Wishlist0
0
Continue Shopping

 +91 91155 12977

Home / News

Category: News

Indian Tennis Duo Bollipalli and Kadhe Advance to Challenger Semifinals

Indian Tennis Duo Bollipalli and Kadhe Advance to Challenger Semifinals

By September 27, 2024 0

Top-seeded Indian tennis duo Rithvik Bollipalli and Arjun Kadhe advanced to the semifinals of the $133,250 Challenger tournament in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on Thursday. The pair defeated Gabriel Diallo of Canada and Seita Watanabe of Japan 7-6(3), 7-6(5) in a hard-fought doubles quarterfinal.

Bollipalli and Kadhe displayed their resilience and determination throughout the match. In the first set, they faced a tough challenge from their opponents, who pushed them to a tiebreaker. However, the Indian duo remained composed and secured the set with a 7-3 victory in the tiebreaker.

The second set was equally competitive, with both teams trading blows. Once again, the match went into a tiebreaker, where Bollipalli and Kadhe showcased their superior skills and closed out the set 7-5.

Their victory sets up a semifinal clash against Toshihide Matsui of Japan and Ramkumar Ramanathan, who defeated Alejandro Moro Canas of Spain and Marco Trungelliti of Argentina 6-3, 6-4 in the other quarterfinal.

In other results from the tournament, Max Houkes of the Netherlands defeated Siddhant Banthia of India 6-2, 6-0 in the singles pre-quarterfinals. Adil Kalyanpur overcame Bharath Kumaran 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, while Karan Singh edged out Denis Spiridon of Italy 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-4.

In the doubles quarterfinals, Siddhant Banthia and Sai Karteek Reddy defeated Guy Iradukunda of Burundi and Mohamed Safwat of Egypt 6-3, 6-4. Aryan Lakshmanan and Roland Stuurman of the Netherlands beat Nikita Ianin and Grigoriy Lomakin of Kazakhstan 7-6(3), 7-6(5).

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Dwayne Bravo Retires from Cricket, Ends Illustrious T20 Career

Dwayne Bravo Retires from Cricket, Ends Illustrious T20 Career

By September 27, 2024 0

Dwayne Bravo, the legendary all-rounder, has bid farewell to cricket after a glittering career spanning over two decades. The 41-year-old, who holds the record for most T20 wickets, announced his retirement on Instagram, citing physical limitations.

Bravo’s international career ended in 2021, and he stepped away from the IPL last year. However, he continued to play in various T20 leagues around the world, including the CPL, where he was the most decorated player with five titles.

In his retirement post, Bravo expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. He acknowledged that his body could no longer withstand the rigors of the game, and he did not want to compromise his performance or let down his teammates.

Bravo’s retirement marks the end of an era in T20 cricket. He was known for his exceptional bowling skills, particularly his variations and ability to bowl at the death. He also contributed with the bat, often playing crucial cameos in the lower order.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Bravo was also a respected leader and mentor. He played a key role in nurturing young players, such as Dominic Drakes and Ali Khan, who have gone on to become stars in their own right.

Bravo’s retirement leaves a void in the world of cricket. He was a true entertainer and a role model for aspiring cricketers. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
IPL 2025 to Feature 74 Matches, Prioritizing Player Workload

IPL 2025 to Feature 74 Matches, Prioritizing Player Workload

By September 26, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to maintain the number of matches at 74 for the 2025 season, despite initially planning for 84 matches. This decision is primarily driven by the need to manage the workload of Indian international players, who are expected to participate in the World Test Championship final in June 2025.

The IPL has been a major success since its inception in 2008, attracting a massive fan base and becoming one of the richest sporting leagues in the world. In 2022, the media rights for the 2023-27 cycle were sold for a staggering INR 48,390.5 crore (USD 6.2 billion approx.).

The number of matches in the IPL has varied over the years, with 74 matches being played in the last three seasons. However, the IPL had initially planned to increase the number of matches to 84 in 2025 and 2026, and 94 in 2027.

