Wishlist0
0
Continue Shopping

 +91 91155 12977

Home / News (Page 322)

Category: News

The Hundred: Mixed Results in Fourth Season, Future Uncertain

The Hundred: Mixed Results in Fourth Season, Future Uncertain

By August 19, 2024 0

The Hundred, the ECB’s flagship T20 competition, has completed its fourth season, albeit with mixed results. While the women’s tournament continues to thrive, the men’s competition has faced challenges, including declining scoring rates and crowd numbers.

The ECB’s main goal for the 2024 season is to consolidate the Hundred’s position and prove its concept. They hope to attract investors for hospitality suites during the finals weekend, despite the competition’s overall decline in attendance.

Official figures show a 7% drop in ticket sales, with most of the decline occurring outside of London. Lord’s and The Oval accounted for nearly half of the Hundred’s total attendance, highlighting the importance of these venues.

Despite the challenges, the ECB remains optimistic about the Hundred’s future. They cite record-breaking attendances at women’s fixtures and believe the competition has significantly boosted the women’s game.

The cricket itself has been a mixed bag. The men’s competition suffered from clashes with other tournaments and the absence of key players like Jos Buttler. A decline in scoring rates, due to swing-friendly balls and heavy investment in bowling, has also been a concern.

However, the success of Oval Invincibles, who have won back-to-back titles, has provided a positive narrative for the men’s tournament. In the women’s game, Welsh Fire’s resurgence and Southern Brave’s struggles have added intrigue.

The Hundred’s overlap with Major League Cricket led to some farcical one-match signings, such as Mohammad Amir’s brief appearance. However, the women’s competition has proven that investment can attract top players, with Meg Lanning and Ash Gardner making their Hundred debuts.

Despite the presence of overseas stars, the quality of domestic players remains crucial for the Hundred’s success. England player availability is also important, and Ben Stokes’ injury was a significant setback.

The imminent sale of the Hundred’s franchises means the future of the competition is uncertain. However, the ECB is confident that the Hundred can achieve its goals of accelerating the growth of the women’s game and attracting new fans to cricket.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Bangladesh's Pakistan Test Preparations Hampered by Political Turmoil

Bangladesh’s Pakistan Test Preparations Hampered by Political Turmoil

By August 19, 2024 0

Bangladesh’s preparations for their two-Test series in Pakistan have been severely disrupted by political turmoil in their home country. The unrest, which led to the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has kept the team’s foreign coaches indoors and prevented them from assembling for practice sessions.

The make-up of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is also up in the air, after president Nazmul Hassan fled the country due to his association with Hasina. Despite the challenges, the interim government has allowed ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, a member of the now-dissolved parliament for Hasina’s party, to feature in the Pakistan series.

“Because of the situation, it was not possible to practice,” said spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed.

The tourists have received some reprieve after the Pakistan Cricket Board invited them to arrive four days early to make up for their lack of preparations. A second-string Bangladesh team, with six players included from the national team, has already been playing practice games in Islamabad since August 10.

To add to Bangladesh’s problems, in-form opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy has been ruled out of the first Test with a groin strain, but senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim is expected to recover in time from a finger injury.

Bangladesh will be hoping to overturn their no-win record against Pakistan, having lost 12 of the 13 Tests, with just one draw. The two-match Test series is part of the World Test Championship’s third cycle, with Pakistan sixth in the current nine-team table and Bangladesh eighth.

The second Test, both matches moved to Rawalpindi because of construction work at Karachi stadium, will be played from August 30.

Following a 3-0 rout in Australia earlier this year, Pakistan brought in former Aussie paceman Jason Gillespie as Test coach, while Adelaide groundsman Damien Hough was hired to improve the standard of pitches.

Having released their only spinner, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan will enter the Test with an all-pace attack, a ploy they last used five years ago against Sri Lanka at the same venue.

Bangladesh, however, will rely on spin with Shakib (237 wickets), Taijul Islam (195), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (164) all included.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood refused to accept that the Bangladesh team is under-prepared.

“You expect all international Test sides to come into a series well prepared and trying to play their best cricket,” he told AFP.

“Bangladesh is a side that has quality players in all departments and we highly respect the challenges they bring as a side to us.”

Masood also hopes Pakistan will show improvement under the new coach.

“We are excited to see how they (coaches) help us to be better people, better cricketers and, most importantly, be among the top teams in the world.”

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Swiatek Raises Concerns About Demanding WTA Schedule

Swiatek Raises Concerns About Demanding WTA Schedule

By August 19, 2024 0

Iga Swiatek, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has sparked a debate about the demanding WTA schedule. Swiatek, who has won five titles this year including the French Open, criticized the congested calendar, stating that it makes tennis less enjoyable and is unsustainable for players.

