BCCI's Expansion of IPL to New Cities Lauded by Former Commissioner

BCCI’s Expansion of IPL to New Cities Lauded by Former Commissioner

The Indian Premier League (IPL), under the stewardship of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has witnessed remarkable growth and success, according to former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. Modi lauded the BCCI’s efforts in expanding the league’s reach to new cities and markets, effectively opening up the tournament to the entire country.

“The IPL has become the world’s best sports league, with a valuation second to none,” Modi said. “The BCCI has done a fantastic job in taking the games to newer cities and markets, bringing the IPL to the entire country.”

Modi emphasized the importance of innovation, particularly from team owners, in areas such as merchandising and ticketing. He suggested the creation of a centralized IPL store and collective efforts by team owners to enhance the fan experience.

“For the BCCI, they should consider a secondary league in tier two or tier three cities,” Modi added. “This would cater to the growing appetite for cricket in these areas and could potentially promote the winner to the IPL for the next season.”

Modi attributed the IPL’s success to its ability to nurture Indian players and inspire them to achieve their aspirations. He highlighted the performances of Anuj Rawat and Harshit Rana, who made significant contributions to their respective teams despite the presence of international stars.

“The tournament is no longer reliant on foreign stars,” Modi said. “It is the Indian core that drives it. The success of the South African League (SA20) and the Caribbean League (CPL) is also due to the involvement of local stars.”

Regarding the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies/US and cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Modi expressed skepticism. He believes that the T20 World Cup in New York will be driven by expats and that cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics would have been more impactful if it had occurred in countries with a strong cricket culture.

RCB's Anuj Rawat Stuns with One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Sam Curran

RCB’s Anuj Rawat Stuns with One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Sam Curran

RCB’s Anuj Rawat Stuns with One-Handed Catch to Dismiss Sam Curran

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) young wicket-keeper Anuj Rawat showcased his exceptional fielding skills during the IPL match against Punjab Kings in Bengaluru on Monday. In a moment of brilliance, Rawat grabbed a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss dangerous all-rounder Sam Curran.

The incident occurred during the penultimate delivery of the 18th over. Pacer Yash Dayal’s well-directed bouncer caught Curran off guard, forcing him to attempt a hook shot. However, Rawat’s agility and quick reflexes proved too much for Curran.

With a graceful leap, Rawat extended his right hand backwards in the air, plucking the ball out of thin air. The catch was a testament to Rawat’s exceptional hand-eye coordination and athleticism.

Curran, who was looking to accelerate the innings, had scored 23 runs off 17 balls, including three boundaries. Rawat’s dismissal proved crucial in restricting Punjab Kings’ late surge.

In addition to his stunning catch, Rawat also contributed with the bat, scoring a brisk 25-ball 48 in the tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings. His versatility as a wicketkeeper-batsman has made him a valuable asset for RCB.

“The communication has been very clear to me, as in batting down the order. As someone keeping wickets, you have to bat in the middle-order a lot,” Rawat said in a pre-match presser.

The Delhi cricketer, who has kept wickets for RCB in the last couple of matches, expressed his growing confidence in the role.

“Last season also, I kept wickets in a few games, and it gave me more confidence, and as this season goes on, I am looking forward to contributing more as a wicketkeeper batsman,” Rawat added.

Rawat’s impressive performance against Punjab Kings highlights his potential as a rising star in the IPL. His ability to combine exceptional fielding with solid batting skills makes him a valuable asset for RCB and a player to watch in the upcoming matches.

Dani Alves Released on Bail Pending Appeal in Rape Case

Dani Alves Released on Bail Pending Appeal in Rape Case

Dani Alves Released on Bail Pending Appeal in Rape Case

Convicted rapist and former Brazil international Dani Alves was released from prison near Barcelona on Monday after posting the one-million-euro bail set by a court to ensure his release pending appeal.

Alves, one of the world’s most decorated footballers, walked out of the Brians 2 prison in San Esteban Sasroviras near Barcelona, an AFP correspondent at the scene said.

The 39-year-old was arrested in January and charged with sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30. He has denied the allegations.

On February 20, a court in Barcelona ordered Alves to be held in pre-trial detention without bail, citing the risk of flight and the severity of the charges.

However, on Monday, the court granted Alves’s appeal for release pending trial. The court set a bail of one million euros, which Alves’s lawyers paid.

Alves is now required to surrender his passport and appear before the court regularly. He is also prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or entering the nightclub where the incident allegedly occurred.

The trial date has not yet been set. If convicted, Alves could face up to 12 years in prison.

Alves has had a distinguished career, winning numerous titles with Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain. He also played for the Brazilian national team, winning the Copa America twice.

His arrest and conviction have shocked the football world and raised questions about the safety of women in nightclubs.

