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Hockey Embraces Dry Turfs for Sustainable Future

Hockey Embraces Dry Turfs for Sustainable Future

By March 27, 2024 0

Hockey is undergoing a significant transformation as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) transitions from water-based synthetic turfs to environmentally sustainable dry pitches. This shift aims to reduce the sport’s water consumption, which currently stands at approximately 6,000 liters per match.

The move towards dry turfs was prompted by the need to address the excessive water usage associated with hockey matches, particularly in water-stressed regions like India. Despite advancements in turf technology, the amount of water required to lubricate a hockey field remains substantial.

To ensure a seamless transition, FIH has established innovation standards for dry turfs, focusing on factors such as speed, gripping, bounce accuracy, and aerial ball performance. These standards aim to replicate the playing conditions of watered surfaces.

GreenFields, an FIH supplier, has developed a dry turf called Pure EP, which has been installed in the Netherlands. Additionally, dry turfs have been inaugurated in South Africa and Namibia. The recent FIH Hockey5s World Cup was played on a dry turf, providing valuable feedback on its performance in warm climates.

The transition to dry turfs requires adjustments in footwear and equipment. Players may need protective undergarments to prevent injuries when sliding on dry surfaces. Stick manufacturers may also need to incorporate coatings to reduce friction.

FIH is targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a potential milestone for the widespread adoption of dry turfs. In India, where there are approximately 150 hockey turfs, the new technology is expected to gain traction due to its water-saving and cost-effective benefits.

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Shubhankar Sharma Aims to End India's Indian Open Drought

Shubhankar Sharma Aims to End India’s Indian Open Drought

By March 27, 2024 0

Shubhankar Sharma, the 27-year-old Indian golfer, is poised to make a strong run at the upcoming Indian Open, a tournament he considers the “fifth major.” Sharma, who finished tied seventh in the 2018 edition, is hoping to end India’s 15-year drought without a homegrown winner.

Sharma’s confidence stems from his recent form, which includes a tied-second finish in Singapore. He believes the parallels between his current situation and his performance in 2018 provide him with a sense of hope and belief.

Over the past six years, Sharma has matured both as a golfer and as a person. His game has become more refined, his tee shots have become longer and sharper, and his training regimen has become more regimented. However, some things have remained constant, such as his love for the Gurugram course, which he considers his second home.

Sharma acknowledges that the Indian Open is a challenging course, with thick roughs and narrow fairways. He emphasizes the importance of hitting the fairway and executing precise approach shots. Despite the difficulty of the course, Sharma believes that local knowledge will give him an advantage.

The field for the Indian Open is strong, with the likes of Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri also in contention. However, Sharma is confident that he can be one of the Indians to challenge for the title.

“It is one of the strongest Indian fields ever assembled at the Indian Open,” Sharma said. “While we have not had an Indian winner for some time, I think this weekend, we will surely have a few in contention. I certainly want to be one of those.”

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Riyan Parag Set for Extended Role at No. 4 for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024

Riyan Parag Set for Extended Role at No. 4 for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024

By March 27, 2024 0

Riyan Parag, the young all-rounder from Assam, is poised for a pivotal role in the Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup in IPL 2024. After years of playing as a finisher, Parag is set to bat at No. 4, a testament to his impressive domestic form and the potential he holds as an “all-round batter.”

Despite underwhelming numbers in previous IPL seasons, the Royals believe Parag possesses the skills and maturity to excel in this new role. “We looked at how he has performed over the years,” said Royals’ director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. “He has a much more important role that he can play for us.”

Parag’s domestic performances have been nothing short of spectacular. At the Deodhar Trophy, he emerged as the highest run-getter, highest six-hitter, and third-highest wicket-taker. His two List A centuries in that tournament showcased his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, Parag continued his impressive run, scoring 510 runs in ten innings at a strike rate of 182.79. His seven consecutive half-centuries earned him a call-up to the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy.

Sangakkara attributes Parag’s growth to increased maturity and self-awareness. “He’s still a very young cricketer, but he’s also seen the huge jumps that [Yashasvi] Jaiswal and [Dhruv] Jurel have made,” said Sangakkara. “He’s got a hunger there now and an example to follow into the national team.”