“I’ve been kind of an advocate in saying that we shouldn’t, I don’t know… be pushing and pushing for us to play more,” Swiatek told SkySports. “Obviously it is not our decision, but for sure I think we have too many tournaments in the season. It makes tennis less fun for us. Obviously I love playing in all these places, but it’s pretty exhausting. I don’t think it should be like that because we deserve to rest a little bit more. Maybe people are going to hate me for that.”

Swiatek’s comments have sparked a debate about the physical and mental demands placed on professional tennis players. Former tennis star Yevgeny Kafelnikov sharply criticized Swiatek on social media, suggesting that her complaints were unwarranted and even arguing that she should be paid less for expressing such views.

“Is someone pushing you to play ??? All you fricking do is complain!! I’ll tell you what you deserve ! You deserve to get paid a lot less than you do now!! How about that??” Kafelnikov posted on X.

However, many players have expressed similar frustrations with the tennis calendar, which often leaves little room for rest. The pressure to maintain rankings and secure earnings forces players to compete in more tournaments than might be advisable for their health. This grueling schedule can lead to injuries and burnout, ultimately shortening careers.

Tennis journalist Bastien Fachan defended Swiatek, saying, “She’s way more successful at 23 than you were in your entire career, sit this one out champ.”

Another fan said, “How can a former pro talk such sh*t. You should be ashamed of yourself. You can only dream of achieving what she already has. What she has said is 100% correct and speaking out is not complaining.”

Daria Kasatkina, another prominent player, came to Swiatek’s defense, pointing out the significant differences in earnings between past and present players.

The debate over the WTA schedule is likely to continue, as players balance the desire to compete with the need for rest and recovery.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Former Chinese Football Official Jailed for Bribery

Former Chinese Football Official Jailed for Bribery

By August 19, 2024 0

Chinese Football Official Sentenced to 11 Years for Bribery

In a significant development in China’s ongoing crackdown on corruption in sports, a former top official of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Li Yuyi, who served as vice president of the CFA from 2015 to 2019, was found guilty of taking bribes worth over $1.7 million between 2004 and 2021.

Li’s conviction is the latest in a series of high-profile cases targeting corruption in Chinese football. In March, former CFA head Chen Xuyuan was sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes exceeding $11 million. Former national team coach Li Tie also pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and match-fixing.

The crackdown on corruption in Chinese sports is part of President Xi Jinping’s broader anti-graft campaign. Xi, a self-proclaimed football enthusiast, has expressed his ambition for China to host and win the World Cup. However, repeated corruption scandals and disappointing results on the pitch have hindered these aspirations.

Li’s sentencing sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in Chinese sports. The investigation into Gou Zhongwen, former director of the General Administration of Sport of China, further demonstrates the government’s determination to root out corruption at all levels.

The crackdown has also led to the investigation of around 10 high-level CFA officials in recent months. These actions aim to restore integrity to Chinese football and create a level playing field for all participants.

Categories: Football
Read more
Ronaldo's Frustration Boils Over After Al-Nassr's Super Cup Defeat

Ronaldo’s Frustration Boils Over After Al-Nassr’s Super Cup Defeat

By August 19, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustration boiled over after Al-Nassr’s 4-1 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final. Despite scoring the opening goal, Ronaldo’s team collapsed in the second half, conceding four goals in quick succession.

Aleksandar Mitrovic led the comeback for Al-Hilal, scoring twice in six minutes, while Malcom added a fourth to seal the victory. Al-Hilal fans taunted Ronaldo with chants of “Messi,” further fueling the rivalry between the two football legends.

Ronaldo’s anger was evident throughout the match, with cameras capturing him gesturing towards his teammates. After the final whistle, he refused to collect his runner-up medal, heading straight to the locker room.

This incident has sparked discussions about Ronaldo’s temperament and the pressure he faces in his second season with Al-Nassr. Former teammates Rio Ferdinand and Louis Saha believe Ronaldo has the potential to become a successful manager, citing his energy, passion, and experience.

Ronaldo’s frustration may stem from his desire to continue playing at a high level. Ferdinand believes he will play for at least three more years, while Saha suggests he could transition into a managerial role.

Despite his disappointment, Ronaldo remains a respected figure in the football world. His work ethic and determination have inspired many, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure.

Categories: Football
Read more
Matthew Potts Replaces Ben Stokes in England XI for Sri Lanka Test

Matthew Potts Replaces Ben Stokes in England XI for Sri Lanka Test

By August 19, 2024 0

Matthew Potts has been named as Ben Stokes’ replacement in the XI for England’s first Test against Sri Lanka, with Harry Brook stepping into the vice-captaincy role for the series to assist stand-in captain Ollie Pope.

Potts, who earned the last of his six Test caps in the one-off Test against Ireland last summer, has been given the nod ahead of fellow quick Olly Stone and uncapped batter Jordan Cox after Stokes was ruled out of the rest of the summer with a hamstring injury sustained during the Men’s Hundred.

The 25-year-old Potts is a team-mate of Stokes for both Durham and Northern Superchargers, and will slot in at No.9 for the fixture at Emirates Old Trafford, which begins on Wednesday. That means promotions up the order for Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, and Gus Atkinson, who will occupy six, seven, and eight, respectively.

While not quite an allrounder, Potts is a handy lower-order batter, as showcased by an unbeaten 149 against Warwickshire earlier this season, which was his maiden first-class century. Nevertheless, the selection adds to the peculiar nature of the XI, which also features Dan Lawrence as opener following Zak Crawley’s finger injury sustained during the last Test against West Indies.

The England team for the first Test against Sri Lanka is as follows:

1. Dan Lawrence
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope (capt)
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Jamie Smith (wk)
7. Chris Woakes
8. Gus Atkinson
9. Matthew Potts
10. Mark Wood
11. Shoaib Bashir

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Indian Javelin Thrower Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Title with Improved World Record

Indian Javelin Thrower Sumit Antil Aims to Defend Paralympic Title with Improved World Record

By August 19, 2024 0

Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil, India’s javelin thrower, has set his sights on improving his world record and defending his title in the Men’s F64 category at the Paris Paralympics Games in 2024. Antil, along with Bhagyashree Jadhav (shot put, F34 category), will be the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics Games, which will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

Antil, who lost one of his limbs in a road accident in 2015, has been on a remarkable journey since then. He set a world record thrice in the Tokyo Paralympics and won the gold medal with the best throw of 68.55 meters. He bettered it with a new world record throw of 70.83 meters at the 2023 Para World Championships and further improved it at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games (2023) to win the gold with an effort of 73.29 meters.

“My long-term goal is to achieve a distance of 80 meters, but in the Paris Paralympics, I will try to win the gold medal with an effort of 75 meters,” the 26-year-old told PTI-Bhasha in an exclusive interview.

Antil has been working hard on increasing his strength without changing his technique. He believes that his throws during practice have been quite consistent and that he can improve upon his previous record.

When asked about the pressure of being defending champion and being the Indian flag bearer, Antil said, “There is no pressure right now, but things will be known after reaching Paris. Once you reach the Games village or at the competition venue, things become a little different. I will try to do my best without taking pressure.”

“I want to enjoy this moment. For the first time, such a large and strong contingent from India is going to the Paralympics, and I feel proud to be the flag bearer,” he added.

The Indian contingent comprises 84 athletes across 12 disciplines for the Paralympics. Antil, who is a Padma Shri awardee, said, “Being a flag bearer in an event like Paralympics is a different kind of emotion. This is the first time I will be a part of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics.”

After the Tokyo Paralympics, Antil focused more on practicing instead of participating in different competitions. He said, “I have participated in very limited competitions. I have spent more time in practice. Competitions keep going on, but my aim is to get a medal for India in the Paralympics, and my entire focus has been on this for the last three years.”

Antil prefers to practice in India rather than abroad. He said, “I went to Finland in 2018, but I did not feel much improvement there. I practice at SAI (Sports Authority of India) Sonipat center, which is equipped with a track for Javelin throw and world-class facilities.”

Antil is also a part of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) since 2019 and is getting all kinds of help from it. “I have been a part of the TOPS scheme since 2019, and since that time, I have been getting prosthetic legs from abroad. Along with my prosthetics, TOPS provides everything I need for my game,” he concluded.

Categories: Others
Read more
Pakistan's Cricket Stadiums Undergo Major Upgrades for 2025 Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s Cricket Stadiums Undergo Major Upgrades for 2025 Champions Trophy

By August 19, 2024 0

Pakistan’s Cricket Stadiums Undergo Urgent Upgrades for 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy fast approaching, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recognized the urgent need to upgrade the country’s cricket stadiums to meet international standards. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized the significant gap between Pakistani venues and global norms, highlighting the inadequacies that must be addressed to successfully host the prestigious event.

Naqvi acknowledged that none of Pakistan’s current stadiums meet international requirements, lacking adequate seating, bathrooms, and viewing facilities. He stressed the importance of modernizing these venues to keep pace with advancements in global sports infrastructure.

