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Shakib Al Hasan to Continue Playing for Bangladesh Despite Legal Involvement

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, will continue to play and represent Bangladesh until proven guilty. This decision comes despite Shakib’s involvement in a First Information Report (FIR) related to a murder case amid recent unrest.

Initially, BCB officials had suggested that a decision regarding Shakib’s future participation would be made after the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. However, the situation escalated legally when Shajib Mahmood Alam, a lawyer from the Supreme Court, on behalf of Advocate Md Rafinur Rahman, sent a legal notice to the BCB.

The notice demanded Shakib’s immediate removal from cricket, stating that according to the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a player named in a legal case should not remain part of the national team. It also called for Shakib to aid in the investigation and urged the BCB to inform the ICC about the situation.

BCB president Faruque Ahmed confirmed Shakib’s continuation in an interview with Bengali daily Prothom Alo. He stated, “He [Shakib] will continue playing. We received a legal notice regarding bringing him back, and we replied to them saying this.”

Ahmed explained that since the FIR is in its initial stages and no guilt has been proven, Shakib will remain with the team. He added, “The Bangladesh team will go to India after the Pakistan series, and we want him in that series as well. He is our contracted player, and if necessary, we will provide him with legal assistance.”

Despite his legal situation, Shakib is set to meet his international and domestic commitments. He won’t return to Bangladesh with the team after the Test series against Pakistan as he is scheduled to play a four-day match for Surrey in England. The BCB has granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from September 5 to 14 to participate in the County game against Somerset.

A BCB official confirmed Shakib’s participation to Cricbuzz, saying, “He [Shakib] has not played red-ball cricket for a while, and that is why we have given him an NOC to play for Surrey, as it will help him adjust to red-ball cricket more than anything else.” The match between Surrey and Somerset is scheduled from September 9 to 12.

Following his stint in county cricket, Shakib is set to rejoin the national squad in India, where Bangladesh is scheduled to play two Tests and three T20Is starting September 19.

As legal proceedings continue, the BCB’s stance underscores a commitment to due process while remaining focused on upcoming international fixtures.

Categories: Cricket

Zaheer Khan Set to Join Lucknow Super Giants as Mentor

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Zaheer Khan, the former Indian fast bowler, is poised to join the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise as their mentor, succeeding Gautam Gambhir, who departed after the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Gambhir has since assumed the role of mentor at Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024 and has recently been appointed head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.

Zaheer’s potential appointment as LSG’s mentor raises questions about whether he will also assume the role of bowling coach, a position vacated by Morne Morkel, who joined Gambhir’s coaching staff with the Indian team. From 2018 to 2022, Zaheer held various positions with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise, including director of cricket and head of global development.

Prior to his administrative roles, Zaheer enjoyed a successful playing career in the IPL, representing three different teams: MI, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Daredevils. Over ten seasons, he amassed 102 wickets in 100 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.58. His last IPL appearance came in 2017 while leading the Daredevils, before he retired from all forms of cricket.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, LSG intends to grant Zaheer a broader role beyond mentorship, involving him in scouting and player development programs during the off-season. The franchise’s coaching setup is currently led by Justin Langer, who replaced Andy Flower as head coach ahead of IPL 2024. Lance Klusener and Adam Voges serve as his assistants.

After securing playoff berths in their first two seasons, LSG narrowly missed out on a top-four finish in 2024 due to net run rate. Zaheer’s potential return to the IPL coincides with teams preparing for a mega auction, with the IPL expected to announce retention rules by early September.

Categories: Cricket

Naomi Osaka’s “Lolita Goth” Outfit Stuns at US Open Return

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Naomi Osaka’s triumphant return to the US Open was not just about her tennis prowess but also about her bold fashion statement. The two-time champion graced the court in a custom “Lolita goth”-inspired outfit from Nike, turning heads with its layers of tulle, ruffles, and bows.

Osaka’s outfit, designed by Japanese designer Yoon Ahn, was a reflection of her personal style and her love for Harajuku’s unique fashion. The white warm-up jacket featured a tennis ball zipper and a giant green bow, while the warm-up skirt added drama with layers of tulle.

