News Archives

Lions Triumph Over Stallions in Thrilling Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator

By Nilay September 26, 2024 0

In a thrilling Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator, Lions emerged victorious over Stallions by a narrow margin of 12 runs, thanks to an all-round performance from Ahmed Daniyal and a crucial three-wicket haul from Khushdil Shah.

Lions’ batting innings got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 43 runs. However, Sharoon Siraj and Mohammad Taha steadied the ship with a 77-run partnership. Stallions fought back, reducing Lions to 140 for 7. But Daniyal and Aamer Yamin counterattacked with an 81-run stand, propelling Lions to a respectable total of 263 for 9. Daniyal remained unbeaten on 65, while Ubaid Shah was the standout bowler for Stallions with 3 for 46.

Stallions’ chase began promisingly with an opening partnership of 64 between Yasir Khan and Maaz Sadaqat. However, Khushdil Shah’s double strike, dismissing both Sadaqat and Adil Amin, put Stallions on the back foot. Tayyab Tahir and Hussain Talat threatened to revive the chase with a 69-run partnership, but Daniyal’s intervention broke their momentum.

Stallions captain Mohammad Haris and Jahanad Khan provided a late surge, but Lions held their nerve, taking wickets at regular intervals. With 23 runs needed off the last two overs and only two wickets in hand, Stallions fell short, finishing on 251. Khushdil and Daniyal were the heroes for Lions, claiming three wickets each.

Lions will now face Markhors in the second Eliminator on Friday, with the winner advancing to the final against Panthers on Sunday.

Categories: Cricket

Private Investment in The Hundred May Extend Beyond 2025

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is seeking private investment for its Hundred franchises, but the process may extend beyond the initial target of 2025. Vikram Banerjee, director of business operations at the ECB, emphasized the importance of finding the right partners and valuations.

Each of the eight hosting counties holds a 51% stake, with the remaining 49% available for sale by the ECB. The proceeds will be distributed among first-class counties, Marylebone Cricket Club, and the recreational game.

The ECB is collaborating with host venues to assess potential investors, including GMR Group, which has expressed interest in acquiring Hampshire’s stake in Southern Brave. However, the governing body has warned Hampshire that it could lose its stake if GMR does not pay a fair market price.

The ECB has received promising interest from investors, including those from India and the US. The board seeks buyers who can contribute expertise in global engagement, sporting operations, and in-ground experience.

While the plan is to announce investments by early 2025, Banerjee acknowledged that the process could take longer. He did not rule out a partial sale, but believes the current level of interest suggests that all teams will find suitable partners.

London Spirit is expected to be the most sought-after franchise due to its prestigious venue, Lord’s. However, the ECB will not rush into a decision and will hold onto teams if the right partners are not found.

The Hundred’s current media rights are fixed until 2028, and a salary cap ensures a level playing field. Expansion of the competition to include additional teams is unlikely before 2029, as the ECB wants to assess the growth and sustainability of the tournament.

Categories: Cricket

Punjab FC Extends Winning Streak to Three with Dominant Victory over Hyderabad FC

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

Punjab FC continued its impressive start to the Indian Super League (ISL) season, securing a dominant 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC on Wednesday. This marks the first time Punjab has won three consecutive games in ISL history, showcasing the team’s determination to overcome the absence of their talismanic skipper Luka Majcen.

With an unchanged line-up and a clean sheet for the first time this season, Punjab started the match on the front foot. Mushaga Bakenga missed an early chance, hitting the upright in the seventh minute. Hyderabad’s Ramhlunchhunga had a shot saved by Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar in the 12th minute, but the visitors struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities.

Ezequiel Vidal broke the deadlock for Punjab in the 35th minute with a well-placed free kick into the bottom left corner. The second goal came in the 71st minute when Filip Mrzjlak tapped into an empty net after a through ball from Bakenga. Mrzjlak could have scored more but missed the target, while Bakenga also had a few wide shots.

Hyderabad’s night worsened when Leander D’Cunha received a second yellow card in the final 15 minutes, reducing them to 10 men. The result leaves Hyderabad with only one win from the entire last season, while Punjab FC now sits atop the ISL table.

Punjab’s coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, praised his team’s performance, saying, “We are very happy with the result. We played well and deserved to win. We have a good team spirit and we are working hard to improve.”

Hyderabad’s coach, Thangboi Singto, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, “We had a difficult game today. Punjab played very well and we couldn’t match their pace. We need to work on our mistakes and come back stronger in the next match.”

Categories: Football

Akash Deep Emerges as a Quiet Force in India’s Test Pace Attack

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

Akash Deep, the young Bengal pacer, has made a quiet but significant impact on the Indian Test team since his debut in 2023. In his first match against England in Ranchi, he claimed three wickets in his opening spell, including the prized scalp of Zak Crawley. In the recent Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, he once again showcased his prowess by dismissing Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque in consecutive deliveries, with the ball jagging back into the left-handers and breaching their defenses.

Deep’s rise to the national team is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He credits the rigors of domestic cricket for preparing him for the challenges of international cricket. “The domestic structure is so good that when you reach here, you already know many things,” he said. “So, you get an idea of your bowling and what you must do. I don’t find anything new here.”

Deep’s bowling style is similar to that of Mohammed Shami, with the ability to move the ball both ways while attacking the stumps. This has led to comparisons between the two bowlers, and Deep is seen as a potential successor to Shami in the Indian pace attack.

“When you are playing in place of bowlers who have contributed to the country, then, along with being proud, I feel that I have to do something for my country,” Deep said.

Ahead of a long winter in which India will play Tests over the next three months, including five in Australia, Deep could be a key weapon in India’s pace arsenal. With uncertainty over Shami’s comeback after an Achilles tendon surgery, Deep is ready to step up and take over from his state teammate.

Deep’s journey so far has been marked by humility and a focus on the present. “I have worked on my strengths and what I can add to my bowling. I have thought about a few things. When I play here, it is simple. I don’t put extra pressure on myself that I have to go to Australia or some other big series. I stay in the present and think about this match.”

Categories: Cricket

Leander Paes Calls for Collective Effort to Improve Indian Tennis

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes has expressed concern over the current state of the sport in the country, calling for a collective effort to improve the depth and competitiveness of Indian players.

Paes, who holds the record for most Davis Cup appearances and match wins, believes that India needs to develop a more structured base for tennis development, starting from the grassroots level. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent, providing access to academies, and hosting more tournaments within India.

“We need to build a large base of youngsters and get back to having many tournaments in India so that they can get that experience,” Paes said. “I have so much respect for these athletes who have persevered day in and day out, spending their hard-earned money just to be able to travel and play tournaments.”

Paes also stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders, including players, administrators, corporates, and the tennis fraternity. He believes that a cumulative effort is necessary to drive growth and improvement in Indian tennis.

“It’s going to take a cumulative effort of the players, the administration, the corporates, and the entire tennis fraternity in India to come together and push for that growth,” he said.

Paes praised the recent performance of Rohan Bopanna, who won the 2024 Australian Open doubles title with Matt Ebden. He expressed optimism that Bopanna’s success could inspire a new generation of Indian tennis players.

“Rohan’s performance has been wonderful, to see another (Grand Slam) champion come through,” Paes said.

Categories: Tennis

Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek Rally Support for Flood-Stricken Poland

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

Hubert Hurkacz, Poland’s top-ranked male tennis player, is using his platform to raise awareness and support for his flood-stricken homeland. Following the devastating floods in the southwest region of Poland, Hurkacz has pledged to donate €100 for every ace he hits during the remainder of his season.

“For me, sport is not just a competition, but also a platform to drive impact,” Hurkacz wrote on social media. “Starting today and until the end of the season, I will be donating €100 for every ace I hit to support those affected by the devastating floods in Poland.”