Parag’s promotion to No. 4 is a significant step in his development. It provides him with the opportunity to showcase his all-round abilities and contribute more consistently to the Royals’ success. If he continues to perform at the level he has shown in domestic cricket, Parag could soon shed the “uncapped” label and become a regular feature in the Indian national team.

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ECB Investigates Usman Khan's Pakistan Declaration for Contract Breach

ECB Investigates Usman Khan’s Pakistan Declaration for Contract Breach

By March 27, 2024 0

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is investigating whether Usman Khan’s decision to declare his intention to play for Pakistan constitutes a breach of his contract with the UAE board. The ECB is reviewing the case to assess potential breaches of contract with the board, as well as with white-ball leagues in the UAE where Khan has played as a local player, including the ILT20 and the T10.

The outcome of the review, which ECB sources say will be finalized in the next fortnight, could have significant ramifications for Khan. He could face a ban from league cricket in the UAE, depriving him of the most lucrative cricket he has played in his career. If a breach of contract is found, it could also affect his work permit, under which he has been living in the UAE to complete the residency requirement to qualify for international cricket for the UAE. Khan still has 14 months to go before meeting this criteria.

Khan believes he has not breached any contract, claiming that his contract includes an exit clause with a 30-day notice period. He is reportedly resigned to whatever sanction the ECB imposes, but the allure of playing for Pakistan was too strong to resist when the PCB approached him after the PSL.

The PCB asked Khan if he still wished to play for Pakistan, and he responded affirmatively. On Monday, he was named in the Pakistan camp that is currently training with the Pakistan military in a PCB initiative to boost player fitness. He joined the camp on Sunday evening, and the PCB is reportedly looking to fast-track him into the Pakistan side ahead of a five-match T20I series against New Zealand next month.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo on the eve of the PSL final, Khan downplayed his chances of playing for Pakistan, emphasizing the ease of obtaining NOCs to play in leagues around the world as a UAE player and the advantages of being considered a local player in the UAE’s limited-overs leagues. However, events have moved swiftly since then.

As Khan has not yet played international cricket for either nation, a tug of war has broken out for a player who is at the peak of his prowess. The ECB’s decision to announce an immediate review indicates their unwillingness to let Khan be poached by the PCB.

For Khan, the decision comes down to the attraction of playing in major tournaments like the T20 World Cup in June, which he appears to be a shoo-in for with Pakistan, versus the lucrative nature of being a freelance T20 specialist affiliated with the UAE. While he appears to have chosen the former for now, much may depend on the outcome of the ECB’s review.

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Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals Set for Thrilling Clash in Jaipur

Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals Set for Thrilling Clash in Jaipur

By March 27, 2024 0

Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals Gear Up for Clash in Jaipur

The Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals will face off in a highly anticipated match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory after mixed starts to their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaigns.

Royals Look to Bounce Back

The Royals, who have struggled at home in recent times, will be determined to turn their fortunes around. They possess a solid batting lineup led by Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag. However, Buttler needs to find his scoring touch quickly after a disappointing start to the season.

Capitals Seek Middle-Order Stability

The Capitals, on the other hand, will be looking to address their middle-order woes. Despite a strong start against the Punjab Kings, they failed to capitalize on their advantage. The return of Anrich Nortje could bolster their bowling attack, but they will need their middle order to step up.

Key Players to Watch

* Jos Buttler (RR): The explosive English opener will be crucial to the Royals’ success.
* Rishabh Pant (DC): The Indian wicketkeeper-batter will be eager to make an impact after a difficult week.
* Trent Boult (RR): The New Zealand pacer has been in impressive form and will be a key threat to the Capitals’ batting.
* Kuldeep Yadav (DC): The left-arm spinner will be looking to make an impact against the Royals’ strong batting lineup.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Jaipur is expected to be two-paced and slightly dry, favoring both pace and spin. Temperatures are likely to be high, which could aid the spinners.

Stats to Consider

* The Capitals have had the fewest half-century partnerships among all teams since 2023.
* Trent Boult has the second-highest number of powerplay wickets since 2022.
* The Royals lost a wicket every 17.9 balls between overs seven and 15 last year, the lowest among all teams.

Quotes

* “Warner and Marsh opened for Australia at the top and have done well together, so we decided to open with them.” – Capitals mentor Sourav Ganguly
* “He’s seen the huge jumps that [Yashasvi] Jaiswal and [Dhruv] Jurel have made, and he’s got the hunger [back] and an example to follow into the national team.” – Royals director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara on Riyan Parag

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Karnataka Celebrates Golden Jubilee of Historic Ranji Trophy Triumph

Karnataka Celebrates Golden Jubilee of Historic Ranji Trophy Triumph

By March 27, 2024 0

Karnataka’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph in 1973-74, which broke Bombay’s 15-year dominance, was celebrated with a grand felicitation ceremony at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The event honored the victorious team members, who shared their memories and anecdotes from that unforgettable season.

Led by the legendary off-spin wizard EAS Prasanna, Karnataka defeated a formidable Rajasthan side captained by Hanumant Singh by 185 runs in Jaipur on March 27, 1974. The victory marked the first of eight Ranji Trophy titles for the state.

The nostalgia-filled event was graced by Prasanna, G.R. Viswanath, B.S. Chandrasekhar, Brijesh Patel, Syed Kirmani, A.V. Jayaprakash, B. Sudhakar Rao, Sanjay Desai, S. Vijayprakash, B. Siddaramu, R. Arunkumar, and B. Raghunath. Tributes were also paid to the three departed souls: V.S. Vijay Kumar, B. Vijayakrishna, and K. Lakshman.

“The win was very satisfying,” recalled Prasanna. “The likes of Kirmani, Jayaprakash, and Vijayakrishna lifted their games and scored on a wicket that was conducive to our kind of bowling. The Karnataka team may not have looked very good on paper, but we were very effective on the pitch.”

However, the victory was not without its share of drama. On the rest day between the third and fourth days, the team members had partaken in Holi festivities and ingested Bhang, unknowingly.

“It took us two days to come down to earth [from the high],” said Viswanath, as the audience guffawed. “Everybody in the team was just laughing. But I had become very serious. The England tour was coming up, and I was a bit worried about that. I didn’t get runs in the final.”

“But the important thing was that we won,” Viswanath added. “The train journey back to Bangalore, which was supposed to be for two days, took nearly 3.5 days as the train stopped everywhere. But not a single passenger complained that the train was late.”

One of the highlights of the triumphant campaign was Karnataka’s victory over Bombay in the semifinal, and Prasanna’s dismissal of Sunil Gavaskar.

“It is one of the greatest deliveries I have ever seen,” said Viswanath. “I was standing at first slip. It wasn’t a doosra, teesra, or leg-cutter. Just a proper off-spinner that left the batter slightly. Sunil had covered everything, but may have just left a millimetre open. And Pras got him.”

The golden jubilee celebration was a fitting tribute to the Karnataka team that broke Bombay’s stranglehold on the Ranji Trophy and etched their names in the annals of Indian cricket history.

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Nathan Lyon's Lancashire Stint Cut Short by Cricket Australia

Nathan Lyon’s Lancashire Stint Cut Short by Cricket Australia

By March 27, 2024 0

Cricket Australia’s (CA) decision to limit Nathan Lyon’s availability for Lancashire has sparked controversy and raised questions about the balance between international and domestic cricket.

Lyon, Australia’s premier off-spinner, was initially set to play in all formats for Lancashire during the 2024 County Championship season. However, CA has intervened, restricting him to only seven of the first nine Championship fixtures. This move is intended to manage Lyon’s workload ahead of Australia’s home Test series against India later this year.

Lancashire’s director of cricket, Mark Chilton, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the club’s excitement about Lyon’s partial availability. He emphasized Lyon’s commitment to Lancashire and his potential to support the team’s goals.

The decision has raised concerns about the impact on Tom Hartley, a promising young off-spinner who could be affected by Lyon’s presence. England coach Brendon McCullum has questioned the wisdom of blocking Hartley’s development opportunities.

Lancashire captain Keaton Jennings acknowledged the “really tough situation” but emphasized the potential benefits of Lyon’s experience for Hartley. He believes Hartley can learn from Lyon and contribute significantly to Lancashire’s success.

Meanwhile, Lancashire is exploring options to secure a replacement overseas player for the T20 Blast and One-Day Cup. The club is actively engaged in discussions to find a suitable candidate.

CA’s decision highlights the ongoing tension between international and domestic cricket. While it is understandable that CA wants to prioritize Lyon’s fitness and performance for the national team, it also raises questions about the impact on county cricket and the development of young players.

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Bangladesh Makes Three Changes to T20I Squad for Australia Series

Bangladesh Makes Three Changes to T20I Squad for Australia Series

By March 27, 2024 0

Bangladesh’s T20I Squad for Australia Series Undergoes Changes

Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia has undergone three changes from the ODI series, which the visitors won convincingly 3-0. Fargana Hoque, Disha Biswas, and Nishita Akter have been replaced by Dilara Akter, Fariha Trisna, and Shorifa Khatun.

Fargana, who had scores of 0, 7, and 5 in the three ODIs, has been omitted from the squad. Dilara Akter, a wicketkeeper-batter, has been brought in as her replacement. Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed believes that Dilara has the talent to succeed in the T20 format.

Fariha Trisna, a left-arm pacer, has been included in the squad to add variety to the bowling attack. She replaces Disha Biswas, who was part of the ODI squad. Shorifa Khatun, an all-rounder who bowls off-spin and bats in the late order, has also been added to the squad. She is seen as a potential T20 specialist.

The three T20Is will be held at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on March 31, April 2, and April 4. All three matches will start at 12:00pm local time.

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17-Year-Old South African Pacer Kwena Maphaka Makes IPL Debut for Mumbai Indians

17-Year-Old South African Pacer Kwena Maphaka Makes IPL Debut for Mumbai Indians

By March 27, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians (MI) made a bold move by handing a debut to 17-year-old South African pacer Kwena Maphaka in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Maphaka became the second youngest player to debut for MI in the IPL, after Rasikh Salam, who was just a day younger at 17 years and 353 days when he made his debut in 2019.

Maphaka’s impressive performance in the recently concluded ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker with a record 21 wickets in just six games, earned him a place in the MI squad. The Johannesburg-born pacer is known for his lethal yorkers and can clock speeds of 140 kph.

Maphaka’s debut is a testament to MI’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and the guidance of bowling coach Lasith Malinga.

Maphaka’s inclusion in the MI squad is also a reflection of the growing trend of young overseas players making their mark in the IPL. Mujeeb ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane, both of whom debuted in 2018, have paved the way for Maphaka to showcase his skills on the biggest stage of T20 cricket.

Maphaka’s debut is a significant moment for South African cricket. He is the first South African player to debut for MI in the IPL, and his performance will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike.

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Travis Head's Power-Hitting Propels SRH to Electrifying Start Against MI

Travis Head’s Power-Hitting Propels SRH to Electrifying Start Against MI

By March 27, 2024 0

Travis Head’s blistering knock propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding start against Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Head, opening the innings for SRH, unleashed a barrage of boundaries against debutant Kwena Maphaka in the third over, amassing 22 runs off the over. He continued his onslaught, targeting MI skipper Hardik Pandya in the fifth over, smashing three consecutive boundaries before reaching his fifty in just 18 balls, the fastest half-century by an SRH batter in the tournament.

Head’s partnership with his partner saw SRH pile on 81/1 after the Powerplay overs, their best Powerplay score in the league. The Aussie opener departed after scoring 62 off 24 balls, including three sixes and nine fours.

Mumbai Indians, who won the toss and opted to bowl first, made strategic changes, introducing Maphaka for Luke Wood and handing him his IPL debut. SRH also made changes, bringing in Head for Marco Jansen and Jaydev Unadkat for the injured T Natarajan.

Head’s explosive innings provided SRH with a strong foundation to build upon, setting the stage for an enthralling contest in the Indian Premier League. Both teams were seeking redemption after disappointing losses in their opening matches, and Head’s performance gave SRH a much-needed boost.

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