Shreyas Iyer's Sunglasses Look Goes Viral, But India C Triumphs in Duleep Trophy Opener

Shreyas Iyer’s Sunglasses Look Goes Viral, But India C Triumphs in Duleep Trophy Opener

India D’s Shreyas Iyer’s Sunglasses Look Goes Viral, But India C Triumphs in Duleep Trophy Opener

India D captain Shreyas Iyer’s unconventional sunglasses look during the Duleep Trophy match against India A has sparked a buzz on social media. However, despite his stylish appearance, Iyer’s team fell short in their pursuit of victory, losing by four wickets.

In the opening match of the tournament, Iyer scored 9 and 54, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win for India D. Opting to bowl first, India D restricted India A to 290 runs, with pacer Khaleel Ahmed claiming two quick wickets, including Iyer’s dismissal for a duck.

When India D came out to bat, they lost their top four wickets for just 55 runs, including Iyer’s crucial wicket. The India D captain, who walked in after Atharva Taide was dismissed for 4 off 3 balls, was spotted wearing sunglasses, a look that quickly went viral online.

However, Iyer’s stay at the crease was brief, as he was dismissed for a 7-ball duck. Fans, who initially praised his ‘cool’ sunglasses look, soon turned to trolling the right-hander on social media.

Despite Iyer’s disappointing performance, India D fought back and managed to post a respectable total of 240 runs. However, India C chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a solid batting performance from their top order.

England's Over-Reliance on Joe Root Raises Concerns After Sri Lanka Loss

England’s Over-Reliance on Joe Root Raises Concerns After Sri Lanka Loss

Joe Root, the cornerstone of England’s batting lineup, has been experiencing a remarkable run of form in Test cricket. As part of the illustrious “Fab Four” alongside Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith, Root has amassed more Test runs than any of his contemporaries. Recently, he surpassed Alastair Cook’s record of 33 Test centuries, becoming England’s most prolific century-maker.

However, in the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, Root’s performance faltered, with scores of 12 and 13 in both innings. England’s subsequent eight-wicket loss has raised concerns about the team’s over-reliance on Root.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed his disappointment with England’s batting performance in the third Test, highlighting Root’s pivotal role. “This week really hit home to me how important Joe Root is to this batting lineup,” Vaughan wrote in his column for Telegraph. “His batting is the key. All these flamboyant players around him get flamboyant fifties. But without the glue at No 4 getting the huge amount of runs he does, they are knackered.”

Vaughan emphasized that Root cannot be expected to rescue the team every time, especially against formidable bowlers like India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Pat Cummins. He also pointed out Root’s inability to score a century in Australia despite his prolific record elsewhere.

“He can’t do it every week, and he didn’t do it this week,” Vaughan added. “Jasprit Bumrah enjoys bowling at Root, and could severely limit his output next summer. The same goes for Pat Cummins in Australia, where Root has never scored a hundred. England have to have ways of succeeding when Root doesn’t make big runs. On the basis of this game, they don’t.”

Root has played 14 Tests in Australia, but a century has eluded him so far. However, he has scored 9 half-centuries down under, amassing 892 runs at an average of 35.68.

Rain Washes Out Historic Test Matches: A Look Back at Abandoned Encounters

Rain Washes Out Historic Test Matches: A Look Back at Abandoned Encounters

Rain Washes Out Historic Test Matches: A Look Back at Abandoned Encounters

In the annals of cricket history, there are matches that stand out for their thrilling contests, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments. However, there are also those that are remembered for a different reason: being abandoned due to inclement weather.

One such match was the Dunedin Test during India’s tour of New Zealand in 1998-99. The first Test of the series was scheduled to be played at Carisbrook, Dunedin, but rain and wet conditions prevented any play throughout the five days. The toss never took place, and the match was called off without a single ball being bowled.

A similar fate befell the one-off Test between Afghanistan and Bangladesh at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground on the outskirts of Delhi. Rain and wet conditions again prevented even the toss from happening, leading to the abandonment of the match.

The Greater Noida stadium has been Afghanistan’s adopted home for their ‘home’ series in recent years. The match against Bangladesh was the eighth Test in history that didn’t see even a single ball being bowled, and the first in 26 years since the India vs New Zealand game in December 1998.

Here is a complete list of the eight abandoned Tests in history:

1. England vs Australia – Old Trafford – 1890
2. England vs Australia – Old Trafford -1938
3. Australia vs England- Melbourne- 1970-71
4. New Zealand vs Pakistan – Dunedin – 1988-89
5. West Indies vs England – Georgetown, Guyana – 1989-90
6. Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Faisalabad – 1998-99
7. New Zealand vs India – Dunedin- 1998-99
8. Afghanistan vs New Zealand – Greater Noida – 2024

These abandoned matches serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the weather and its impact on even the most anticipated sporting events. While fans may be disappointed when a match is called off, the safety of the players and the integrity of the game must always come first.

