Manchester City captain Kyle Walker is set to join Italian giants AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season. The agreement reportedly includes an option for AC Milan to make the move permanent during the summer transfer window.

Walker, who has played 316 matches for Manchester City since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017 for £50 million, will travel to Italy for his medical. The 34-year-old right-back last played for City in their game against West Ham on January 4. Shortly after, he informed manager Pep Guardiola of his interest in exploring opportunities abroad.

The England international, with 93 caps to his name, preferred a move to Serie A over a potential switch to the Saudi Pro League, where he was initially linked. Walker, who has been an integral part of City’s success, contributed to all six of their Premier League title wins under Guardiola.

AC Milan’s interest in Walker comes amidst links to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. However, Italian transfer rules allow them to register only one player from the UK during this window. This made Walker their priority signing.

As one of City’s joint-captains, elected by his teammates in 2023, Walker has been a key figure in the club’s leadership group.

Meanwhile, Manchester City has been active in the January transfer market, spending approximately £123 million on new additions. These include Egypt forward Omar Marmoush from Frankfurt for £59 million, Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £30 million, and Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens for £33.6 million.

Stay updated on the latest football transfer news at Sri Lankan Sports TV.

The Sri Lanka U19 Women’s cricket team faced a tough defeat against India in their final Group A match of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, played on January 23 at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka qualified for the Super Six stage, marking a significant milestone in their campaign.

India’s Innings: A Steady Recovery After Early Wickets

Sri Lanka’s decision to field first paid off initially, as they reduced India to 17/2 in the first 4.2 overs. However, Indian batter Gongadi Trisha played a key role, scoring 49 runs to anchor the innings. Sri Lanka’s Pramudi Methsara and Limansa Thilakaratne each took two wickets, limiting India to a total of 118/9 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles with the Bat

Chasing 119, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup faltered against India’s disciplined bowling. The team was reeling at 15/5 in the powerplay, with key players dismissed early. Rashmika Sewwandi offered some resistance, scoring 15 runs, but Sri Lanka was bowled out for 59 in 18 overs, falling short by 59 runs.

Super Six Qualification: A Positive Takeaway

Despite the defeat, Sri Lanka’s performances earlier in the group stage ensured their progression to the Super Six stage. This achievement provides an opportunity for the young side to gain more exposure and showcase their talent on the global stage.

As the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 unfolds, Sri Lanka’s journey continues to inspire cricket fans, highlighting the growth of women’s cricket in the country.

For more updates on Sri Lanka U19 Women’s cricket and the latest sports news, stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV.

In a significant development, India has officially announced its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This decision, stemming from longstanding political tensions and security concerns, has far-reaching implications for the tournament’s organization and the future of cricket diplomacy. Adding another layer of complexity, the Indian cricket team has also decided not to wear jerseys featuring the Champions Trophy 2025 logo that mentions Pakistan as the host nation.

Key Reasons for India’s Decision

1. Security Concerns: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized that security issues in Pakistan remain a major obstacle to sending the team.

2. Political Strain: The strained diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have long impacted bilateral cricketing ties, with no bilateral series held since 2012.

3. Preference for Neutral Venues: India has proposed moving their matches to a neutral venue, similar to arrangements made during the 2023 Asia Cup, where India’s games were played in Sri Lanka.

Implications of the Decision

1. Tournament Adjustments

India’s withdrawal from playing in Pakistan could lead to significant changes in the tournament structure. The ICC might relocate India’s matches to neutral venues such as the UAE or Sri Lanka, splitting the event across multiple countries.

2. Financial and Logistical Impact

With India being one of the largest revenue generators in international cricket, this decision could impact ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals.

3. Diplomatic Fallout

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its dissatisfaction, calling the move a setback to efforts aimed at normalizing international cricket in Pakistan.

Jersey Controversy: No Pakistan Logo

In a bold statement, the BCCI has decided that the Indian cricket team will not don jerseys featuring the official Champions Trophy 2025 logo that mentions Pakistan as the host.

Symbolic Gesture: The absence of the logo underscores India’s stance on the issue.

Custom Design: The Indian team is expected to wear an alternate jersey design, which complies with ICC regulations but omits specific references to Pakistan’s hosting rights.

Reactions from the Cricketing World

PCB’s Stand: The PCB has labeled India’s actions as politically motivated, arguing that Pakistan has successfully hosted international teams, proving its ability to ensure security.

ICC’s Challenge: The ICC now faces the difficult task of accommodating India’s concerns while preserving the tournament’s integrity.

Fans’ Divide: While Indian fans support their team’s security-first approach, global cricket enthusiasts are disappointed at the continuing intersection of politics and sport.

What’s Next?

The ICC is expected to meet with both boards to discuss solutions, including potential venue adjustments and jersey regulations. A final decision is anticipated in the coming months.

Conclusion

India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan and the jersey controversy have added a dramatic twist to the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These developments highlight the persistent challenges of balancing cricket with geopolitics. As the situation unfolds, the cricketing world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that keeps the spirit of the game alive.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for the latest updates on this story and more breaking sports news.