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Lanka Premier League to Expand with Sixth Franchise in 2025

Lanka Premier League to Expand with Sixth Franchise in 2025

By July 29, 2024 0

The Lanka Premier League (LPL), Sri Lanka’s premier Twenty20 cricket tournament, is set to expand in 2025 with the addition of a sixth franchise. The league, which was launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, has quickly gained popularity and has become a key platform for Sri Lankan cricketers to showcase their skills.

The fifth edition of the LPL concluded earlier this month with Jaffna Kings securing their fourth title. The tournament was attended by ICC chairman Greg Barclay and 108 ICC board members who were present in the country for the ICC AGM.

The addition of a sixth franchise to the LPL is expected to further enhance the tournament’s competitiveness and attract top international players. According to sources, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and South African all-rounder David Miller are among the players who have expressed interest in participating in the 2025 edition.

The LPL has played a significant role in identifying and developing young Sri Lankan cricketers. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana and batter Pathum Nissanka, who made a huge impact in the inaugural edition, have gone on to become regulars for Sri Lanka in the limited overs formats.

The tournament has also provided a platform for Sri Lankan players to gain experience playing alongside and against some of the world’s best cricketers. The likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Rashid Khan have all featured in the LPL, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the local players.

The expansion of the LPL to six franchises is a testament to the tournament’s growing popularity and its importance in the Sri Lankan cricket landscape. With the addition of top international players and the continued development of young Sri Lankan talent, the LPL is poised to continue its growth and become one of the leading T20 leagues in the world.

Categories: Cricket
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Jonathan Trott Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20

Jonathan Trott Appointed Head Coach of Pretoria Capitals in SA20

By July 29, 2024 0

Jonathan Trott, the former England batsman, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, replacing Graham Ford. Trott, who is currently the head coach of Afghanistan, will take over the reins of the Capitals ahead of the 2025 season.

Trott’s appointment comes after a successful stint with Afghanistan, where he has overseen a significant improvement in the team’s results. Under his guidance, Afghanistan has defeated top teams like Australia, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in global events. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20I World Cup, losing to South Africa.

The Capitals, on the other hand, have had a disappointing second season in the SA20, winning only three matches and finishing fifth. They were losing finalists in the competition’s first edition in 2023 after topping the table.

Trott’s appointment is part of a broader shake-up at the Capitals, which also saw the departure of Ricky Ponting as head coach. Ponting had been with the Delhi franchise for seven years.

Trott’s decision to join the Capitals raises questions about his future with Afghanistan. His contract with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is due to expire in December, and it is unclear whether he will renew it.

If Trott does not renew his contract with the ACB, he could be in contention for the England limited-overs job. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to make a decision on the future of incumbent head coach Matthew Mott in the coming days.

Trott, who earned 127 caps for England, has previously coached on the pathway, both for the Under-19 and Lions teams. He is highly regarded as a coach and his appointment by the Capitals is a major coup for the franchise.

Categories: Cricket
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Holger Rune and Patrick Mouratoglou Part Ways Again

Holger Rune and Patrick Mouratoglou Part Ways Again

By July 29, 2024 0

Holger Rune and Patrick Mouratoglou’s tumultuous player-coach relationship has hit another roadblock, with the pair mutually agreeing to part ways once again. The announcement comes just four months after they resumed their partnership, which had previously yielded significant success for Rune.

Rune, the 21-year-old Danish star, took to social media to confirm the split, stating that he and Mouratoglou had “mutually decided to part ways” after “good talks.” He emphasized that Mouratoglou would remain a “great friend,” but that the current setup with his fellow Dane, Kenneth Carlsen, was the best for his development.

Rune’s relationship with Mouratoglou and his academy dates back to his teenage years. They first worked together one-on-one from October 2022 to April 2023, during which time Rune ascended the rankings and claimed his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title at Paris-Bercy. However, their first partnership ended abruptly, with Rune’s mother and manager citing “ego clashes” as a contributing factor.

In February, after brief stints with Boris Becker and Severin Luthi, Rune rehired Mouratoglou, expressing confidence in their shared “high goals.” However, the reunion has proven short-lived, with Rune’s ranking slipping to No. 17 in the world, his lowest since before his Paris-Bercy breakthrough.

The news of the split coincides with a challenging health period for Rune, who was forced to withdraw from the Paris Olympics due to a lingering bone bruise in his wrist. He was expected to compete in singles and mixed doubles alongside Caroline Wozniacki, but his Olympic debut was cut short.

Rune remains optimistic about his future, stating that he is “looking forward to being healthy and back on track again.” He will continue to train at the Mouratoglou Academy, which has been a valuable resource for his development.

Categories: Tennis
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Ishan Kishan's India Comeback Hopes Fade Amidst Competition and Poor Form

Ishan Kishan’s India Comeback Hopes Fade Amidst Competition and Poor Form

By July 29, 2024 0

Since his abrupt departure from the Indian Test team in South Africa last year, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has struggled to regain his place in the national setup. Despite being part of the ODI World Cup team in India last year, Kishan failed to feature in any matches. His subsequent absence from domestic cricket and a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign have further diminished his chances of a recall.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has attributed Kishan’s downfall to a loss of focus, suggesting that he became preoccupied with fashion. Ali believes that Kishan’s chances of returning to the Indian team are slim, given the strong competition from Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and other emerging keeper-batters.

Kishan’s decision to leave the South Africa tour midway has also raised questions about his commitment. He cited fatigue as the reason for his departure, but his subsequent absence from domestic cricket raised eyebrows. In an interview with Indian Express, Kishan explained that he was experiencing travel fatigue and needed a break. However, his explanation has not been widely accepted.

Kishan’s poor form in the IPL 2024, where he managed only 324 runs in 14 games, further damaged his chances of a recall. He was subsequently ignored for the T20 World Cup in the Americas, which India won.

With the likes of Pant, Samson, and other talented keeper-batters vying for a place in the Indian team, Kishan’s chances of a comeback appear to be dwindling. He will need to rediscover his form and prove his commitment to the team if he wants to regain his place in the national setup.

Categories: Cricket
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Morne Morkel to Join Indian Cricket Team as Bowling Coach

Morne Morkel to Join Indian Cricket Team as Bowling Coach

By July 29, 2024 0

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is set to join the Indian cricket team’s coaching staff as their new bowling coach. The appointment, made under head coach Gautam Gambhir, comes at a crucial juncture as the team prepares for a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka and the upcoming home series against Bangladesh in September.

Morkel’s addition to the coaching staff is part of an ongoing assessment by Gambhir and the management to refine the team’s coaching framework ahead of future competitions. The strategic move casts uncertainty on the position of the interim bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, given Morkel’s specialization in fast bowling.

The decision on whether to maintain a dedicated spin bowling coach to work alongside Morkel remains pending. Should Bahutule continue in his role, the coaching staff would include two assistant coaches, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, a bowling coach (Morkel), a fielding coach (T Dilip), and potentially a spin bowling coach, under the direction of head coach Gambhir.

Morkel’s appointment is expected to bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian team. The former Proteas pacer played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa, taking a total of 544 international wickets. He was known for his accuracy, pace, and ability to swing the ball both ways.

The Indian team is currently in Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs. The T20I series has already been won by India, with the ODIs set to commence on August 2.

Categories: Cricket
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India's Men's Hockey Team Draws with Argentina in Paris Olympics Pool Match

India’s Men’s Hockey Team Draws with Argentina in Paris Olympics Pool Match

By July 29, 2024 0

India’s men’s hockey team fought back from a goal down to salvage a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Argentina in their second Pool B match at the Paris Olympics on July 29. The match, which was witnessed by former Indian cricket captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, started slowly but picked up momentum as the game progressed.