Shane Warne's 55th Birthday Marked with Heartfelt Tributes

Shane Warne’s 55th Birthday Marked with Heartfelt Tributes

Shane Warne’s 55th birthday was commemorated with heartfelt tributes from the cricketing fraternity. Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain, paid homage to Warne by reciting a poem titled “Lightning in a Bottle: An Ode to Shane Warne,” penned by Adam Burnett in 2022. Cricket Australia shared a video of the reading, highlighting Warne’s profound impact on and off the field.

Cummins’ recitation eloquently captured Warne’s exceptional skills and influence. The phrase “lightning in a bottle” resonated with many, encapsulating Warne’s extraordinary abilities and charisma. The poem portrayed Warne not only as a gifted cricketer but also as a captivating personality who left an indelible mark on the game.

Fans worldwide reminisced about Warne’s unforgettable moments, including the iconic “Ball of the Century” against Mike Gatting in 1993. Cummins’ tribute also evoked memories of a video by the ICC where Nasser Hussain paid tribute to Warne through a rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s “If.”

Warne’s son, Jackson, shared a poignant photo with his father on social media, captioning it, “Happy birthday dad @shanewarne23 #55.” Born on September 13, 1969, Warne tragically passed away in 2022. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, renowned for revolutionizing leg-spin bowling. During his illustrious career from 1992 to 2007, Warne claimed an astonishing 708 Test wickets.

Despite his controversial personal life, Warne’s legacy remains significant in cricket. His exceptional skills, charismatic personality, and unwavering determination continue to inspire aspiring cricketers and captivate fans around the world.

Champions League new format explained

Champions League New Format Explained

Football nights are gonna be longer for the fans. Coz’ the premier tournament in the history of the sport has done a rejig. The UEFA Champions League has evolved to make the competition even bigger.

After six years into the making, the new format of the UEFA Champions League will finally be in effect from the 2024-25 season. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin announced the news on uefa.com. He stated, “UEFA has clearly shown that we are fully committed to respecting the fundamental values of sport and to defending the key principle of open competitions, with qualification based on sporting merit, fully in line with the values and solidarity-based European sports model.” 

Additionally, he said, “I am really pleased that it was a unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee, with the European Club Association, European Leagues and national associations all agreeing with the proposal made. Another proof that European football is more united than ever.”

So, what are the big changes that are happening in the UEFA Champions League? Let’s find out.

Increased Number of Teams:

  • Increase from 32 to 36 Teams: The tournament will expand from 32 to 36 teams. This expansion will allow more clubs from different countries to participate, increasing diversity and representation across European leagues. This also provides opportunities for smaller clubs or those from lesser-known leagues to compete at the highest level of European football.
  • Additional Spots: The four additional spots will likely be allocated based on a combination of domestic league performance, historical performances in European competitions, and other criteria set by UEFA.
UEFA Champions League Draw to Unveil New Format for 2024-25 Season

UEFA Champions League Draw to Unveil New Format for 2024-25 Season

Single League Format

  • Unified League System: Instead of the traditional group stage format with eight groups of four teams, all 36 teams will compete in a single league table. This is a significant shift from the previous format, which divided teams into groups, with each team playing against the others in their group.
  • Number of Matches: Under the new format, teams will play eight matches in the new league phase (former group stage). They will no longer play three opponents twice – home and away – but will instead face fixtures against eight different teams, playing half of those matches at home and half of them away. To determine the eight different opponents, the teams will initially be ranked in four seeding pots. Each team will then be drawn to play two opponents from each of these pots, playing one match against a team from each pot at home, and one away. This change will increase the number of matches in the early stages of the competition, ensuring that each team has a diverse set of opponents from various leagues across Europe. This aims to increase the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament.

Qualification for Knockout Rounds

  • Top Eight Teams Qualify Directly: After all teams have played their eight matches, the top eight teams in the league table will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
  • Playoff Round: Teams ranked 9th to 24th in the league table will enter a two-legged playoff round. The winners of these playoffs will secure the remaining eight spots in the Round of 16. Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated, with no access to the UEFA Europa League. This playoff system adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to the tournament, ensuring that every match in the league stage has significance and that more teams have a chance to progress. 

In the knockout phase, the teams that finish between 9th and 16th will be seeded in the knockout phase play-off draw, meaning they will face a team placed 17th to 24th – with, in principle, the return leg at home. The eight clubs which prevail in the knockout phase play-offs will then progress to the round of 16, where they will each face one of the top-eight finishers, who will be seeded in the round of 16.