The PCB has embarked on an ambitious renovation project, focusing on three key stadiums: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Karachi’s National Stadium, and Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium. The upgrades, estimated to cost Rs 12.8 billion, aim to bring these facilities up to par with international standards in time for the Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025.

During a visit to Gaddafi Stadium to review the progress, Naqvi expressed confidence that the renovations would be completed on time. He praised the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) for their round-the-clock efforts, stating, “We will make our stadiums one of the best in the world. Providing basic facilities in stadiums is our first priority.”

In addition to stadium upgrades, the PCB is also exploring the development of a nearby building into a hotel for teams. Naqvi acknowledged the complexities of this project but remained hopeful that it could be completed before the tournament.

The PCB’s efforts to upgrade Pakistan’s cricket stadiums are crucial for the successful hosting of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. By bringing these venues up to international standards, Pakistan will not only showcase its commitment to the sport but also provide a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
WCA Launches Comprehensive Review of Global Cricket Structure

WCA Launches Comprehensive Review of Global Cricket Structure

By August 19, 2024 0

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has initiated a comprehensive review of the global cricket structure, aiming to address the increasingly fragmented and congested calendar. The review is driven by players’ concerns and seeks to find solutions to the challenges facing the sport.

The WCA, formerly known as FICA, has expressed frustration with the lack of a coherent structure that allows international cricket and domestic leagues to coexist harmoniously. The review will examine three key areas:

1. Scheduling Model: The current scheduling model is deemed “broken and unsustainable,” forcing players to choose between representing their countries and maximizing their earning potential. The review will explore alternative scheduling options that provide clarity and balance.

2. Economic Disparity: The growing economic disparity between cricket boards is a concern, with a few wealthy boards funding the majority of the game. The review will investigate ways to distribute revenue more equitably and support the development of smaller cricket nations.

3. Player Employment and Contracts: The lack of a clear global calendar makes it difficult to regulate player contracts and employment transnationally. The review will seek to establish guidelines and standards to ensure fairness and transparency.

The review will be led by a six-member group headed by former Australian Cricketers’ Association chief Paul Marsh. The group includes former Pakistan captain Sana Mir, former FICA chief Tony Irish, former ECB CEO Tom Harrison, and Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star.

The group will consult with various stakeholders, including players, administrators, and franchise owners, before presenting recommendations to the WCA board and the wider cricket community. The aim is to produce recommendations by the end of the year, although this is not a strict deadline.

The WCA represents players from 16 different member associations, including Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. The BCCI and PCB are the only major Full Members without representation in the WCA, as they do not have active player associations.

The WCA believes that change is essential to create clarity and value for players, boards, and fans. The review is a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing cricket and shaping its future.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Arshad Nadeem's Olympic Gold: Triumph Over Injury

Arshad Nadeem’s Olympic Gold: Triumph Over Injury

By August 19, 2024 0

Pakistan’s javelin star Arshad Nadeem has revealed that he competed at the Paris Olympics 2024 with an injury, adding another layer to his remarkable gold medal triumph.

Nadeem’s 92.97m throw shattered the Olympic record and secured Pakistan’s first gold medal at the Games since 1984. However, the victory came with a hidden struggle, as Nadeem disclosed during a visit to the Prime Minister’s office in Islamabad.

“Just five minutes before I had to go to the call room, I felt a pain,” Nadeem said. “I told my coach, and he said, ‘kuch nahi hota, tu sher hai (there will be no issues, you are a lion).’ I had actually picked up an injury while throwing on 21st July when we were training at Punjab Stadium.”

Despite the injury and the pressure of competing against reigning champion Neeraj Chopra of India, Nadeem maintained his composure. He credited his coach for keeping his morale high.

“During the first throw, I felt some pain and the doctor applied some medicine,” Nadeem added. “I told him I didn’t know if that would have any effect. The doctor also told me ‘tum sher ho’. Both the doctor and coach told me the same words.”

Nadeem’s injury revelation adds to the significance of his achievement. It underscores his determination and resilience, as well as the support he received from his team.

The gold medal has been met with widespread celebration in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a grand reward of PKR 150 million to Nadeem, as well as a civil award. Chief Minister of the province of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, awarded Nadeem PKR 10 million, as well as a Honda Civic Car with a specially stylized number plate reading ‘PAK 92.97’.

Nadeem’s triumph is a testament to the talent and dedication of Pakistani athletes. It is a moment of national pride and inspiration, and a reminder that even with adversity, anything is possible.

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

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart