IPL Mega Auction Modus Operandi to be Discussed at Franchise-BCCI Meeting

IPL Mega Auction Modus Operandi to be Discussed at Franchise-BCCI Meeting

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its upcoming mega auction, and the league’s franchise owners and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are set to meet on July 31 in Mumbai to discuss the modalities.

The meeting will focus on crucial decisions regarding player retentions and the Right to Match (RTM) card. Franchise executives have been informally discussing the best possible scenarios for player retentions, with varying demands ranging from a solitary retention to a maximum of eight.

The RTM card, which allows teams to match the highest bid for a released player, is also a topic of debate. A majority of franchises are in favor of reintroducing the RTM option, which was last used in 2018.

Some franchises are also proposing extending the mega-auction cycle from the current three years to five years. This move is aimed at providing security to players, allowing franchises to build and market their squads effectively, and serving the interests of the BCCI.

Additionally, some franchises are suggesting incremental contracts for cricketers, especially Indians, during a cycle. Currently, retained players cannot be officially paid for the next season, leading to some players taking the risk of being released and entering the auction pool for a purse correction. The franchises believe that a transparent process for renegotiating with players would benefit both parties.

The IPL’s mega auction is a significant event that shapes the composition of teams and the dynamics of the league. The decisions made at the upcoming meeting will have a major impact on the future of the IPL and the careers of many cricketers.

Novak Djokovic's Olympic Quest: A Final Shot at Gold

Novak Djokovic’s Olympic Quest: A Final Shot at Gold

Novak Djokovic, the tennis legend with an unparalleled Grand Slam record, faces a daunting challenge as he sets his sights on the elusive Olympic gold medal. Despite his remarkable achievements, this honor has remained out of reach, leaving a void in his illustrious career.

Djokovic’s Olympic journey has been marked by a series of setbacks and disappointments. In Beijing 2008, he claimed bronze, but his hopes were dashed in London 2012 and Rio 2016, where he suffered early exits. In Tokyo 2021, he entered the tournament as a Grand Slam champion but succumbed to fatigue and injury, failing to secure a medal.

The pressure on Djokovic is immense, not only from his own competitive spirit but also from the patriotic expectations of his Serbian countrymen. Serbia has a rich Olympic history, but its medal count pales in comparison to neighboring nations. Djokovic’s success would bring immense pride to his country.

However, Djokovic’s path to Olympic glory is fraught with obstacles. Young rivals like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have emerged as formidable threats, and the Olympic format, with its compressed schedule and multiple disciplines, poses unique challenges.

Djokovic’s struggles at the Olympics are puzzling, given his dominance in other tournaments. Some experts attribute it to the intense pressure and the need to balance singles and doubles play. Others point to the unpredictable nature of the Olympic draw, where upsets are common.

Despite the setbacks, Djokovic remains determined to conquer the Olympic mountain. He acknowledges the difficulty of the task but draws inspiration from his past experiences of overcoming adversity. He believes that his competitive spirit and resilience will serve him well in Paris.

As Djokovic prepares for his final Olympic campaign, the question remains: will he finally break the Olympic curse and add the elusive gold medal to his trophy cabinet? The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but Djokovic’s unwavering determination and the support of his nation will drive him to give it his all.

Indian Archery Teams Qualify for Quarterfinals at Paris Olympics

Indian Archery Teams Qualify for Quarterfinals at Paris Olympics

India’s archery contingent made a promising start at the Paris Olympics, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing quarterfinal berths in the recurve event.

The women’s trio of Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari impressed with a combined score of 666 points, placing fourth in the standings. Bhakat, a debutant at the Games, emerged as the top-ranked Indian archer, finishing 11th in the individual qualifications.

In the men’s team event, Dhiraj Bommadevara, Tarundeep Rai, and Pravin Ramesh Jadhav combined for a score of 2013 points, finishing third behind South Korea and France. Bommadevara, who made a remarkable comeback in the ranking round, finished fourth in the singles qualifying with a score of 681.

