessed a different Rohit Sharma—one who could single-handedly change the course of a game. His elegant yet powerful stroke play earned him the nickname “Hitman” and a label that stuck after he smashed multiple double centuries, a record that stands unmatched. Rohit’s Family: A First Priority Beyond the cricket field, Rohit’s life is just as remarkable. He married Ritika Sajdeh in 2015, his close confidante and manager. Their bond is often highlighted in the media, especially their adorable daughter, Samaira, who was born in 2018. Rohit Sharma’s journey from the dusty maidans of Mumbai is a story of perseverance, raw talent and an unyielding love for the game. His rise to becoming one of the most feared openers in cricket didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of years of dedication and an unwavering belief in his abilities. Whether he’s smashing centuries at Wankhede or leading India to victory, Rohit embodies the spirit of a true sportsman. His story isn’t just about records and titles, it’s about inspiring millions to chase their dreams no matter where they start. The Sportz Planet Desk,Nitya Sutrave
IPL 2025: Key Takeaways From IPL Franchises And BCCI Meeting
It was a crunch sitting at Wankhede Stadium where owners of IPL franchises sat on Wednesday, 31st July, 2024 to discuss the future of player retention and the highly debated mega auction system. It soon changed into a heated debate regarding the relevance and sustainability of the mega auction, and a huge divide among franchises became evident. Key Figures Raise Their Concerns It was inside a meeting on the fourth floor of the BCCI headquarters that some of the biggest names in the IPL ownership circle lambasted the mega auction. Shah Rukh Khan, owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Kavya Maran were the most vocal against the mega auction, asking for it to be scrapped. Both teams were finalists in the IPL 2024 and hence, the owners argued that the present structure disrupts the continuity of a team, which is a precondition for brand building and the retention of fans’ interest. Tensions Flare Between KKR and PBKS Owners When it came to the process of retention, Shah Rukh Khan, as usual, got highly involved with KKR; an eyewitness said that Shah Rukh Khan was embroiled in a hot debate with Ness Wadia, Punjab Kings co-owner. It would go on to informed discussions, but Wadia later denied any personal vendetta and said all stakeholders’ interests needed to be taken into consideration. “I have known Shah Rukh for over 25 years. There is no animosity here,” said Wadia while outlining a solution fair for all franchises. SRH Supports KKR’s Stance Supporting the stance of KKR, Kavya Maran from SRH opined that smaller auctions perhaps was the way ahead considering the stress it was to have a balanced side with the existing system in place. Using Abhishek Sharma as an example, whose journey to consistency took years, she spoke of a developing story of times and investment required in young talent. Delhi Capitals Opposes To this end, on the other side of this argument, Parth Jindal of Delhi Capitals responded to this by supporting the mega auction. He said, “having a mega auction makes it fair and keeps us competitive“. He further said he did not like the view to have the Impact Player rule continued as it hampers the development of allrounders in Indian cricket. Others on the franchisee level present for the meeting were Kiran Kumar Grandhi of Delhi Capitals, Sanjiv Goenka of Lucknow Super Giants, Rupa Gurunath of Chennai Super Kings, Manoj Badale of Rajasthan Royals and Prathmesh Mishra of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Some, such as Ambanis of Mumbai Indians, used video conferencing. BCCI Responds and the Future Steps Finally, after the deliberations, the BCCI released a statement admitting to the various views expressed by the franchise owners. The Board said that the inputs regarding player regulations and commercial matters, including central merchandising and licensing, would be taken up by the IPL Governing Council and reconsidered. Still Awaiting the Final Verdict As the cricketing world has to now wait and watch for the final decision of the BCCI, the mega auction further does go on to underline the complexities of balancing competition with the business interests for the diverse stakeholders associated with the IPL. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
IPL 2025: Here’s What Franchises Proposed Ahead Of 2025 Auction
In a series of feedback sessions with the Indian Premier League (IPL) officials, franchises have suggested several substantial changes to the player retention process, aiming to ensure more stability and strategic depth in team compositions. The next steps will be discussed in an upcoming meeting between IPL officials and franchise representatives, which will take place on 31st of July, 2024. Here are a couple of key suggestions from the franchises. 1. Mega Auction Cycle Change Franchises are advocating for the IPL mega auction to be held once every five years instead of the current three-year cycle. According to a senior franchise official, this change would offer multiple benefits, including the opportunity for teams to build continuity by developing young, especially uncapped Indian players. The longer cycle would incentivize franchises to continue investing in their grassroots academies without the immediate threat of losing nurtured talent to rival teams. 