The decision to reduce the number of matches in 2025 is a significant departure from the original plan. It reflects the BCCI’s commitment to player welfare and the recognition that the increased number of matches could put undue strain on the players.

The IPL dates for the 2025 season have not yet been finalized, but the window is likely to stretch between mid-March and the last week of May. The IPL will determine the number of matches in the special package (package C) based on the total number of games in a season.

The special package includes the tournament opener, weekend evening matches, and the four playoffs, including the final. The opening match and the playoffs will be mandatory, while the IPL will decide which evening matches from the double-headers will be included in this package.

With 74 matches in a season, the special package will have 18 matches. If there are more than 74 matches in a season, the special package matches will rise by two for every ten additional matches.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Hampshire Dominate Somerset with Abbott and Dawson's Bowling Masterclass

Hampshire Dominate Somerset with Abbott and Dawson’s Bowling Masterclass

By September 26, 2024 0

Hampshire’s quest for second place in the Vitality County Championship received a significant boost as they dismantled Somerset for a paltry 136 on the opening day of their final Division One encounter at Taunton. Kyle Abbott and Liam Dawson wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming four wickets apiece.

Somerset’s batting woes began early as Tom Lammonby and Andy Umeed departed cheaply to Abbott. Tom Abell’s brief resistance ended when Mohammad Abbas bowled him for 10. Tom Kohler-Cadmore emerged as the lone bright spot, launching his innings with a flurry of boundaries.

Dawson’s introduction proved pivotal as he trapped Archie Vaughan and James Rew leg before wicket. Kasey Aldridge’s struggles against Dawson culminated in another lbw dismissal. Lewis Gregory and Kohler-Cadmore briefly steadied the ship, but Dawson struck again to remove Gregory.

Kohler-Cadmore reached his half-century, but his resistance ended when he was caught behind off Abbott. Shoaib Bashir’s brief stay at the crease ended in an lbw dismissal, leaving Somerset all out for 136.

Hampshire’s reply got off to a shaky start as Alfie Ogborne dismissed Fletcha Middleton. Nick Gubbins and James Vince fell to Gregory and Leach, respectively. Leach continued his impressive spell by removing Tom Prest and Dawson.

Despite the setbacks, Hampshire closed the day on 62 for 5, with Toby Albert unbeaten on 38. Somerset now face an uphill battle to overtake Hampshire and finish second behind champions Surrey.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
England's Josh Hull Ruled Out of Pakistan Test Tour with Quad Injury

England’s Josh Hull Ruled Out of Pakistan Test Tour with Quad Injury

By September 26, 2024 0

Josh Hull, the promising Leicestershire left-arm seamer, has been ruled out of England’s Test tour of Pakistan due to a persistent quad injury. The 20-year-old sustained the niggle during his debut in the final Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval.

Initially, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) believed Hull had sufficient time to recover and withdrew him from the limited-overs series against Australia. However, the injury has lingered, forcing the decision to exclude him from the three-Test series in Pakistan.

England will not call up a replacement and will travel to Pakistan with a 16-man squad on October 1. The first Test in Multan commences on October 7.

Hull’s selection for the tour was intended to accelerate his development as a unique asset for England’s bowling attack. Standing at 6ft7in, his left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball into right-handers offer a distinct skillset.

After impressing in a tour match against Sri Lanka, Hull was drafted into the squad following Mark Wood’s injury in the first Test at Emirates Old Trafford. His strong performances in training caught the attention of head coach Brendon McCullum and bowling consultant James Anderson, leading to his surprise debut at The Oval.

Hull displayed glimpses of his potential, taking 3 for 53 in the first innings. However, he failed to claim any wickets in the second innings as Sri Lanka chased down 219 to inflict England’s only Test defeat of the summer.

The match marked Hull’s 11th first-class appearance, a season in which he had managed only two wickets in three Division Two appearances for Leicestershire, at a high average of 182.50.

It remains uncertain whether Hull would have featured in Pakistan or if he will be included in the tour to New Zealand. The ECB will monitor his recovery closely.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
IOA Standoff over CEO Appointment Delays Olympic Bid Dialogue

IOA Standoff over CEO Appointment Delays Olympic Bid Dialogue

By September 26, 2024 0

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has hit a roadblock in its bid to host the 2036 Olympics, as the executive council (EC) has refused to ratify the appointment of CEO Raghuram Iyer. This decision has created a standoff with IOA president PT Usha, who believes the move will hinder India’s dialogue with the IOC’s Future Host Commission (FHC).

Usha emphasized that without a CEO, the IOC will not engage in discussions regarding the 2036 Olympics. She stated that the appointment of Iyer in January had led to two meetings with the FHC, but now the process is at a standstill.

During the crucial EC meeting, 12 members expressed their concerns about Iyer’s nomination and the agenda was put to vote. The minutes of the meeting, signed by all EC members except Usha, indicate that 12 members voted against the ratification of the CEO.

The EC members raised objections to Iyer’s pay package of ₹20 lakh per month and called for a reinitiation of the appointment process with new terms of reference. They expect the process to be completed within two months.

Usha left the meeting after the vote, while the members decided that Joint Secretary Kalyan Chaubey would continue as acting CEO until a new CEO is appointed.

Usha expressed her disappointment with the EC’s decision, stating that the members had initially agreed to negotiate Iyer’s salary but later changed their stance. She also questioned the EC’s authority to include the discussion in the meeting minutes, as she had left the meeting.

The IOC representative in the meeting, Jerome Poivey, stated that the matter was an internal issue for the IOA and that the IOC had no specific views on the matter.

An EC member questioned the interest of the CEO in continuing with the IOA despite the board’s refusal to ratify his appointment. The member emphasized that the appointment of a new CEO should not take more than two months.

India’s bid for the 2030 Youth Olympics and 2036 Summer Olympics is facing delays due to the turmoil within the IOA. The FHC engages in discussions with nations interested in hosting the Olympics before finalizing the bid and candidates. The IOC has stressed the importance of a strong NOC for a successful bidding process.

Categories: Others
Read more

Lalit Modi Slams ECB’s Hundred Projections as “Disconnected from Reality”

By September 26, 2024 0

Lalit Modi, the visionary behind the Indian Premier League (IPL), has cast doubt on the financial viability of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) Hundred tournament. In a scathing post on social media, Modi leaked confidential financial projections and team valuations, accusing the ECB of being “disconnected from reality.”

Modi’s intervention comes as the ECB seeks private investment for the Hundred, which has faced delays in securing equity sales. Despite Modi’s initial interest in the tournament, he now dismisses the ECB’s projections as “dangerously overambitious and unsustainable.”

Modi acknowledges the potential growth of the ECB’s domestic TV rights but questions the Hundred’s international appeal. He argues that the tournament faces stiff competition from established leagues like the IPL, Caribbean Premier League, and Major League Cricket.

“The Hundred’s teams are projected to be worth a mere £5 million to £25 million in the best-case scenario,” Modi wrote. “Worse still, it struggles to match even the Caribbean Premier League’s profitability.”

Modi’s criticism is significant as he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing T20 cricket with the IPL. The IPL’s media rights recently fetched a record US$6.2 billion, making it the world’s second-most valuable sports league on a per-game basis.

The ECB has anticipated pushback on its financial projections but points to Modi’s previous interest as proof of concept. However, Modi’s latest comments raise concerns about the Hundred’s long-term viability.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire Battle for Survival in Rain-Hit Clash

Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire Battle for Survival in Rain-Hit Clash

By September 26, 2024 0

Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire, two teams facing relegation concerns, played out a rain-affected first day of their Vitality County Championship clash at Trent Bridge. With Lancashire’s progress in Worcester looming over the match, both sides were eager to secure points to avoid the drop.

Warwickshire, winning the toss, made the most of the limited overs possible. Olly Hannon-Dalby and Ed Barnard shared the wickets, dismissing Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater to leave Nottinghamshire struggling at 33 for 2.

The conditions were challenging throughout, with the pitch affected by recent rain. Warwickshire’s bowlers found consistent movement, making batting difficult for Nottinghamshire.

