Welcome to Dev's Digest, the regular Sky Sports column where Asian Football Award winner Dev Trehan shares breaking news and offers insight into the most important stories affecting British South Asians in the beautiful game. According to an exclusive report from Sky Sports News, officials in charge of Indian football are growing increasingly optimistic that players of Indian descent who have grown up and trained in the United Kingdom will soon be permitted to don the national jersey. At present, the existing eligibility rules require any overseas‑born footballer with Indian heritage to renounce their foreign passport before they can be called up for India, a stipulation that has effectively barred many British‑Indian talents from earning caps and contributing to India's ambition of re‑entering the top‑100 of the FIFA world rankings.
A senior figure within the All India Football Federation (AIFF) told Sky Sports News that he is "convinced" the regulatory hurdle will be removed, paving the way for qualified expatriate players to represent the Blue Tigers. Former Mumbai City FC chief operating officer Arunava Chaudhuri echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are closer than ever to seeing Overseas Citizens of India playing for the national side.
The infusion of diaspora talent from Europe could raise the standard of the Indian team dramatically." The conversation is not limited to football alone. Chaudhuri added that the broader sporting agenda for India includes hosting the next Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and even submitting a bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, meaning that a more competitive football squad would bolster the country's overall international sporting profile. Sky Sports News has been tracking the aspirations of British‑born players of Indian origin for over ten years.
In 2014, former Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra publicly declared his willingness to represent India, noting that cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar had offered his support. Three years later, Danny Batth – then a new signing for Millwall whose father hails from Punjab – told senior correspondent Rob Dorsett of his desire to wear the Indian shirt. The article also touches on West Ham United’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity.
Interim chief executive Karim Virani, speaking at a West Ham United and Inclusive Irons event organised with Desi Ballers to mark South Asian Heritage Month, highlighted the club’s dual focus: achieving an immediate return to the Premier League while also championing equality on and off the pitch. Virani emphasized his personal commitment to making every match – men’s, women’s and academy – a welcoming environment for all supporters. The event featured club ambassadors Matt Jarvis and Bobby Seagull and showcased the 2025/26 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season, underscoring West Ham’s community‑engagement work. In other headline news, Sky News reports that a consortium led by British‑Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia is on the verge of finalising a deal for 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 transaction proceeds, the valuation of Liverpool could reach about £4.4 billion (approximately $6 billion), positioning the deal among the most lucrative in football history. Both Liverpool and the Fenway Sports Group have been contacted for comment.
Turning to the Championship, the EFL’s restart on Friday offers a chance to reminisce about a memorable moment from eight seasons ago. Yan Dhanda’s debut for Swansea City against Sheffield United remains a classic dream‑debut story.
The match was tied 1‑1 late in Graham Potter’s inaugural game as Swansea manager when Dhanda, then 19, was summoned from the bench. He recalled the night before he was texting his cousin about the possibility of scoring on his first appearance.
When the ball fell to him, he struck it confidently and found the net, with his father and cousin watching from the stands – a moment he described as "the best feeling" of his young career. Further transfer updates include Fulham youngster Farhaan Ali Wahid moving on loan to National League side Boreham Wood, where he will gain his first taste of senior football after a standout season in Premier League 2 that earned him a nomination for Player of the Season.
Meanwhile, Riya Mannu has signed for West Bromwich Albion Women, and Pakistan international Zahmena Malik has joined Actonians – both moves were disclosed exclusively by Sky Sports News in the previous edition of Dev’s Digest. On the awards front, Dr. Zaf Iqbal and Pakistan international Mariam Mahmood have been shortlisted for the Sports Personality of the Year award at the Asian Achievers Awards.
Dr. Iqbal, a highly respected football doctor who recently left Arsenal after contributing to their historic Premier League title and Champions League final appearance, has previously served as chair of the Premier League Doctors Group and co‑chair of the FA Medical Society.
His involvement was pivotal during the 2020/21 season when Sky Sports News reported that a Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace was paused to allow players to break their Ramadan fast – a precedent that has since become routine across the league. Mariam Mahmood has enjoyed a breakthrough year, scoring three goals in her first four caps for Pakistan before joining 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, nominations for the 2026 Asian Football Awards close next week.
Fans and industry professionals can submit entries across categories ranging from the professional game to grassroots and coaching on the awards’ website. For more stories, features and video content, visit the dedicated South Asians in Football hub on SkySports.com, and feel free to get in touch to share your own perspective. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250,000 – entry is free!