2. Retention and RTM Options Teams have proposed the ability to retain between four and six players, coupled with eight Right-to-Match (RTM) options. One of the franchise CEOs suggested allowing teams to retain one marquee player, such as the captain, with the rest being retained through RTMs, thus letting the market determine player prices and reducing potential dissatisfaction among retained players regarding their monetary value. 3. Salary Renegotiations Another proposal involves allowing franchises to renegotiate player salaries between mega auctions. This would help teams retain their core players and reach better terms with players originally acquired at lower prices. The process would be transparent, with new contracts declared to the IPL, however would be controlled by the franchise without players having the option to be released. Historical Context and Current Challenges Historically, the IPL has conducted mega auctions in four-year cycles twice in the last decade. The first was in 2018, following the 2014 auction and the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from suspension. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2021 mega auction to be deferred by a year, leading to an extension of player contracts. Currently, franchises face challenges with players, particularly those who were uncapped and bought at low prices but have since become maga contributors or international players. These players might prefer re-entering the auction to secure higher contracts, which could be seen as unfair by the franchises that initially identified and developed them. Varied Responses to RTM-Only Proposal One of the franchises has proposed using only RTM options without any direct retentions, providing eight RTM options per team. The idea has received mixed reactions. Some franchises believe it promotes a level playing field, while others fear it could disrupt their auction strategy as rivals might drive up player prices. Focus on Fan Engagement Several franchises stretched on the importance of creating a loyal fan base. With frequent squad overhauls every three years, maintaining fan loyalty becomes challenging. Franchises argue that longer retention periods would help build stronger connections with fans, fostering a sense of loyalty and engagement. IPL officials and franchise representatives are expected to discuss these suggestions in detail in the forthcoming meeting. Other topics likely to be on the agenda include the Impact Player rule, which has received mixed feedback, the purse for the IPL 2025 auction and potential changes to the salary cap deduction for retained players. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Rohit Sharma’s Blue Heart Post for Mumbai Indians: Is it over?
Rohit Sharma is not just a name, but an emotion for Mumbai Indians fans. Just like MS Dhoni with the Chennai Super Kings, or Virat Kohli for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma enjoys the same cult status for the Mumbai franchise. There’s a lot that has happened around Rohit and Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. Rumors are large that the Hitman has already played his last game for MI. Adding fuel to the fire is Rohit’s latest social media post on X. Rohit dropped a blue heart on a collage of pictures from the Mumbai Indians campaign, this season. In the post, he can be seen signing autographs for the fans, a group picture with the entire team and support staff, walking into a training session, and most importantly, a photo of a sea of blue at the Wankhede. Without reading too much into the pictures, it is not often that Rohit posts such a ‘Thank You’ message on his social media. He hasn’t made such gestures, especially when his future with the franchise is uncertain. Rohit Sharma’s total earnings as MI player The Hitman joined MI in 2011 and played 14 seasons for the franchise. He was made the team’s captain in 2013 until this year when Hardik Pandya replaced him as the MI skipper. Rohit captained the Blues in 158 matches, winning 87 of them, and facing defeat in 67 matches. Again an MI record, which is unlikely to be matched for many more years to come. He wasn’t just the captain, but Rohit was also the highest-paid MI player for multiple seasons. Here’s the breakdown of his earnings: IPL Season Salary 2011 Rs 9.20 Crore 2012 Rs 9.20 Crore 2013 Rs 9.20 Crore 2014 Rs 12.50 Crore 2015 Rs 12.50 Crore 2016 Rs 12.50 Crore 2017 Rs 12.50 Crore 2018 Rs 15 Crore 2019 Rs 15 Crore 2020 Rs 15 Crore 2021 Rs 15 Crore 2022 Rs 16 Crore 2023 Rs 16 Crore 2024 Rs 16 Crore Rohit Sharma started his IPL career at Rs 3 Crore in 2008 for Deccan Chargers. His IPL salary has seen a monstrous growth of 433% over the last 16 years. With Mumbai Indians alone, Rohit has amassed a salary of Rs 185.60 Crore from the Ambanis. How many franchises can afford Rohit? That should be interesting to see. Is it all over between MI & Rohit? Goodbyes are the toughest to say, express, or even feel. under whom Mumbai Indians emerged as 5-time IPL champions is arguably undergoing similar emotions. The 37-year-old Mumbai opener’s future with the franchise is uncertain. After MI’s horror run in IPL 2024, one can expect a wave of changes in the franchise. Mumbai might let go of Rohit Sharma, to build a team for the future. What Rohit has achieved is commendable, both as a skipper and as a batter for Mumbai. Watching him play for another franchise might be painful for his fans. Who knows, what’s in store? The fans will have to wait till the IPL 2025 major auction for answers. Also Read: What is the ICC’s Policy for Canceled or Postponed Matches? Will Spectators Receive a Refund?
