For decades, the term "WAGs"—Wives And Girlfriends—has been used to describe the partners of football stars. But at the FIFA World Cup 2026, many of England's footballers' partners are pushing back against the label. From entrepreneurs and lawyers to athletes, influencers, and business leaders, these women are increasingly being recognised for their own achievements rather than their relationships. As the spotlight turns to the women behind the players, a larger conversation is emerging about identity, representation, and the evolving role of partners in modern football culture.

Don't Call Us WAGs, Say Football World Cup Wives & Girlfriends 

In a massive boost for the IPL team owners, all overseas players who have put forward their names for the mega auction scheduled on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have fully committed their availability for the next three seasons, per the latest reports. Most players from Australia, Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe have confirmed their participation in the current cycle (2025-2027), while centrally-contracted English players vow to abide by their words.

However, uncertainty surrounds the availability of some Sri Lankan and a handful of Australian players who will feature in the 150-year commemorative Test against England in March 2027. Elsewhere, Shakib Al Hasan, a Bangladesh veteran, confirmed his participation for all three seasons, with the BCB notifying the BCCI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-commences-on-march-14-dates-for-2026-and-2027-season-also-out-report-778166">IPL 2025 commences on March 14, dates for 2026 and 2027 season also out: Report</a>

Meanwhile, the ECB also confirmed to the Indian Cricket Board about their players’ availability throughout the upcoming three editions, with star players including Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Will Jacks, Phil Salt and several others, all centrally contracted, sure to play all matches each edition.

<h2>Who misses out?</h2>

Outside of Pakistan cricketers, who are barred from entering the IPL auction due to tense relations between both countries, a few players like Matthew Short (Australia, 50 per cent of the 2025 season), Nandre Burger (South Africa, 75 per cent), Dion Myres (Zimbabwe, 85 per cent), Mark Chapman (New Zealand, 55 per cent), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa, 50 per cent) and Will Young (New Zealand, 50 per cent) have shared their availability status should they get picked.

However, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has communicated to the BCCI about the availability status of some of their players for the 2026 and 2027 editions, although all players are confirmed to play the upcoming season, starting March 14, 2025.&nbsp;

"Sri Lanka: Full Availability of players for IPL 2025. Players who are retained for IPL 2026 and IPL 2027 will have full availability, while the availability of the players who are released prior to IPL 2026 and IPL 2027 will be informed before the auction of that particular season," the BCCI note said on the Lankans, as quoted by Cricbuzz.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, considering Cricket Australia’s (CA) international FTP for the next three years, the board has written to the BCCI, informing them of their stance of providing required NOCs to all players to feature for their respective IPL sides.&nbsp;

Though those appearing for international matches will link up with their IPL teams right after their Australia commitments, ones playing domestically shall be released to fly to India to play in the cash-rich league.

Besides, the IPL and BCCI have released the dates for the next three seasons, with IPL 2025 taking place from March 14 to May 25; March 15 to May 31 is the window for IPL 2026, while IPL 2027 is from March 14 to May 30.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a massive boost for the IPL team owners, all overseas players who have put forward their names for the mega auction scheduled on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have fully committed their availability for the next three seasons, per the latest reports.

In a massive boost for the IPL team owners, all overseas players who have put forward their names for the mega auction scheduled on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have fully committed their availability for the next three seasons, per the latest reports. Most players from Australia, Afghanistan, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe have confirmed their participation in the current cycle (2025-2027), while centrally-contracted English players vow to abide by their words. However, uncertainty surrounds the availability of some Sri Lankan and a handful of Australian players who will feature in the 150-year commemorative Test against England in March 2027. Elsewhere, Shakib Al Hasan, a Bangladesh veteran, confirmed his participation for all three seasons, with the BCB notifying the BCCI. ALSO READ: IPL 2025 commences on March 14, dates for 2026 and 2027 season also out: Report Meanwhile, the ECB also confirmed to the Indian Cricket Board about their players’ availability throughout the upcoming three editions, with star players including Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Will Jacks, Phil Salt and several others, all centrally contracted, sure to play all matches each edition. Who misses out? Outside of Pakistan cricketers, who are barred from entering the IPL auction due to tense relations between both countries, a few players like Matthew Short (Australia, 50 per cent of the 2025 season), Nandre Burger (South Africa, 75 per cent), Dion Myres (Zimbabwe, 85 per cent), Mark Chapman (New Zealand, 55 per cent), Rilee Rossouw (South Africa, 50 per cent) and Will Young (New Zealand, 50 per cent) have shared their availability status should they get picked. However, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has communicated to the BCCI about the availability status of some of their players for the 2026 and 2027 editions, although all players are confirmed to play the upcoming season, starting March 14, 2025. "Sri Lanka: Full Availability of players for IPL 2025. Players who are retained for IPL 2026 and IPL 2027 will have full availability, while the availability of the players who are released prior to IPL 2026 and IPL 2027 will be informed before the auction of that particular season," the BCCI note said on the Lankans, as quoted by Cricbuzz. Meanwhile, considering Cricket Australia’s (CA) international FTP for the next three years, the board has written to the BCCI, informing them of their stance of providing required NOCs to all players to feature for their respective IPL sides. Though those appearing for international matches will link up with their IPL teams right after their Australia commitments, ones playing domestically shall be released to fly to India to play in the cash-rich league. Besides, the IPL and BCCI have released the dates for the next three seasons, with IPL 2025 taking place from March 14 to May 25; March 15 to May 31 is the window for IPL 2026, while IPL 2027 is from March 14 to May 30. (With inputs from agencies)

Relief for IPL franchise owners as foreign players commit availability for next three seasons

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Don't Call Us WAGs, Say Football World Cup Wives & Girlfriends

Relief for IPL franchise owners as foreign players commit availability for next three seasons