Beneath the warm-up layers, Osaka wore a green sleeveless Nike dress with ruffles along the skirt and armholes. A large white bow adorned the back, completing the maximalist look. Even her Nike Zoom GP Challenge 1 shoes and Beats headphones received the “Lolita” treatment, with green bows and pearls.

Osaka’s outfit was not just a fashion statement but also a symbol of her transformation on the court. She described it as a “super suit” that gave her strength and confidence. The layers of tulle and ruffles represented the different aspects of her personality, while the bows symbolized her determination and resilience.

The outfit was part of a collaboration between Osaka and Nike that had been in the works for years. Ahn, the creative director of Ambush and global curator for Nike Women, explained that the design was inspired by Osaka’s desire to escape into a fantasy world where she could create her own identity.

Osaka’s bold fashion choice was a reflection of her confidence and her willingness to embrace her individuality. It was a statement that she was not afraid to stand out and be different, both on and off the court.

Categories: Tennis

Ronaldo Scores Stunning Free-Kick, Nears Historic 900-Goal Mark

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese forward, has reignited his free-kick prowess with a stunning goal for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. The 39-year-old’s free-kick against Al-Feiha marked his 899th career goal, bringing him tantalizingly close to the historic 900-mark.

Ronaldo’s free-kick goal was a testament to his enduring brilliance. After a period of inconsistency from dead-ball situations, the Portuguese maestro showcased his trademark precision and placement. Instead of his usual powerful approach, Ronaldo opted for a more measured technique, beating the goalkeeper with sheer accuracy.

The goal was Ronaldo’s 64th career free-kick goal, putting him just one behind his arch-rival Lionel Messi in club football. When it comes to international free-kicks, both Messi and Ronaldo have scored 11 goals each.

Ronaldo’s free-kick goal was also significant in the context of his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. With 899 goals to his name, Ronaldo is just one goal away from becoming the first player in history to reach the coveted landmark.

In a recent interview, Ronaldo expressed his determination to reach the 1,000-goal milestone. “It’s going to be pretty tough, but it’s about seeing how I am mentally, my motivation,” he said. “If, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them? We’ll see, they are small stages. Until I get to 1,000, first I have to get to 900. I think I’ll get there.”

Ronaldo’s free-kick goal against Al-Feiha was a timely reminder of his enduring quality. As he approaches the twilight of his career, the Portuguese forward continues to defy expectations and set new records.

Categories: Football

Paolini Extends Mastery Over Andreescu at US Open, Advances to Second Round

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Jasmine Paolini’s dominance over Bianca Andreescu continued at the 2024 US Open, as the Italian secured a hard-fought 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 victory in a thrilling encounter that captivated the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

The match, which kicked off Day 2’s night session, marked the third consecutive meeting between the two players at a major tournament. Paolini had previously triumphed over Andreescu at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, reaching the final in both events.

Andreescu, a former world No. 4, has been striving to regain her top form since her US Open triumph in 2019. Despite physical and mental challenges, she impressed on grass earlier this season, reaching the final of the Libema Open.

The opening set was a tight affair, with both players trading breaks early on. Andreescu surged ahead 5-3, but Paolini displayed her resilience, saving four set points to level at 5-5. The set eventually went into a Sudden Death, where Andreescu prevailed with a forehand error from Paolini.

In the second set, Paolini seized control, breaking Andreescu’s serve three times to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Andreescu managed to break back once, but Paolini ultimately forced a decider.

The final set featured high-quality tennis from both players. Andreescu threatened to take the lead with break points, but Paolini held firm. However, Andreescu showed signs of physical distress and required a visit from the trainer.

Despite her hindered movement, Andreescu fought back to level the set at 4-4. However, Paolini’s audacious mix of offense and defense proved too much for the Canadian, as she engineered two break points and converted one to serve for the match.

With the match on her racquet, Paolini faced double match point but saved one with remarkable defense. Andreescu made no mistake the second time, but Paolini broke straight back to find herself serving for the match once again.

With the crowd on their feet, Paolini converted her second match point with a well-struck forehand, forcing an Andreescu error. The Italian advanced to the second round, where she will face former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.

Categories: Tennis

Sinner Overcomes Doping Controversy, Wins U.S. Open Opener

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Jannik Sinner’s return to the U.S. Open after his doping case was met with a mix of applause and silence from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite the controversy, Sinner emerged victorious in his first-round match against Mackie McDonald, winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.

Sinner’s victory came after a slow start, where he made numerous unforced errors. However, he quickly regained his composure, making only 15 unforced errors over the last three sets. His improved play is a testament to his resilience and determination.

In his post-match interview, Sinner expressed gratitude for the support he has received from fans and fellow players. He also addressed the criticism surrounding his case, stating that he cannot control the opinions of others.

Sinner’s positive test for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, was announced last week. He was docked prize money and ranking points from the tournament where the first result appeared but escaped a suspension due to the unintentional nature of the drug’s entry into his system.

The handling of Sinner’s case has drawn criticism from some players, including Novak Djokovic, who questioned the fairness of the process. However, Sinner has maintained that he is not at fault and has taken steps to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.

Sinner’s victory over McDonald sets up a second-round clash with another American, Alex Michelsen. Sinner will be looking to continue his strong form on hard courts, where he has won four titles this season, including the Australian Open.

Categories: Tennis

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis After Humiliating Defeat to Bangladesh

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Pakistan’s cricket team has come under intense scrutiny after suffering a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series. This marks Pakistan’s first-ever loss to Bangladesh in the longest format of the game.

The defeat has reignited concerns about the team’s performance, which has been plagued by poor decision-making and questionable team selection. Pakistan has undergone significant changes since their disappointing performances in the ODI and T20 World Cups, but these changes have yet to yield positive results.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen expressed shock at Pakistan’s dismal display, questioning the current state of cricket in the country. He praised the high standard of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but wondered what had gone wrong since then.

Ahmad Shehzad, a former Pakistan star who was overlooked for the Test series, also criticized the team’s performance, calling it an “all-time low.” He blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the team’s struggles, accusing them of favoring established players over domestic talent.

Shehzad questioned the PCB’s decision-making, arguing that they have failed to develop a strong domestic system that can produce players capable of replacing the current underperforming squad. He believes that the PCB’s short-term decisions have contributed to the team’s decline.

Pakistan’s batting, bowling, and fielding have all been criticized for their poor performance in the first Test. The team’s inability to adapt to the conditions and execute their plans effectively has raised concerns about their preparation and tactical awareness.

The defeat to Bangladesh has dealt a major blow to Pakistan’s confidence and has put the team under immense pressure. They will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back in the second Test if they want to avoid a series defeat and further damage to their reputation.

Categories: Cricket

Alcaraz Dominates Li Tu in US Open First Round

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Carlos Alcaraz Cruises to First-Round Victory at 2024 US Open

World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz made a dominant start to his US Open title defense, dispatching Li Tu in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 6-2) in the first round. The Spaniard showcased his trademark power and precision, dictating the pace of the match from the outset.

Alcaraz broke Li’s serve early in the first set, setting the tone for the rest of the encounter. He maintained a high level of intensity, hitting deep groundstrokes and forcing Li into errors. The Chinese qualifier struggled to find his rhythm, committing 25 unforced errors compared to Alcaraz’s 12.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Alcaraz breaking Li’s serve in the third game. Li showed some resilience, breaking back immediately, but Alcaraz regained control and closed out the set with a powerful forehand winner.

In the third set, Alcaraz’s dominance became even more pronounced. He broke Li’s serve twice, including a decisive break in the seventh game. Li fought valiantly, but Alcaraz’s relentless pressure proved too much to handle. The Spaniard sealed the victory with an emphatic ace, sending a clear message to his rivals.

Alcaraz’s victory sets up a second-round clash with American qualifier Christopher Eubanks. The Spaniard will be aiming to continue his impressive form and extend his winning streak at the US Open.

Categories: Tennis

Rinku Singh Reveals Rohit Sharma’s Encouraging Words After T20 World Cup Snub

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Despite his impressive performances for Team India, Rinku Singh was surprisingly omitted from the nation’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. However, the young batsman has revealed the encouraging words he received from captain Rohit Sharma after the setback.

“He (Rohit Sharma) came to me and said that it is okay, I’m still young, and there are many more tournaments to come. There is a World Cup every two years, so I shouldn’t be disappointed by this but focus on my game instead,” Rinku said in an interview.

Despite winning the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rinku was left out as India opted for four spin options. However, he was included as a traveling reserve.

Immediately after the tournament, Rinku was included in India’s T20I tour of Zimbabwe, where he played in every game as a middle-order batter. He then starred in the T20I series in Sri Lanka, impressing with the ball by picking up two wickets in the penultimate over of the final T20I to turn the game in India’s favor.

Presently, Rinku boasts an average of nearly 60 and a strike rate of 174 in 17 T20I innings for India. Remarkably, he has remained not out in 10 of those innings.

Rinku also acknowledged Virat Kohli’s style of leadership. “I like Virat Kohli as well because aggression is very important while leading a team. So, his captaincy was also very good,” he said.

Rinku had recently expressed his desire to play for Kohli’s franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if he is not retained by KKR.

Currently, Rinku is playing in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League (UP T20), where he is captaining Meerut Mavericks. He has not been included in any of the four squads for the Duleep Trophy to be held in September.

Categories: Cricket

Naomi Osaka Returns to US Open with Emotional Victory

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Former US Open champion Naomi Osaka made a triumphant return to Flushing Meadows on Tuesday, securing an impressive 6-3, 6-2 victory over 2017 Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko in the opening round. The Japanese star, currently ranked 88th in the world, missed last year’s tournament after giving birth to her daughter.

Osaka’s last appearance in New York was in 2022, when she suffered a shock first-round exit. However, she was determined to make a statement this year, and she did so in style against Ostapenko, who reached the quarterfinals last year by defeating world no. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Osaka fired 19 winners and wrapped up the victory in just 63 minutes, leaving Ostapenko with no answers. The crowd inside the Louis Armstrong Stadium erupted in applause as Osaka secured the win, and the four-time Grand Slam winner was left in tears.

“I so badly wanted to step on these courts again,” Osaka said. “I didn’t know if I could … Just to win this match, just to be in this atmosphere means so much to me.”

Osaka admitted that the match was stressful, but she refused to give up. “She was hitting some really good shots,” Osaka said. “I just told myself, ‘keep going, keep fighting for every point and maybe you’ll have an opportunity.’ And eventually I did but then I looked up and saw so many faces, so I was like, whoa!'”

This was Osaka’s first win over a top-10 player in four years. She previously made two quarterfinals at tour events in 2024 but never made it past the second round at the majors. However, the US Open holds a special place in her heart.

“It’s like a combination of a lot of different things,” Osaka said. “I grew up here, so just seeing kids, and then remembering my daughter, but seeing kids coming and watching me play and just remembering that I was a kid … made me very emotional.”

“Just seeing the stadium really full, it meant a lot, because I was, like, ‘Oh, I hope people come watch me play.”

Osaka will next face Czech Karolina Muchova in the second round.

Categories: Tennis

Shakib Al Hasan to Continue Playing for Bangladesh Despite Legal Involvement

Zaheer Khan Set to Join Lucknow Super Giants as Mentor

Naomi Osaka’s “Lolita Goth” Outfit Stuns at US Open Return

Ronaldo Scores Stunning Free-Kick, Nears Historic 900-Goal Mark

Paolini Extends Mastery Over Andreescu at US Open, Advances to Second Round

Sinner Overcomes Doping Controversy, Wins U.S. Open Opener

Pakistan Cricket in Crisis After Humiliating Defeat to Bangladesh

Alcaraz Dominates Li Tu in US Open First Round

Rinku Singh Reveals Rohit Sharma’s Encouraging Words After T20 World Cup Snub

Naomi Osaka Returns to US Open with Emotional Victory

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