IPL 2024: Rohit Sharma’s Candid Remark Amid MI Captaincy Saga: ‘Ek Audio Ne Waat Laga Diya’
Rohit Sharma, probably walked off the field in the famous Mumbai Indians blue and gold at Wankhede on Friday. In Mumbai Indians’ last home and league game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants, the Hitman smashed a scintillating 68 off 38 deliveries. The onslaught saw 10 fours and 3 sixes coming off the Hitman’s bat. After getting dismissed, the crowd erupted and gave a standing ovation to Mumbai’s beloved son. The run-fest on the cricket pitch was intense, but much before the start of the game, the action had already begun. In a humorous video, India’s captain and Mumbai Indians player Rohit Sharma was seen making a humble request to the official broadcaster’s cameraman to turn off the audio while he chatted with Dhawal Kulkarni. Rohit’s request came just days after his engaging conversation with Kolkata Knight Riders assistant coach Abhishek Nayar went viral on social media. In the new video, Rohit makes a funny appeal, saying, “Bhai audio band karo haan. Ek audio ne mera wat laga diya. (Brother, please turn off the audio. One audio has already made things difficult for me),” as recorded by Star Sports. This recent incident occurred when Rohit was having a lighthearted chat with Kulkarni before Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2024 game against Lucknow Super Giants at Wankhede Stadium. Rohit Sharma’s Candid Remark Amid MI Captaincy Sagahttps://x.com/Bhai_saheb/status/1791496238220894563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1791496238220894563%7Ctwgr%5E7f567364a1843c63b353911fbfba331b19df9098%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.ndtv.com%2Fipl-2024%2Fek-audio-ne-wat-laga-diya-rohit-sharmas-humble-request-to-cameraman-in-viral-video-5687281 A photo of Mumbai Indians co-owner Nita Ambani having a chat with Rohit Sharma is getting a lot of attention on social media. The picture was taken post Mumbai Indians lost a match against LSG in Mumbai. In the photo, Rohit Sharma and Nita Ambani are talking on the sidelines. People are guessing that they might be talking about what’s next for the team. Before Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2024 match against KKR at Eden Gardens, a conversation between former MI captain Rohit Sharma and KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar went viral. The video was reportedly deleted by KKR after it gained attention for the wrong reasons, which only fueled further speculation. Despite the background noise in the viral video, social media users managed to decipher what was said between Rohit and Nayar. In the viral video, Rohit Sharma was heard saying, “Ek ek cheez change ho raha hai…Woh unke upar hai…Jo bhi hai woh mera ghar hai bhai, woh temple jo hai na maine banwaya hai (Everything is changing one by one… It’s on them… Whatever, but it’s my home brother, it’s the temple that I constructed).” Rohit Sharma Explains Abhishek Nayar What MI & Wankhede Means To Himhttps://x.com/Iconic_Hitman/status/1788977747865293177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1788977747865293177%7Ctwgr%5E7f567364a1843c63b353911fbfba331b19df9098%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.ndtv.com%2Fipl-2024%2Fek-audio-ne-wat-laga-diya-rohit-sharmas-humble-request-to-cameraman-in-viral-video-5687281 After a long chat with Abhishek Nayar and also after Gautam Gambhir who also is associated with KKR being the front-runner in the race of Indian Cricket Team’s coach, speculations are floating around that Rohit Sharma could be probably seen donning the KKR purple the next season if MI fails to retain him. It would be really sad to see Rohit leave a team that he built and turned into a winning team gifting them with 5 IPL titles. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.
What’s the connection between DHFL and the IPL?