South Korea’s Lim Sihyeon set a new world record with a score of 694 in the individual competition, while her compatriot Suhyeon Nam finished second with 688 points. China’s Yang Xiaolei secured the third position with 673 points.

Despite her impressive team performance, Deepika Kumari, a four-time Olympian, had a disappointing outing in the individual qualifications, recording her worst-ever result at the Games. As a result, she missed out on the mixed team berth for the first time, with Ankita set to partner Bommadevara in the mixed team finals.

The top four teams in both the men’s and women’s events earned direct entry into the quarterfinals, bypassing the Round of 16 fixtures. India’s women’s team will face either France or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, while the men’s team will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

If successful in the quarterfinals, India could face a formidable challenge against the South Korean team, renowned for their dominance in Olympic archery. The Korean women’s team has been particularly invincible, securing their ninth consecutive Olympic medal in Tokyo three years ago.

India Targets Olympic Glory in Paris, Eyes 2036 Bid

India Targets Olympic Glory in Paris, Eyes 2036 Bid

Paris 2024: India Aims to Surpass Tokyo Medal Haul, Eyes 2036 Olympic Bid

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, India sets its sights on surpassing its historic seven-medal performance in Tokyo. The Games, which officially commence on Friday, present an opportunity to showcase India’s sporting prowess and bolster its bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

The Indian contingent faces a challenging task, with the absence of several Tokyo medallists. However, a younger generation of athletes, including wrestlers Aman Sehrawat and Antim Panghal, and boxer Nikhat Zareen, are poised to make their mark.

Shooting, a sport that has underperformed in recent Olympics, will be under pressure to deliver. The team hopes to replicate its success at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where it won over half of its medals in team events.

Archery, another early medal sport, has faced disappointments in the past. However, the team remains hopeful of a podium finish.

The men’s hockey team, which won bronze in Tokyo, faces a tougher challenge this time around. The group is more competitive, and the team’s recent form has been inconsistent.

Mirabai Chanu, who won silver in Tokyo, has been hampered by injuries. PV Sindhu, another Tokyo medallist, has also struggled with injuries. However, both athletes are known for their resilience and determination.

Neeraj Chopra, the reigning javelin throw champion, remains India’s brightest medal hope. His consistency and dominance in the sport make him a strong contender for gold.

Beyond the medal count, India’s performance in Paris will also impact its bid to host the 2036 Olympics. A successful Games will add weight to India’s proposal, which was made public at last year’s IOC Session in Mumbai.

Sumit Nagal to Face Moutet in Paris Olympics Opener, Could Meet Di Minaur in Round 2

Sumit Nagal to Face Moutet in Paris Olympics Opener, Could Meet Di Minaur in Round 2

India’s top singles player Sumit Nagal will embark on his Paris Olympics campaign with a challenging first-round encounter against French opponent Corentin Moutet. Nagal, currently ranked 80th in the world, holds a 2-2 head-to-head record against Moutet, who is ranked 68th.

If Nagal emerges victorious from the opening round, he could potentially face a formidable opponent in the second round: Australian world number six Alex di Minaur. Di Minaur, who reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals this year, withdrew from his last-eight clash against Novak Djokovic due to a hip injury.

In the men’s doubles, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will face the French team of Fabien Reboul and Edouard Roger-Vasselin. Bopanna, a seasoned doubles specialist, has previously partnered with Roger-Vasselin on the ATP Tour.

This Olympics marks Bopanna’s final opportunity to secure an Olympic medal. In 2016, he narrowly missed out on a podium finish, placing fourth in the mixed doubles event with Sania Mirza.

Nagal’s Olympic debut is a significant milestone for Indian tennis. His performance in Paris will be closely watched by fans and experts alike, as he aims to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially challenge some of the world’s top players.

Indian Archer Dhiraj Bommadevara Finishes Fourth in Paris Olympics Ranking Round

Indian Archer Dhiraj Bommadevara Finishes Fourth in Paris Olympics Ranking Round

Dhiraj Bommadevara, a 22-year-old Indian archer, has made a remarkable impression at the Paris Olympics 2024, finishing fourth in the men’s archery ranking round. His impressive performance propelled India to the quarterfinals of the team event.