Purpose of Changes

  • More Excitement and Competitiveness: The new format aims to make the tournament more thrilling by providing more matches with higher stakes early on. Instead of the predictability of the group stages, the league format creates more dynamic matchups and keeps more teams in contention for longer.
  • Increased Revenue and Viewership: More matches mean more broadcasting rights and ticket sales, which is likely to increase revenue for UEFA, clubs, and broadcasters. The broader range of matchups is also designed to attract more viewers, particularly in the early stages of the competition.

Impact on Clubs and Fans

  • For Clubs: The new format offers more opportunities for mid-tier teams to reach the knockout stages. With more matches and a wider variety of opponents, clubs may benefit from increased revenue from broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
  • For Fans: Fans will experience a broader range of matchups throughout the competition. The new format also ensures that the competition remains interesting and competitive throughout, as more teams have a chance to progress. This might enhance fan engagement and maintain high levels of interest throughout the season.

Still confused with the new UEFA Champions League format? Watch this video and get all your doubts cleared.

Are you happy with the new UEFA Champions League format? Comment below what you think about the tournament’s new structure.

Ishan Kishan Becomes Youngest to Score Double Century in ODI Cricket

Ishan Kishan Becomes Youngest to Score Double Century in ODI Cricket

Ishan Kishan’s historic double century against Bangladesh in December 2022 etched his name in the annals of cricket history. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman became the youngest and quickest player to reach the milestone in ODI cricket.

Kishan’s blistering innings of 210 not out off 131 deliveries was a testament to his exceptional talent and fearless approach. He smashed 24 fours and 10 sixes, propelling India to a mammoth total of 409/8. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he effortlessly cleared the boundary with ease.

As Kishan reached the landmark, his batting partner Virat Kohli erupted in celebration, performing a joyous bhangra dance before embracing the left-hander. The moment was a testament to the camaraderie and respect within the Indian team.

India has a rich history of batsmen who have breached the 200-run mark in ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary master blaster, was the first to achieve this feat, scoring an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in 2010. Virender Sehwag followed suit, smashing 219 against the West Indies in 2011.

However, it is Rohit Sharma who holds the distinction of scoring the most double centuries in ODIs. The prolific opener has three such scores to his name: 209 against Australia in 2013, a record-breaking 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014, and an unbeaten 208 against Sri Lanka in 2017.

With his incredible innings against Bangladesh, Kishan became the fourth Indian batsman to join this elite club. India’s rising star Shubman Gill joined the elite double century club after smashing 208 off 149 balls against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 2023. His knock featured 19 fours and 9 sixes, making him the fifth Indian to accomplish this remarkable feat.

Kishan’s double century not only secured a resounding 227-run victory for India but also cemented his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. His ability to combine power-hitting with finesse makes him a formidable force in the limited-overs format.

Piastri Sets Limits on Team Orders Support for Norris

Piastri Sets Limits on Team Orders Support for Norris

Oscar Piastri has clarified that he will not automatically defer to his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in every remaining race of the 2023 Formula 1 season, despite the team’s decision to implement team orders in support of Norris’s title bid.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri acknowledged the principle of assisting Norris to bolster both his and the team’s standings. However, he emphasized that he would retain the freedom to compete against Norris in certain races and circumstances.

“It’s not going to be a case of me pulling over for Lando at every single race,” Piastri stated. “That’s not how any of us, including Lando, want to go racing.”

Piastri explained that the team would need to carefully consider each scenario and reward the driver who had performed better on a given weekend. He stressed that the team’s goal was not to simply prioritize Norris in every decision but to maintain a balance that would benefit both drivers and the team as a whole.

“We’re not leading the constructors’ championship, so we need to make sure we win that,” Piastri said. “It’s important we maintain that kind of trust.”

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella had previously announced that the team would employ team orders in specific situations to support Norris’s pursuit of the drivers’ championship. Norris currently trails reigning champion Max Verstappen by 62 points.

Piastri acknowledged that team orders could be challenging for drivers, but he recognized the broader context and the team’s objectives.

“I race for a team that’s given me my opportunity in F1 and a team that has given me the opportunity to win races within 18 months of being here,” Piastri said. “I have a lot of gratitude for that. The bigger picture is about more than just me.”

Piastri emphasized the team’s goal of winning both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, acknowledging that such an achievement would be a significant milestone for McLaren.

Travis Head Blasts Record-Breaking Knock in Australia's T20I Opener

Travis Head Blasts Record-Breaking Knock in Australia’s T20I Opener

Travis Head’s explosive batting display in the opening T20I against England at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, has etched his name into the record books. The Australian opener’s blistering 23-ball 59, featuring 8 fours and 4 sixes, propelled him into an elite group of batters who have scored the most runs in an over in T20Is.