Meanwhile, in Worcester, Lancashire’s strong start put pressure on Nottinghamshire. The Red Rose claimed seven wickets before the close, leaving them on the verge of securing the full three bowling points.

Nottinghamshire’s hopes of reaching 300 and claiming two batting points now seem slim. If Lancashire takes only the three bowling points but still wins in Worcester, Nottinghamshire will need to draw to avoid relegation.

Warwickshire’s safety is also at stake, but a better forecast for the remaining days of the match offers hope. Both teams have a long way to go before their fates are decided.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Santosh Lal: The Unsung Hero Behind Dhoni's Helicopter Shot

Santosh Lal: The Unsung Hero Behind Dhoni’s Helicopter Shot

By September 26, 2024 0

The Man Behind Dhoni’s Iconic Helicopter Shot: Santosh Lal

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, is renowned for his devastating “Helicopter Shot” that has left opponents in awe. However, few know the story behind this iconic shot, which was actually taught to Dhoni by his close friend, Santosh Lal.

Growing up in Ranchi, Santosh and Dhoni were inseparable. Santosh possessed an exceptional cricketing talent, particularly his ability to execute a powerful flick of the wrists that sent the ball soaring over the boundary with effortless grace. This unconventional shot, later known as the helicopter shot, became Santosh’s signature move.

Dhoni, always eager to improve his game, observed Santosh’s technique and incorporated it into his own batting. “He (Santosh) and Dhoni would play tennis ball games endlessly,” recalled Nishant Dayal, an old friend of Santosh. “Santosh was fearless as a batsman. Dhoni always admired his batting style and learned the helicopter shot from him.”

While Dhoni’s career skyrocketed, becoming one of the most successful captains in cricket history, Santosh’s path took a different turn. He played cricket at the state level but never reached the national stage. Despite this, their friendship remained unbreakable.

In 2013, tragedy struck when Santosh fell seriously ill with pancreatitis. Dhoni, at the height of his career, spared no effort to help his friend. He arranged for Santosh to be airlifted to Delhi for advanced medical treatment. However, despite Dhoni’s efforts, Santosh passed away at the age of 32.

Santosh Lal’s contribution to cricket may not be as widely recognized as Dhoni’s, but his legacy lives on in the helicopter shot that has thrilled millions of fans. It is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring impact that one person can have on another’s life.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Shakib's Final Test in Doubt as BCB Declines Security Guarantees

Shakib’s Final Test in Doubt as BCB Declines Security Guarantees

By September 26, 2024 0

Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder of the Bangladesh cricket team, has expressed his desire to play his final Test match on home soil against South Africa in October. However, his request for security guarantees from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been met with a response that the board cannot provide such assurances.

Shakib’s concerns stem from the political unrest in Bangladesh during July and August, when he was named in a murder case related to anti-government protests. The government fell on August 5, and Shakib has not been in Bangladesh since then.

BCB president Faruque Ahmed stated that the board is not a security agency and cannot provide personal security to individuals. He emphasized that Shakib’s security must come from the highest level of government.

“Shakib’s security is not in the board’s hand,” Faruque said. “The board can’t provide an individual with personal security. He has to take a decision on that. His security has to come from the highest level of the government.”

Faruque added that the BCB has not spoken to anyone in the government about Shakib’s case, as it is a sub-judice matter. He also said that he did not try to change Shakib’s mind about quitting Test cricket.

“Of course there’s going to be nothing like it, [if he plays] his last Test at home. Shakib is going through a difficult phase of his life. I didn’t try to [talk him out of the retirement]. He thought that this was the right time for him to retire. I respect his decision.”

Previously, Bangladesh’s law adviser Asif Nazrul expressed hope that Shakib would not be arrested if he returned to the country to play. However, Shakib remains concerned about his safety and security.

“I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn’t have any problem going back to Bangladesh,” he said. “My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it.”

The BCB’s stance of not being able to guarantee Shakib’s safety is not surprising, as the board has limited political clout following a recent revamp.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Main Menu
Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart