Welcome to Dev's Digest, Sky Sports’ regular column where Asian Football Award‑winner Dev Trehan shares exclusive updates and thoughtful commentary on the most significant stories affecting British South Asians in the beautiful game. Recent reports from Sky Sports News suggest that Indian football authorities are growing increasingly optimistic that players of Indian descent who are based in the United Kingdom will soon be eligible to represent the national side. Under the current eligibility framework, any footballer who holds a foreign passport must relinquish that passport before they can be called up for India.
This rule has effectively barred a large pool of talented British‑Indian athletes from earning an international cap and from contributing to India’s ambition of re‑entering the top‑100 of the FIFA world rankings. According to a senior official who spoke to Sky Sports News on condition of anonymity, the governing body is "convinced" that the regulatory hurdle will be removed, opening the door for overseas‑born Indian players to don the Blue Tigers jersey. In an exclusive interview, former Mumbai City FC chief operating officer Arunava Chaudhuri expressed his excitement: "We are closer than ever to seeing Overseas Citizens of India playing for the Blue Tigers. Diaspora talent from Europe could elevate the Indian team to a new level." Chaudhuri also hinted that the impact of this policy shift could extend beyond football.
With the upcoming Commonwealth Games slated for Ahmedabad and a bid for the 2036 Olympic Games under discussion, a stronger, more diverse football squad could bolster India’s broader sporting profile on the world stage. Sky Sports News has been tracking the aspirations of British‑Indian footballers for more than a decade.
In 2014, former Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra publicly declared his willingness to represent India, even noting that cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar had offered his support. Three years later, Danny Batth – then a new signing for Millwall whose father was born in Punjab – reiterated his desire to wear the Indian colours when speaking with senior Sky correspondent Rob Dorsett. The conversation about inclusion isn’t limited to the Indian national team.
West Ham United’s interim chief executive Karim Virani recently used a South Asian Heritage Month event, hosted in partnership with the Inclusive Irons and Desi Ballers, to underline the club’s commitment to equality and community outreach. While the primary objective for West Ham this season is an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation, Virani stressed that the club must also "drive positive action and impact off the pitch," ensuring that every match – whether men’s, women’s or academy – feels welcoming to all. The event also celebrated the 2025/26 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season, highlighting the growing visibility of South Asian talent across the English game. In parallel with these cultural developments, a separate business story is unfolding in the Premier League.
Sky News reports that a consortium led by British‑Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia is on the brink of acquiring roughly a one‑third stake in Liverpool FC. The investment group includes high‑profile figures such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co‑founder Eduardo Saverin. If the deal proceeds, it would value Liverpool at about £4.4 billion (approximately $6 billion), placing it among the most lucrative football transactions ever recorded. Both Liverpool and the Fenway Sports Group have been approached for comment.
Turning back to the on‑field action, the EFL’s return this Friday offers a perfect moment to reminisce about one of the author’s favourite Championship memories – Yan Dhanda’s debut for Swansea City eight years ago. The young winger entered the match against Sheffield United with the scores level at 1‑1. In a dramatic late‑stage cameo, Dhanda found the net, sending his family in the stands into raptures.
He later recalled the night before: "I was texting my cousin, imagining what it would feel like to score on my debut. I couldn’t sleep, replaying the scenario over and over. When Graham Potter finally called my name, I was buzzing. The ball fell to me, I struck it, and everything became a blur.
It was the best feeling ever." Other promising talents are also making headlines. Fulham academy prospect Farhaan Ali Wahid has joined National League side Boreham Wood on loan, set to gain his first taste of senior football after a prolific season in PL2 that saw him register 17 goal contributions in 21 appearances and earn a nomination for PL2 Player of the Season.
Meanwhile, Riya Mannu has completed a move to West Bromwich Albion Women, and Pakistan international Zahmena Malik has signed for Actonians – both transfers were first disclosed by Sky Sports News in the latest edition of Dev’s Digest. In the realm of sports medicine, Dr Zaf Iqbal and Pakistani international Mariam Mahmood have been shortlisted for the Sports Personality of the Year award at the Asian Achievers Awards. Dr Iqbal, who departed Arsenal after helping the club break a 22‑year Premier League title drought and reach a Champions League final after two decades, is widely respected for his work across top English clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham and Crystal Palace. He also served as chair of the Premier League Doctors Group and co‑chair of the FA Medical Society.
Dr Iqbal’s influence was evident during the 2020/21 season when Sky Sports News revealed that Leicester City’s Monday Night Football fixture against Crystal Palace was temporarily halted to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast – a first in Premier League history. The practice has since become routine, with officials across the leagues now planning natural pauses in evening matches to accommodate fasting athletes. Mariam Mahmood, meanwhile, has enjoyed a breakout year.
After debuting for Pakistan last summer and scoring three goals in her first four caps, she joined Wrexham, where she helped the club secure a league and cup double and qualify for European competition for the first time in its history. Finally, a reminder to readers: nominations for the 2026 Asian Football Awards close next week. Fans and industry professionals can submit entries via the awards website across categories ranging from professional and non‑league football to grassroots initiatives and coaching excellence. For more in‑depth stories, features and video content, visit Sky Sports’ dedicated South Asians in Football hub.
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