Faf du Plessis: The Leg-Spinning Captain of RCB

Faf du Plessis: The Leg-Spinning Captain of RCB

Faf du Plessis: The Unexpected Leg-Spin Wizard

Ahead of their first home match of the IPL season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players were stumped by a trivia question: who was the first current RCB player to take two consecutive 5-wicket hauls in T20s?

To everyone’s surprise, the answer was none other than their captain, Faf du Plessis. Back in 2011 and 2012, du Plessis achieved this feat in the South African domestic circuit with his leg-spin skills.

His second five-wicket haul was particularly impressive, as it included wickets of Quinton de Kock, Neil McKenzie, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, and Thami Tsolekile, all of whom represented South Africa.

Du Plessis’ bowling prowess extends beyond T20s. He has also picked up 2 ODI wickets and has a respectable bowling record across first-class, List A, and T20 cricket. In T20s, he has claimed 50 wickets at an average of 18.34 and an economy rate of 6.96.

Despite his bowling abilities, du Plessis has opted to focus on his batting in recent years. However, his teammates were quick to express their surprise and admiration for his leg-spin skills.

“Who bowls leg-spin? Faf? What!” exclaimed Virat Kohli. “Faf, I never expected you to do that!” added Dinesh Karthik.

As RCB prepares to take on Punjab in their first home game of the season, it remains to be seen whether du Plessis will showcase his bowling talents once again.

Virat Kohli Breaks Record for Most Catches by Indian Fielder in T20 Cricket

Virat Kohli Breaks Record for Most Catches by Indian Fielder in T20 Cricket

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, has etched his name in the record books once again, this time as the Indian fielder with the most catches in T20 cricket. During the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings, Kohli surpassed Suresh Raina’s previous record of 172 catches.

Kohli’s remarkable catch at covers to dismiss Jonny Bairstow marked his 173rd catch in T20s, solidifying his position as the most prolific Indian fielder in the format. The former India and RCB skipper has consistently showcased his exceptional fielding abilities, often making spectacular catches look routine.

Kohli’s achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field. His agility, anticipation, and quick reflexes have made him a formidable presence in the outfield.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma follows Kohli on the list with 167 catches, while Manish Pandey (146) and Suryakumar Yadav (136) round out the top five.

In the same match, Kohli also became the first Indian batter to complete 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. The milestone came during RCB’s opening match of the season against Chennai Super Kings. Kohli has amassed these runs in 377 T20 matches and 360 innings, including 8 centuries and 91 fifties.

Kohli’s recent achievements underscore his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level, both with the bat and in the field, makes him an invaluable asset to any team.

IPL Stars Celebrate Holi Amidst Rigorous Schedule

IPL Stars Celebrate Holi Amidst Rigorous Schedule

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, love, and friendship, painted the Indian Premier League (IPL) in its hues as cricket stars celebrated the occasion amidst their rigorous schedule. Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, kicked off the festivities before their upcoming match against SunRisers Hyderabad.

The festival brought together cricketers from diverse backgrounds, transcending nationalities and communities. Mumbai Indians’ players, including Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Ritika Sajdeh, immersed themselves in the revelry.

Delhi Capitals’ star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, back on the field after a life-threatening accident, enjoyed the festival with his teammates. Australian opener David Warner and head coach Ricky Ponting also joined in the celebrations.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper Shreyas Iyer found himself drenched in water and color within seconds of meeting his teammates. Mentor Gautam Gambhir and players Suyash Sharma, Harshit Rana, and Chetan Sakariya were among those who participated in the festivities.

Rajasthan Royals’ spinner Yuzvendra Chahal celebrated with teammates Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Steve Smith and Stuart Broad, former rivals in the Ashes series, shared the joy of Holi as part of the IPL’s broadcasting team.

The festival of colors not only brought joy to the cricketers but also symbolized the inclusivity and unity that the IPL represents. As the tournament progresses, the spirit of Holi will continue to inspire the players and fans alike, creating a vibrant and unforgettable spectacle.

Harendra Singh Frontrunner to Coach Indian Women's Hockey Team

Harendra Singh Frontrunner to Coach Indian Women’s Hockey Team

Harendra Singh, a seasoned coach with a proven track record in Indian hockey, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Janneke Schopman as the head coach of the Indian women’s hockey team. Singh recently appeared for an interview with Hockey India, the national governing body, which has indicated that he is the preferred candidate to lead the team after its disappointing failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Singh previously served as the head coach of the Indian women’s team from 2017 to 2018, guiding them to a gold medal at the 2017 Asia Cup. He also coached the Indian junior men’s team to victory at the 2016 Junior World Cup.

Sources within Hockey India have expressed confidence in Singh’s ability to revive the women’s team. “Harendra is the best person to take the women’s side to where it belongs,” said a source. “He knows the structure of Indian hockey and has a proven track record of success.”