Hailing from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Dhiraj’s archery journey began in 2006 at the Volga Archery Academy. After four years of training at the Army Sports Institute in Pune, he joined the Indian Army in 2021.

Ranked 15th in the world, Dhiraj secured his berth for the Paris Olympics in Bangkok. In the lead-up to the competition, he claimed a bronze medal at the World Cup 2024 in Antalya, Turkey.

Dhiraj’s achievements extend beyond the Paris Olympics. He was part of the Indian men’s team that won a silver medal at the Asian Games 2023, alongside Atanu Das and Tushar Shelke. He also made his international debut in 2017 and won his first major title at the 2021 World Archer Youth Championships.

In the women’s archery ranking round, India’s team secured a fourth-place finish, earning a spot in the quarterfinals. Ankita Bhakat finished 11th with a season-best score of 666, while Bhajan Kaur placed 22nd with 659 points. Deepika Kumari, a four-time Olympian, finished 23rd with 658 points.

Dhiraj Bommadevara’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also inspired aspiring archers across the country.

Samit Dravid Bags Maiden Maharaja Trophy Contract with Mysuru Warriors

Samit Dravid Bags Maiden Maharaja Trophy Contract with Mysuru Warriors

Samit Dravid, the son of legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, has secured his first professional contract in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament. The 18-year-old all-rounder was acquired by last season’s runner-up, Mysuru Warriors, for a sum of INR 50,000 at the auction held in Bengaluru.

Dravid, a promising medium-pacer and middle-order batter, has already made a mark in the domestic circuit. He was part of the Karnataka Under-19 team that triumphed in the 2023-24 Cooch Behar Trophy and also represented KSCA XI in a three-day match against the visiting Lancashire side.

At Mysuru Warriors, Dravid will join a star-studded lineup led by former India Test batsman Karun Nair. The team also boasts experienced all-rounders K Gowtham and J Suchith, as well as fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who is currently recovering from surgery.

The most expensive player at the auction was wicketkeeper-batter LR Chethan, who was snapped up by Bengaluru Blasters for INR 8.2 lakh. Blasters will be captained by Mayank Agarwal, who was retained along with several other key players.

Defending champions Hubli Tigers secured the services of legspinner KC Cariappa for INR 4.2 lakh. They will once again be led by Manish Pandey and also have fast bowler Vidwath Kaverappa in their ranks.

The 2024 season of the Maharaja Trophy is expected to take place from September 15 to October 1, with all matches scheduled to be played at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Unranked Ebden Draws Djokovic, Nadal at Paris Olympics

Unranked Ebden Draws Djokovic, Nadal at Paris Olympics

Matthew Ebden, known primarily as Rohan Bopanna’s doubles partner, has secured a spot in the men’s singles main draw at the Paris Olympics. Despite being unranked in singles and not having played a singles match in two years, Ebden was included in the list of alternates and was selected when Andy Murray withdrew.

The regulations stipulate that in the event of a withdrawal, preference is given to existing players already listed in the doubles draw. However, to add to the challenge, Ebden has been drawn to face Novak Djokovic in the first round at Roland Garros. If he manages to overcome Djokovic, he will face Rafael Nadal in the next round.

Reacting to the draw, Ebden shared a humorous reel on Instagram, expressing his surprise at facing Djokovic and Nadal in consecutive rounds. Ebden, who was previously ranked No. 1 in doubles with Bopanna, is currently third in the ATP rankings. He has won three Grand Slam titles, including the 2022 Wimbledon and 2024 Australian Open men’s doubles titles with Max Purcell and Rohan Bopanna, respectively. He also won the 2013 Australian Open mixed doubles title with Jarmila Gajdosova.

Ahead of his match against Ebden, Djokovic acknowledged the skepticism surrounding his chances. “People tend to count me out, but it has happened before and it can always change,” he said. “I feel more ready now than I was for Wimbledon.”

