Ronaldo Retains Portugal Place Despite Euro Disappointment

Ronaldo Retains Portugal Place Despite Euro Disappointment

Cristiano Ronaldo’s unwavering commitment to the Portugal national team remains steadfast despite his underwhelming performance at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old legend has been included in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland, signaling the continued faith of coach Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo’s inclusion comes after a disappointing Euro campaign where he failed to find the back of the net. However, his recent form for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he has scored four goals in four games, has bolstered his case for a starting role.

With Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos sidelined by an ankle injury, Ronaldo is expected to lead the Portugal attack. The veteran forward has expressed his determination to continue representing his country, stating, “When I quit the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance… At the moment what I want is to be able to help the Selecao.”

Martinez is also looking to the future with the inclusion of 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Geovany Quenda. The young talent joins Chelsea left-back Renato Veiga and Lille defender Tiago Santos as new faces in the squad.

The squad also features experienced players such as Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva. Martinez will be hoping that the blend of youth and experience can guide Portugal to success in the upcoming Nations League matches.

Yorkshire Appoints Mitesh Velani as Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Yorkshire Appoints Mitesh Velani as Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Yorkshire County Cricket Club has appointed Mitesh Velani as its new Chief Financial and Operations Officer, effective September 16. Velani joins Yorkshire from Saracens, where he held various leadership roles, including Finance Director and Chief Executive.

Velani’s appointment comes amidst significant changes at Yorkshire, both on and off the field. The club is currently searching for a new Director of Cricket and Head Coach, and is also considering demutualization, which would require a 75% vote from members.

Velani’s experience at Saracens, which was fined and docked points for breaching the English Premiership’s salary cap, has been noted by Yorkshire. However, the club has emphasized Velani’s contributions to Saracens’ success, including “transformation and innovation” during a decade of sustained success.

Velani expressed his excitement about joining Yorkshire, stating his intention to “use everything I have learned to help support Yorkshire at this exciting time.” He aims to “deliver success at Headingley and produce exceptional results, underpinned by robust commercial foundations.”

Yorkshire also announced the appointment of Sanjay Patel as Interim Chief Executive, effective next month. Patel, who was instrumental in the creation of The Hundred, will join Yorkshire’s board, which has been led by Colin Graves since February.

Graves has been vocal about the need for demutualization, citing financial concerns and the interest of potential investors. He has stated that “Yorkshire’s going to fall into these financial problems time and time again” if members do not vote in favor of demutualization.

Yorkshire’s recent appointments signal a period of transition and ambition for the club. Velani and Patel bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and their contributions will be crucial as Yorkshire navigates its current challenges and strives for future success.

PCB Secures Billion-Rupee Deal for Gaddafi Stadium Naming Rights

PCB Secures Billion-Rupee Deal for Gaddafi Stadium Naming Rights

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has secured a lucrative deal worth PKR 1 billion with a private bank for the naming rights of the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The five-year agreement will see the stadium, previously named after Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, bear the bank’s name.

This move follows a similar deal for the National Stadium in Karachi, which is now known as the National Bank Cricket Arena. The PCB has yet to officially announce the Gaddafi Stadium deal, but insiders have confirmed its completion.

“The deal is for one billion rupees, while the board had sold naming rights for the Karachi stadium for 450 million dollars,” said an insider.

The initiative to sell naming rights for cricket stadiums in Pakistan began in 2021 under former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. The deal for the Karachi stadium was completed during his tenure.

Now headed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB aims to use the revenue from such deals to manage renovation costs for three main stadiums in the country ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Additionally, Naqvi seeks to increase revenue streams to support domestic cricket, which is expected to benefit Pakistan cricket overall.

“Naqvi also wants to increase revenue streams to support domestic cricket, which will benefit Pakistan cricket,” the source added.

The Gaddafi Stadium, built in 1959, is one of the most iconic cricket venues in Pakistan. It has hosted numerous international matches, including the 1996 Cricket World Cup final. The stadium has a capacity of over 27,000 spectators and is known for its lively atmosphere.

The naming rights deal is a significant development for the PCB as it seeks to generate additional revenue to support its operations and invest in the development of cricket in Pakistan.

Ahmed Shehzad Blasts PCB, Withdraws from Domestic Cricket

Ahmed Shehzad Blasts PCB, Withdraws from Domestic Cricket

Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistani cricketer who was once compared to Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, has ignited a firestorm in the cricketing world with his scathing criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). In a series of tweets, Shehzad announced his withdrawal from the Domestic Cricket Champions Cup and expressed deep frustration with the current state of Pakistan cricket.

Shehzad, now 32, accused the PCB of favoritism, false promises, and injustice towards domestic players. He criticized the board for squandering resources on “mentors for doing nothing” and rewarding players who, in his view, have contributed to Pakistan cricket’s “all-time low.”

“In a time when Pakistan is struggling with inflation, poverty, and massive electricity bills, the PCB is wasting 5 million Rs on mentors for doing nothing and rewarding failed players in the current team who brought Pakistan cricket to an All-time Low,” Shehzad tweeted.

He further added, “As a Pakistani and true cricket lover, I cannot support a system that has no value for merit. I refuse to be a part of this failed setup.”

Shehzad’s outburst came in the wake of Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, marking Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan on their home soil. Shehzad described the defeat as a “new low” for Pakistan cricket, expressing disbelief over the team’s current state.

“Pakistan cricket has reached a point where today Bangladesh defeated Pakistan on home soil for the first time ever. I have never seen Pakistan cricket sink so low in my life,” Shehzad said in a video posted on Twitter.

Shehzad argued that the problem lies not with the players but with the PCB’s lack of vision and poor selection policies. He suggested that the board’s short-term decisions have pushed the team towards a decline similar to that of Pakistan’s once-great hockey team.

“I don’t blame the players. The fault lies with the Pakistan Cricket Board,” he asserted.

Shehzad’s comments have sparked a debate about the future of Pakistan cricket and the role of the PCB in its decline. It remains to be seen whether the board will respond to Shehzad’s criticism and take steps to address the issues he has raised.

Mohamed Salah: Liverpool Legend and Modern-Day Maestro

Mohamed Salah: Liverpool Legend and Modern-Day Maestro

Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian maestro, has etched his name among the Premier League’s elite. With over 300 goal contributions in just 350 games for Liverpool, Salah continues to mesmerize fans with his prolific scoring and creative brilliance.

Despite turning 32, Salah shows no signs of slowing down. Under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, he remains a pivotal figure for Liverpool, guiding the club through a transitional period. In a recent interview with Star Sports, Salah shared his insights on various aspects of his career and life.

Salah’s consistency is a testament to his unwavering dedication. “I try to focus on my career and do the right things all the time,” he said. “I enjoy my football because this is what I love to do.”

The arrival of Darwin Nunez has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack. Salah praised Nunez’s unique qualities, saying, “He loves the ball in space and likes to do different things. He knows I really look for that.”

Salah’s versatility is another key factor in his success. “I always try to do both [score and assist],” he said. “I think most of the years I’ve been here in Liverpool, I’ve scored goals and assisted more than anyone in the same year.”

Off the pitch, Salah is an avid chess player. “I like Kasparov and Bobby Fischer, but I would say the best could be Magnus,” he said. He also enjoys online chess, but keeps his identity a secret.

When asked about his favorite celebration, Salah chose the yoga pose. “I was watching the UFC,” he explained. “My father was watching the UFC, and I think Pereira was fighting that night and lost. And yeah, someone actually did a celebration for him.”

Salah’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo is evident. “When I was growing up, I loved Ronaldo,” he said. “I would say [he is] my dream strike partner.”

For his Indian fans, Salah expressed his gratitude. “Thank you very much for your support,” he said. “It means a lot to us. Keep supporting us because we really love India.”

Manish Narwal Claims Silver in 10m Air Pistol at Paris Paralympics

Manish Narwal Claims Silver in 10m Air Pistol at Paris Paralympics

Manish Narwal, India’s shooting sensation, added another medal to his Paralympic tally, securing a silver in the 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Thursday. This achievement comes on the heels of his gold medal triumph in the mixed 50m pistol event in Tokyo.

Narwal’s journey to the podium was a testament to his unwavering determination and precision. Throughout the competition, he maintained a consistent presence among the top contenders. However, it was in the final six shots that his momentum seemed to falter.

Despite shooting above 10 only once, with a score of 10.1, Narwal’s performance in the gold shootout proved crucial. His scores of 8.9 and 9.9 ultimately placed him behind Korea’s Jeongdu Jo, who delivered an exceptional 10.8 under pressure, followed by an 8.7 to secure the gold medal.

China’s Yang Chao finished third, earning the bronze medal. Narwal’s silver medal adds to India’s impressive medal count at the Paris Paralympics, further solidifying the country’s status as a rising force in Paralympic shooting.

Rohit Sharma to Stay Loyal to Mumbai Indians, Says Ashwin

Rohit Sharma to Stay Loyal to Mumbai Indians, Says Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin, the star Indian off-spinner, has expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma will remain loyal to the Mumbai Indians franchise in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Ashwin’s comments come amidst speculation about Rohit’s future with the team following his removal as captain last year.

“Even if you think like Rohit, it’s not wrong at all. I don’t want any headache. I have been a captain for India. I have captained Mumbai many times. Even if I am not a captain, I am going to Mumbai happily. If I play for Mumbai, it’s super. I am sure most players are like that. After a stage, money doesn’t matter for some of those players. That’s the thing,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Rohit has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians since joining the franchise in 2011. He has led the team to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles. Despite being replaced as captain by Hardik Pandya last year, Rohit remains a key player for the franchise.

In the 2024 IPL season, Rohit scored 417 runs at an average of 32.07 and a strike rate of 150. He scored a century and fifty, with the best score of 105*. His performances suggest that he is still a valuable asset to the Mumbai Indians.

Ashwin’s comments echo the sentiments of many fans who believe that Rohit will continue to play for the Mumbai Indians. The franchise has been his home for over a decade, and he has a strong bond with the team and its supporters.

It remains to be seen whether Rohit will remain with the Mumbai Indians beyond the 2025 season. However, Ashwin’s comments suggest that the veteran batter is committed to the franchise and is not looking to move elsewhere.

Manchester United to Face Mourinho's Fenerbahce in Europa League

Manchester United to Face Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in Europa League

Manchester United will face a familiar foe in the Europa League this season, as they were drawn against former manager José Mourinho’s new club Fenerbahce in the group stage. The Red Devils will also face Rangers, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Twente, Porto, Viktoria Plzen, and FCSB in their eight-game group stage campaign.

The Europa League has undergone a format change this season, with the traditional group stage being replaced by an expanded league phase. All 36 teams will compete in a single standings, with the top eight teams advancing directly to the round of 16. Teams ranked ninth to 24th will enter the knockout playoffs, while the bottom 12 teams will be eliminated.

Manchester United will be looking to make a deep run in the Europa League this season, after reaching the semi-finals last year. They will be confident of their chances, having avoided being paired with some of the other top teams in the competition, such as Ajax, Tottenham, and Roma.

Fenerbahce will also be hoping to make an impact in the Europa League, with Mourinho at the helm. The Portuguese manager has a wealth of experience in the competition, having won it with Manchester United in 2017.

The Europa League group stage will begin on September 25th, with the final scheduled for May 21st at Athletic Bilbao’s stadium. The winner of the competition will earn a place in the next Champions League.

Indian Sprinter Preethi Pal Wins Historic Paralympic Track Medal

Indian Sprinter Preethi Pal Wins Historic Paralympic Track Medal

Preethi Pal Makes History: India’s First Paralympic Track Medal

Preethi Pal has etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first Indian to win a Paralympic medal in a track event. The 23-year-old sprinter clinched a bronze medal in the women’s T35 100m event at the Paris Paralympics, setting a personal best time of 14.21 seconds.

Preethi’s triumph marks a significant milestone for India, as it is the country’s first-ever track medal at the Paralympic Games. It is also India’s first medal from para-athletics at the Paris 2024 edition.

The T35 classification is reserved for athletes with coordination impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia, and athetosis, as well as cerebral palsy. Preethi’s victory is a testament to her unwavering determination and the exceptional abilities of para-athletes.

China’s Zhou Xia (13.58) and Guo Qianqian (13.74) claimed the gold and silver medals, respectively. Preethi’s bronze medal is a source of immense pride for India and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring para-athletes.

Preethi’s journey to the Paralympic podium has been marked by hard work, dedication, and unwavering support from her family and coaches. Her achievement is a testament to the growing recognition and support for para-sports in India.

As India continues to make strides in the Paralympic arena, Preethi Pal’s historic medal serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit and limitless potential of para-athletes. Her victory will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Indian para-athletes to strive for excellence and achieve their dreams.

Shakib Al Hasan to Play for Surrey Before India Tour

Shakib Al Hasan to Play for Surrey Before India Tour

Shakib Al Hasan, the star all-rounder from Bangladesh, is set to make a brief appearance in the English County Championship for Surrey before joining his national team for their upcoming tour of India. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted Shakib a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the match against Somerset, scheduled for September 9 in Taunton.

Surrey will be without their England players during that round due to the ongoing Sri Lanka Test series and the start of the Australia white-ball series. Shakib’s inclusion will provide a much-needed boost to Surrey’s squad.

After his stint with Surrey, Shakib will fly to Chennai to join the Bangladesh team for their first Test against India, starting on September 19. The tour will also include two more Tests and three T20Is before Bangladesh returns home for a series against South Africa in October.

Shakib’s participation in the County Championship comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings in Bangladesh. He is among 147 people charged in connection with an alleged murder during protests in early August. However, the BCB has stated that Shakib can continue playing for Bangladesh as the investigation is still in its early stages.

The ECB has the authority to withhold Shakib’s registration to play in England even if he is granted a UK visa. However, Bangladesh’s Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs adviser, Asif Nazrul, has expressed confidence that Shakib will not be arrested.

Shakib’s recent performances for Bangladesh have been impressive. He played a crucial role in their historic Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi, taking three important wickets on the fifth day. He is also part of the ongoing second Test, which has been affected by rain.

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