Argentina took the lead in the 22nd minute through Lucas Martinez, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Indian team. India struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, with their midfielders failing to control the tempo of the game.

However, India came out with renewed determination in the second half and began to dominate possession. They earned a series of penalty corners, but their conversion rate was poor, with only one out of 10 attempts finding the back of the net.

The equalizer came in the dying minutes of the match when Harmanpreet Singh converted India’s 10th and final penalty corner. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Indian players and fans, who had been eagerly waiting for a positive result after their opening victory against New Zealand.

Despite the draw, India’s performance was far from convincing. Their midfield, which is usually their strength, was outplayed by Argentina, and their penalty corner conversion rate was a major concern.

India will need to improve their overall performance if they want to qualify for the quarterfinals. They will face Ireland on Tuesday before taking on Australia and reigning champions Belgium in their final two pool matches. The top four teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage.

Categories: Others
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Tennis Takes Center Stage at Paris Olympics: Nadal, Djokovic to Clash in Second Round

Tennis Takes Center Stage at Paris Olympics: Nadal, Djokovic to Clash in Second Round

By July 29, 2024 0

The Paris Olympics are underway, and tennis is one of the first events to kick off the games. In this week’s episode of Served with Andy Roddick, Roddick and Jon Wertheim break down this year’s Olympic stories and discuss the significance of competing at the Games.

Nadal and Djokovic to Face Off in Second Round

Two of the Big Three, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, will face off in the second round of the Olympics after their first-round victories. This is the only time they will play each other this year, and there is little room for error.

Low-Ranked Players in the Draw

The Olympics typically feature the best of the best, but in tennis, the top 64 ranked players would need to compete for that to be the case. However, due to the unique nature of the Games, lower-ranked players can qualify, such as Matt Ebden and Vavassori.

Players Not Participating

Some top-ranked players have opted out of competing in the Olympics, including Iga Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Andy Murray. This is due to various reasons, including the timing of the Games and the importance they place on other events.

From the Player’s Perspective

Roddick argues that the reality of competition behind the games can lead to players prioritizing their performance over participating in events like the opening ceremony. He uses Katie Ledecky as an example of this mentality.

Roland Garros vs. Olympics

The Olympics are being held at Roland Garros, but the experience for players and fans is different from a regular Roland Garros tournament. The best-of-three format for men, multiple events for players, and lack of sponsorship opportunities contribute to this difference.

The Olympic Village Commute

The Olympic Village is located far from Roland Garros, which could be a challenge for players who need to travel back and forth. Alcaraz and Nadal may consider staying closer to the venue to avoid the commute.

Coco Gauff, Flag Bearer

Coco Gauff has been selected as the first tennis player and youngest athlete in Team USA history to be a flag bearer alongside LeBron James. This is a significant honor and reflects her maturity and popularity.

Russian Athletes Competing

Seven of the 15 Russian athletes competing at the Olympics are tennis players. They are allowed to compete as “Individual Neutral Athletes” under a neutral flag.

Draw Overview

Roddick analyzes the draw for both men’s and women’s singles. He believes Djokovic has a tough road to the final, while Alcaraz and Swiatek are the favorites in their respective draws.

Weird Olympics Q&A

Roddick answers questions about the “Love Island Villa” hook-up culture, which country goes at it the hardest, and the most memorable athlete he bumped into at the Olympics.

Categories: Tennis
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Paris Olympics Faces Heatwave Challenge with Yellow Alert Issued

Paris Olympics Faces Heatwave Challenge with Yellow Alert Issued

By July 29, 2024 0

Paris Braces for Scorching Heat During Olympic Games

As the Olympic Games descend upon Paris, the city and its surrounding areas are facing a meteorological challenge: a heatwave accompanied by thunderstorms. France’s meteorological agency has issued a “yellow alert” for Tuesday, warning of temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and the potential for severe weather.

The heatwave, originating from southern France, has prompted concerns for the well-being of athletes and spectators alike. The “yellow alert” signifies that individuals should exercise caution when engaging in physical activities, as the heat can pose significant health risks.

Overnight temperatures are expected to remain high, hovering around 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit), providing little respite from the oppressive heat. Parts of southern France have been placed on an “orange alert,” the third highest warning level, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The scorching conditions will pose a particular challenge for Olympians competing in outdoor events during the afternoon. Beach volleyball at the iconic Eiffel Tower, BMX freestyle qualifiers at Place de la Concorde, and the women’s rugby sevens semi-finals at the Stade de France are among the events that will be affected by the extreme heat.

In the lead-up to the Games, athletes had expressed concerns about the potential impact of high temperatures on their performance and safety. Some had urged event organizers to adjust timings to mitigate the risks associated with competing in such conditions.

The meteorological agency has advised individuals to stay hydrated, seek shade during peak heat hours, and avoid strenuous activities. The heatwave is expected to persist for several days, making it crucial for both athletes and spectators to take necessary precautions to ensure their well-being.

Categories: Others
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Paris Explores Keeping Olympic Landmarks on Display After Games

Paris Explores Keeping Olympic Landmarks on Display After Games

By July 29, 2024 0

Paris is considering extending the display of iconic Olympic landmarks beyond the Games’ conclusion, including the Eiffel Tower’s rings and the hot air balloon tethered to the Olympic cauldron. Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her desire to find permanent homes for these symbols, which have become popular attractions during the Olympics.

Hidalgo specifically mentioned the hot air balloon in the Tuileries gardens and the statues of 10 French women featured in the opening ceremony. She emphasized the artistic and symbolic value of these objects, stating that they deserve “full attention.”

However, Hidalgo acknowledged that the decision to keep these landmarks on display is not solely hers. Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan noted the technical challenges involved in maintaining the Olympic rings, while suitable locations would need to be identified for the hot air balloon and statues.

The cauldron, which forms the base of the hot air balloon, was ignited by French track legend Marie-Jose Perec and judo champion Teddy Riner. It has since become a popular attraction, with all reservable slots for viewing taken throughout the Games. Approximately 10,000 people are admitted daily to witness the spectacle.

Hidalgo’s proposal to extend the display of these Olympic landmarks reflects the city’s desire to preserve the legacy of the Games and create lasting symbols of the event. The Eiffel Tower rings, hot air balloon, and statues have become iconic representations of the Paris Olympics, and their continued presence would serve as a reminder of the city’s hosting of the prestigious sporting event.

Categories: Others
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Manu Bhaker Qualifies for 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Bronze Playoff

Manu Bhaker Qualifies for 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Bronze Playoff

By July 29, 2024 0

Manu Bhaker, India’s shooting sensation, has once again proven her mettle at the Paris Olympics. A day after securing India’s first medal, Bhaker has qualified for the 10m air pistol mixed team bronze playoff alongside Sarabjot Singh.

The Indian duo finished third in the qualification round with a combined score of 580, including 20 hits on the target. Bhaker shot 98, 98, and 95 in her three series, while Singh shot 95, 97, and 97.

Turkey’s Sevval Ilayda Tarhan and Yusuf Dikec topped the competition with a combined score of 582, equaling the Olympic qualification record. They will face Serbians Zorana Arunovic and Damir Mikec in the gold medal match.

Bhaker and Singh will take on South Koreans Oh Ye Jin and Lee Wonho in the bronze medal match on Tuesday. The Indian shooters will be aiming to add another medal to India’s tally.

Bhaker has been in impressive form throughout the Olympics, having already won a silver medal in the women’s 10m air pistol event. If she medals in the mixed team event, she will become the first Indian athlete to claim multiple medals at the same edition of the Games.

She will also become the second Indian female after shuttler PV Sindhu to claim two Olympic medals and the third Indian sportsperson to do so after Sindhu and wrestler Sushil Kumar.

Categories: Others
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