Djokovic emphasized the high expectations he places on himself and the pressure he feels representing his nation at the Olympics. “The objective is always the highest one,” he said. “I’m hoping I can perform by best and get to the medal match.”

West Indies Allrounder Sinclair Ruled Out of Third Test with Fractured Forearm

West Indies Allrounder Sinclair Ruled Out of Third Test with Fractured Forearm

Kevin Sinclair, the West Indies’ offspinning allrounder, has been ruled out of the third and final Test against England after sustaining a fractured left forearm. Sinclair suffered the injury on the final day of the second Test at Trent Bridge, when he was struck by a 92mph bouncer from Mark Wood.

The incident occurred as Sinclair attempted to fend off the delivery, which ballooned up into the cordon and was taken by Zak Crawley. Sinclair reviewed the dismissal but the on-field decision was upheld by DRS, showing impact with the sweatband of his left glove.

Sinclair’s injury is a blow to the West Indies, who are already 2-0 down in the series. He has been replaced by Gudakesh Motie for the third Test, which begins on June 23 at Emirates Old Trafford.

Wood was in electric form throughout the second Test, his first appearance of the summer. He clocked a top speed of 97.1mph in his third over – the fastest delivery of his Test career – and maintained high speeds throughout the match.

Despite his impressive pace, Wood only returned one wicket in each innings. However, his presence had a significant impact on the game, as he forced the West Indies batsmen to play cautiously and made them vulnerable to short-pitched bowling.

Wood’s performance was praised by England captain Ben Stokes, who believes that the 34-year-old could be the one to blow a batting line-up apart this summer.

“Even in his second or third spells, you have to hold your hands up and celebrate what we have there,” said Stokes. “He’s got the heart of a lion. He runs in spell after spell, ball after ball.

“Although he didn’t get the rewards he wanted last week, he knows he affects the game in more than just wickets. That showed last week. I think someone will pay this summer, either West Indies this game or Sri Lanka.”

M. Shahrukh Khan: From Uncapped Talent to IPL Star and National Team Contender

M. Shahrukh Khan: From Uncapped Talent to IPL Star and National Team Contender

M. Shahrukh Khan, a rising star in Indian cricket, has emerged as a sought-after talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) despite being an uncapped player. Over the past four years, he has secured lucrative deals with various franchises, showcasing his exceptional batting abilities.

In the recently concluded IPL season, Shahrukh played for Gujarat Titans, where he made significant contributions to the team’s success. He scored 127 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 169.33, including a maiden IPL half-century. This performance highlighted his growth as a batter and his ability to adapt to different roles.

Previously, Shahrukh played as a finisher for Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans, where he was tasked with scoring quick runs in the final overs. While his IPL numbers may not reflect his true potential, a closer examination reveals his consistent performance in the last two seasons. He has maintained a brisk strike rate, indicating his ability to clear the ropes effortlessly, especially against pacers in the death overs.

However, Shahrukh has acknowledged his shortcomings against spinners. In the past, he relied heavily on timing and power, which made it difficult for him to counter the slower deliveries. This season, he worked diligently to improve his technique against spin, seeking guidance from Vikram Solanki and Mithun Manhas.

The result of his efforts is evident in his improved strike rate against spinners, which has converged to similar levels as his strike rate against pace. He has also increased his boundary percentage, scoring one boundary for every four balls.

Shahrukh’s all-around abilities extend beyond batting. He is a tidy off-spinner who has consistently impressed with his bowling. In the 2023 TNPL, he topped the wicket charts and has continued to perform well this year, taking 11 scalps so far.

Shahrukh’s impressive performances have caught the attention of the national selectors. In 2022, he was called up as a back-up during a home series against West Indies. He believes that he is now a more well-rounded cricketer and is ready to take the next step in his career.

“I think I had a good IPL and made an impact in whatever chances I got. The numbers I have must also be seen in the context of where I bat, and (Ashish) Nehra was happy with what I have done. I am 100% certain I can get back in the reckoning in the next three years,” Shahrukh said.

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