Head’s onslaught against England pacer Sam Curran, in which he amassed 30 runs, equaled the record held by Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Marsh, and Dan Christian. Ponting achieved the feat against New Zealand in 2005, while Christian matched it against Bangladesh in 2021. Marsh joined the list earlier this year against Scotland, and now Head has become the fourth Australian to accomplish this remarkable feat.

The left-handed batter attributed his success in the shortest format to his consistent focus on hitting the ball from good positions. At Southampton, he raced to a 19-ball fifty, his fourth fifty-plus score in T20Is this year. Last week, Head also smashed a 25-ball 80 against Scotland, reaching his half-century in just 17 deliveries.

“If they present opportunities to score, I’m trying to be present and ready to go and really still to access all the ground, which I felt like I did,” Head said. “I haven’t played a lot of T20 cricket until the last 12 months. Working on my game, a lot comes down to the technique and what I’m trying to achieve out of my swing. So I feel like I’m in really good positions to hit the ball.”

Head, currently ranked as the top men’s T20I batter, played a pivotal role in Australia’s opening partnership of 86 runs with Matthew Short, who contributed 41 off 26 balls. This partnership marked Australia’s second-highest score in the power-play, after their 113-run effort against Scotland in Edinburgh last week.

“The mantra at the top has stayed the same with some different personnel throughout, but I’ve built pretty relationships with all the guys and enjoy batting with all of them,” Head said. “We complement each other in different ways; I thought ‘Shorty’ started exceptionally well with a matchup that he thought was right, and it gave me little bit extra time to get myself in and then was able to get away. So pleased with the way I was striking them, would have loved to have gone on with it, but I felt like we set pretty good platform for the boys behind us.”

Head’s impressive performance sets the tone for Australia’s T20I series against England, which continues with the second match on Saturday at Edgbaston.

Maradona Negligence Trial Delayed to March 2025

Maradona Negligence Trial Delayed to March 2025

Diego Maradona Negligence Trial Postponed to March 2025

An Argentine court has postponed the criminal trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona to March 2025. The trial was initially scheduled to begin next month but has now been rescheduled to start on March 11, 2025.

Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery. He had a history of cocaine and alcohol addiction.

The medical professionals facing trial include neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and six nurses. They are accused of providing “reckless” and “deficient” home treatment to Maradona.

Prosecutors allege that the medical team failed to provide adequate care to Maradona, who was found dead in bed two weeks after undergoing brain surgery. A panel of medical experts concluded that Maradona would have had a better chance of survival if he had received proper treatment in a hospital setting.

The medical professionals face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if convicted. One of the nurses, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has requested a separate jury trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023.

The postponement of the trial has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that it is necessary to ensure a fair trial, while others argue that it is a further delay in seeking justice for Maradona’s family.

Inter Milan Grapples with Crime Links and Crucial Fixtures

Inter Milan Grapples with Crime Links and Crucial Fixtures

Inter Milan face a pivotal week with crucial Champions League and Milan derby fixtures looming. However, the club has been rocked by the disturbing revelation of links between organized crime and its hardcore supporters.

On Sunday, Inter travel to Monza hoping to maintain their league lead. However, coach Simone Inzaghi is expected to rest key players ahead of their daunting trip to Manchester City in the Champions League.

Off the pitch, Inter has been embroiled in a shocking incident. Andrea Beretta, a reputed heir to a powerful crime family, was stabbed to death by Antonio Bellocco, a leader of the club’s “ultras.” Bellocco’s high status within the ‘Ndrangheta mafia has raised concerns about mafia infiltration into ultra groups.

The incident highlights fears that criminal organizations are exploiting the financial gains allegedly earned by some supporter organizations through illicit activities. Beretta had taken a leading role in the Curva Nord section after the murder of Vittorio Boiocchi, another career criminal who reportedly boasted of earning substantial sums through his position as ultra leader.

Inter’s biggest challenge this week comes on Wednesday when they face Manchester City in the Champions League. Inzaghi will need his first-choice players fit for both City and the Milan derby, which presents an opportunity to further distance themselves from their local rivals.

Meanwhile, AC Milan, who trail Inter by five points, host Venezia on Sunday. New coach Paulo Fonseca faces a tough start, with Tuesday’s visit of Liverpool also on the horizon. Tammy Abraham is set to make his first start alongside former Chelsea teammates Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

In other Serie A action, Atalanta, who suffered a heavy defeat to Inter before the international break, host Fiorentina on Sunday. Ademola Lookman, the hat-trick hero of last season’s Europa League victory, is expected to feature after agitating for a summer transfer.

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