DHFL and Dheeraj Wadhwan—everyone is talking about them. The CBI arrested the former director of Deewan Housing Finance Limited in connection with a Rs 34,000-crore bank fraud case. This is the biggest banking loan fraud reported in the country so far. Long before the loan fraud was reported, DHFL enjoyed some glory days. That also included being associated with a top IPL franchise, as an associate partner. It was in 2012, when the DHFL first entered the IPL field, as an associate partner of Mumbai Indians. Also Read: Roger Federer – 12 Final Days Mumbai Indians & DHFL – the full story The association between the Mumbai Indians and the DHFL was a massive hit. Between 2012 and 2019, Mumbai Indians went on to lift the IPL crown four times. Their on-the-field success gave exceptional exposure to the sponsors – with the DHFL being one of them. DHFL first renewed its association with Mumbai Indians in 2013 for three years. It was reported that the finance house was paying Rs 6 Crore to the Mumbai Indians, for its logo to be displayed on the right upper chest slot. Even when the IPL spot-fixing scandal broke out in 2013, and several sponsors backed out, DHFL honored the commitment and renewed the contract again in 2015. The partnership lasted for another four seasons, with 2019 being the last one between the DHFL and the Mumbai Indians. Coincidentally, Mumbai went on to win the IPL title in 2019, beating Chennai Super Kings in an intense final by just one run in Hyderabad. What’s the fraud case against Wadhwans? Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhwan – DHFL directors are being charged with cheating a consortium of 17 banks for a mammoth Rs 34,615 Crore. They are also charged with money laundering as well. The accused have siphoned off and misappropriated a major portion of these funds by falsifying the books. They have also deliberately defaulted on repayment of legitimate dues to the consortium banks. In 2022, the CBI charge-sheeted the Wadhwans, who were taken into custody, in relation to the Yes Bank corruption probe and consequently released on bail. While at DHFL, Kapil Wadhawan held the positions of Chairman and Managing Director, while Dheeraj Wadhawan served as a non-executive director.
IPL 2024: What if Rohit Sharma leaves Mumbai Indians or vice versa?
Rohit Sharma and Mumbai Indians’ bond has been a very special one. It has lasted for 13 years, a tenure that saw MI win five IPL titles, the joint highest alongside Chennai Super Kings. In IPL 2024, things have been different, and that’s not an exaggeration at all. The Mumbai Indians have had a horrific Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign. With just 4 wins in the 12 games they’ve played so far, the paltan from Mumbai have made themselves out of playoff contention. The franchise which already was dealing with the leadership blunder is now facing a backlash due to its poor performances this season. Amidst the turmoil, there are rumours of Rohit Sharma possibly taking an exit from the Mumbai Indians camp and probably from the IPL as well once the team finishes playing all their league-stage games. It indeed is going to be a big loss for Mumbai if Rohit Sharma steps out. Both in terms of skills and terms of money. Mumbai Indians is more of a temple than a franchise for Rohit Sharma. It’s a temple that he has built. Rohit has so far given the legacy that no other captain did for the Mumbai Indians. When it comes to losing for the team, it’s very much given that the Management backs Hardik, but the players are in strong favor of Rohit. The hitman so far has not only been their Captain but also has been one of their biggest support systems. The majority of the players at the franchise are in favor of Rohit because of the way he treats his team-mates and keeps the communication clear. As per reports, Rohit Sharma has a massive backing from players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma. Moreover, if Rohit Sharma decides to leave the franchise, Mumbai Indians, the 87 million valued franchise as a brand is also expected to suffer heavy losses. Their associations with some of the major brands and sponsors are anticipated to come to an end or are expected to hit a low due to the decreased brand value of the team. Walking away from a person of caliber like Rohit Sharma may result in walking away from the brand value that he brings to the team as well. If Rohit Sharma leaves the Mumbai Indians, it could affect their brand value. Rohit is not just a player, he’s also the face of MI. With him being with the Mumbai Indians for over a decade, Rohit Sharma has helped them win many games. People know him well and like him, so if he leaves, some fans might feel disappointed and might not support the team as much. Also, Rohit is a popular player, so his departure could affect the team’s performance on the field. If they start losing more matches without him, it might make fans lose interest in the team. Sponsors might also be less interested in working with the team if they’re not doing well. So, if Rohit leaves, it could have a big impact on the Mumbai Indians’ brand value. In a similar scenario, when megastars like Ronaldo left Real Madrid and Messi left Barcelona, it hit the brand values of both teams. Ronaldo and Messi are not just incredible footballers; they are global icons with massive fan followings. Their departure meant a loss of star power and excitement for the teams. Fans who supported Real Madrid because of Ronaldo or Barcelona because of Messi might feel less connected to the teams without them. Additionally, sponsors and advertisers often associate themselves with successful and popular players, so their absence could affect the teams’ financial partnerships and revenue streams. Overall, losing Ronaldo and Messi was a blow to the brand values of Real Madrid and Barcelona, highlighting the significant influence that star players have on the perception and success of sports teams. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye.