Welcome to Dev's Digest, Sky Sports' flagship column where Dev Trehan shares exclusive scoops and thoughtful commentary on the most significant stories affecting British South Asians in football. In this edition we cover a charitable auction of a historic FA Cup shirt, celebrate recent international breakthroughs, and highlight the solidarity shown by South Asian players in response to abuse faced by midfielder Zidane Iqbal. Hamza Choudhury's match‑day shirt from Leicester City's dramatic 2021 FA Cup triumph over Chelsea is set to go under the hammer later this month. Sky Sports News has obtained the exclusive details: the shirt, encased in a commemorative frame, will be sold at a fundraising event for the Children Not Numbers charity, an organisation that supports children caught up in the Gaza conflict.
The auction is being organised by Nujum Sports, a body that represents Muslim athletes across the UK, and the proceeds will be directed to aid programmes for those affected by the war. Choudhury, who concluded a 21‑year spell with Leicester by signing for Sheffield United in the summer, will appear as a guest speaker at the London fundraiser on 25 October. His presence underscores the strong link between professional footballers and community activism, especially within the South Asian diaspora.
Beyond the auction, the column notes a remarkable milestone at the ASEAN Cup. Fulham’s rising star Farhaan Ali Wahid followed in Choudhury’s footsteps by earning his first senior cap for Bangladesh, becoming only the second Premier League‑affiliated player ever to represent the South Asian nation. While on loan at National League leaders Boreham Wood, Wahid entered the match from the bench and found the net in his second appearance for Bangladesh, a consolation goal in a 2‑1 loss to Indonesia.
The international scene also saw Oxford City winger Dillon De Silva shine for Sri Lanka. De Silva scored the opening goal in a 3‑0 win over Seychelles and then repeated the feat in a subsequent 2‑0 victory during the two‑legged tie on Mahe Island.
His performances illustrate the growing impact of British‑born South Asian talent on the global stage. A significant portion of the digest is devoted to the recent backlash against Dundee United midfielder Zidane Iqbal. After being targeted with verbal and online abuse during an international fixture with Iraq, Iqbal spoke out publicly, explaining that the harassment stemmed from his British‑Pakistani heritage. His courage prompted an outpouring of support from fellow South Asian players.
Mal Benning and Kam Kandola, both recognised at the Asian Football Awards, voiced their solidarity. Benning, who received the Football Pioneer award and has been named in the South Asians in Football Team of the Season for four consecutive years, told Sky Sports News, "It is heartbreaking to see Zidane subjected to that kind of abuse. He is a role model for South Asian youngsters, having played at the World Cup. I hope this is an isolated incident and doesn’t discourage any aspiring player from pursuing a professional career.
As a community we must stand together and back him fully." Kam Kandola, the Non‑League Player of the Year, echoed the sentiment: "We all stand by Zidane and it’s vital that he feels proud of his heritage. Some people might shy away from the spotlight, but he faced the abuse head‑on for himself and for our community. I’m impressed by how he handled it, and we all support him." The Asian Football Awards also celebrated other South Asian achievements. Mariam Mahmood, a forward for Wrexham and Pakistan, captured the Women’s Player of the Year trophy, while her teammate Layla Banaras of Lewes secured the Women’s Young Player award.
Their success highlights the expanding presence of women of South Asian descent in professional football. In the men’s categories, Brandon Khela, who won the Men’s Young Player award, expressed excitement about the possibility of Robbie Savage taking over as Peterborough United manager.
Former Peterborough chairman Dale Vince confirmed that Savage had been offered the role and that negotiations were underway. Khela, a former Birmingham City midfielder, said, "Robbie has played at the highest level in the Premier League, which is where I aspire to be.
Learning from someone with his experience would be invaluable, regardless of who ultimately gets the job. I’m eager for the new manager and ready to improve my game under his guidance." Khela also paid tribute to former Peterborough boss Luke Williams, who was dismissed a fortnight earlier. "I have a lot of respect for Luke. He taught me a great deal, and I hope our paths cross again in the future," he added.
Another inspiring story comes from Dilan Markanday, the trailblazing Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate who became the first British South Asian to feature for the club in its 140‑year history. Earlier this month Markanday scored a dramatic late winner for Chesterfield against York City, a goal he described as reminiscent of his carefree days at Spurs. "When the ball arrived on the halfway line I ignored the instructions to play it safe. I saw a one‑on‑one with the defender, took on another player and smashed it into the bottom corner.
I felt like that little kid again, fearless and just enjoying the game," he recalled. Markanday’s enthusiasm underscores the importance of preserving that childlike joy in football, especially for players breaking new ground for their communities.
Overall, this edition of Dev’s Digest showcases a vibrant tapestry of South Asian footballers who are not only excelling on the pitch but also using their platforms to champion charitable causes, break cultural barriers, and support one another in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that representation matters, and that the South Asian football community continues to grow stronger and more influential with each passing season. For additional features, videos, and in‑depth coverage, visit the dedicated South Asians in Football hub on Sky Sports and feel free to get in touch with us to share your thoughts.