However, negotiations over Singh’s salary could pose a challenge. As the current coach of the United States men’s team, Singh is reportedly earning a substantial salary. Hockey India’s salary cap for Indian coaches is Rs 3 lakh per month, but Singh may demand a higher amount.

Hockey India secretary-general Bhola Nath Singh confirmed that Harendra appeared for the interview but emphasized that no decision has been made yet. “There are 11-12 candidates, and we will decide taking into account every aspect,” he said.

If appointed, Singh will replace Schopman, who resigned last month citing a difficult work environment for foreign coaches in India. Schopman’s departure came after the women’s team failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, a major setback for Indian hockey.

Singh’s appointment would mark a return to the helm of the Indian women’s team for the experienced coach. His previous stint with the team was cut short in 2018 when he was replaced by Dutchman Sjoerd Marijne.

PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth to Lead Indian Charge at Madrid Spain Masters

PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth to Lead Indian Charge at Madrid Spain Masters

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu and ace men’s shuttler Kidambi Srikanth will embark on their European campaign at the Madrid Spain Masters tournament, commencing on Tuesday. Sindhu, seeded second, will face Wen Yu Zhang of Canada in the round of 32, while seventh seed Srikanth will take on a qualifier.

Sindhu, who finished as runner-up in the previous edition, will be eager to make amends after her heartbreaking loss to Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. Srikanth, who reached the semifinals of the Swiss Open Super 300 tournament before bowing out to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi, will aim to make an impact after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Joining Srikanth in the tournament will be Kiran George and Sathish Karunakaran. Among other Indians in the fray, Ashmita Chaliha will face fourth-seeded and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, while Malvika Bansod will clash with Iris Wang of the United States.

Lakshya Sen, who reached the semifinals of the All England Championships this year, has withdrawn from the tournament. The fifth seed was scheduled to face world No. 39 Takuma Obayashi of Japan.

In women’s doubles, fifth seeds Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will lead the Indian charge. The duo will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing quarterfinal loss in the Swiss Open. Third-seeded Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa will also compete, while Ashwini Bhat and Shikha Gautam complete the Indian contingent.

In men’s doubles, Krishna Prasad Garaga and Sai Pratheek will open against fourth-seeded Canadians Dong Adam and Yakura Nyl, while eighth seeds M R Arjun and Dhruv Kapila will take on the Mexican duo of Job Castillo and Luis Armando Montoya Navarro.

Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka’s emphatic 328-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has propelled them up the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. This triumph marks their eighth away Test win over Bangladesh, maintaining their undefeated record in the format against the hosts.

Prior to this match, Sri Lanka languished at the bottom of the WTC standings with zero points, while Bangladesh occupied the fourth spot with 12 points and a points percentage of 50. However, Sri Lanka’s resounding victory has earned them 12 points in three games, boosting their points percentage to 33.33. This surge has lifted them above South Africa (25%) and England (17.50%), tying them with Bangladesh in sixth place.

The first Test result has triggered a reshuffle in the WTC table. The West Indies have ascended to fifth place with the same points percentage as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but a superior points tally (16). Pakistan, with a points percentage of 36.66, has moved up to fourth place with 22 points.

On Day 4 of the match, Mominul Haque displayed remarkable resilience against Sri Lanka’s formidable bowling attack. His steadfast batting kept the Sri Lankan bowlers at bay and helped Bangladesh navigate the first session. However, wickets continued to fall at the other end, limiting Bangladesh to a score of 182 and sealing a 328-run defeat in the first Test.

Sri Lanka’s victory has not only bolstered their WTC standing but also instilled confidence within the team. They will be eager to maintain their momentum in the second and final Test of the series, which commences on May 23rd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka's Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s pace trio of Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha etched their names in history by capturing all 20 wickets in the first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. This feat, last achieved by Sri Lanka in 1986, was made possible by the green tinge of the pitch, which provided ample pace and bounce.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to field three pacers proved to be a masterstroke, as they exploited the conditions to the fullest. The visitors completed a comprehensive 328-run victory with a day and a half to spare, giving the pace trio much-needed rest ahead of the second Test in Chattogram.

De Silva praised his bowlers for their exceptional use of the new ball and their ability to maintain their shape despite the pitch slowing down. He emphasized the importance of pace bowlers in extracting wickets, especially when the conditions favor them.

The Test also marked a memorable milestone for De Silva himself, who became the first Sri Lankan captain to score twin hundreds in a Test. He and newcomer Kamindu Mendis formed crucial partnerships in both innings, showcasing their patience and skill.

De Silva expressed his satisfaction with Mendis’s performance, highlighting his determination and suitability for the No. 7 role. He also acknowledged the support he receives from experienced leaders in the team, which helps him navigate the challenges of captaincy.

Despite Sri Lanka’s impressive victory, De Silva remains focused on the present and is not preoccupied with the World Test Championship points table. He believes in taking one match at a time and addressing areas for improvement, such as the top-order batting, before the next Test.

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