Hurkacz’s initiative has already garnered significant attention, with the Polish star hitting 17 aces in his first-round match in Tokyo against American Marcos Giron. The three-set thriller ended in Hurkacz’s favor, adding €1,700 to his donation tally.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, another Polish tennis star, has also expressed her support for the flood victims. Known for her activism, Swiatek has shared her thoughts and provided a link to the Polish Red Cross Collection, a movement that has been providing aid since its founding in 1910.

“My thoughts are with all people affected by the flood, and the services and organizations that are providing help. You are not alone,” Swiatek wrote on Instagram.

Hurkacz’s #acesforaid campaign will continue throughout his season, while Swiatek’s support will extend through the WTA Finals in November. Their efforts highlight the power of sports to unite people and make a positive impact on society.

Categories: Tennis

Green Park Wicket to Offer Balanced Test for India and Bangladesh

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

The Green Park curator has unveiled the blueprint for the wicket that will host the second Test between India and Bangladesh, promising a surface that will cater to both pacers and spinners over the course of the five-day encounter.

The pitch, which will be used for the Test commencing on Friday, is expected to provide a lively bounce in the initial sessions, favoring the pacers. However, as the match progresses, the spinners are anticipated to come into their own, with the wicket expected to slow down and offer assistance to the tweakers.

“It will have something for everyone,” said curator Shiv Kumar. “It will offer bounce in the first two sessions and it will be pretty good for batting for the first two days. Then, the spinners will come into play on the last three days.”

The pitch has been prepared using black soil sourced from Kali Mitti village near Unnao, a practice that has been followed for years at Green Park. Black soil is known to assist spinners, while red soil typically favors pacers.

“We get this soil tested from the Indian Institute of Technology,” said an official from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). “It’s a special soil that is found near a pond in village Kali Mitti. It (bringing black soil from the village) is a practice we have been following for years.”

In an effort to promote environmental sustainability, the UPCA has decided to minimize the use of plastic during the second Test. Plastic plates for serving snacks inside the stadium have been banned, with only paper plates being allowed.

“This is a match at Green Park and we are striving to make it a ‘green’ match,” said stadium director Sanjay Kapur. “We have decided to use as little plastic as possible.”

Categories: Cricket

Indian MotoGP Postponed to 2026 Due to Operational Challenges

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

The Indian Grand Prix, a highly anticipated event on the MotoGP calendar, has been postponed to 2026 due to operational challenges. The race, initially scheduled for September 2023, was first deferred to March 2025. However, unforeseen circumstances have necessitated a further delay.

The postponement was announced by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA), and Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of MotoGP. In a statement, they cited “operational circumstances” as the reason for the delay.

The Indian Grand Prix was set to be held at the Buddh International Circuit, which hosted the inaugural race in 2023. Over 50,000 fans witnessed the thrilling event, making it the largest motorsports spectacle in India since the last Formula 1 race in 2013.

However, the Indian Grand Prix has faced several challenges in recent years. Formula 1, which had a brief three-year stint in India, was discontinued due to financial and taxation issues. The MotoGP race has also encountered similar obstacles.

In July 2023, Dorna signed a new three-year contract with InvestUP, the Uttar Pradesh government’s agency, to keep the Indian GP on the calendar from 2025 to 2027. However, the operational challenges have forced a postponement to 2026.

Despite the setback, both MotoGP and InvestUP remain committed to bringing the race back to India. They are working diligently to ensure a world-class event that will showcase India as a destination for global sporting events.

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a fresh tender to find a new co-promoter to execute the mega event, which is estimated to cost around 160 crores. Approximately 100 crores of this amount will be reserved for Dorna, the rights holder.

The postponement of the Indian Grand Prix is a disappointment for fans and organizers alike. However, it is important to address the operational challenges to ensure a successful and memorable event in the future. MotoGP looks forward to returning to India and racing in front of its passionate fans as soon as possible.

Categories: Others

Railways Edge BPCL in Thrilling Hockey Semifinal Qualifier

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

Defending champions Indian Railways secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over former champions BPCL in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament on Wednesday. The hard-fought match was filled with twists and turns, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.

Railways dominated the early stages of the game, taking a 4-2 lead going into the fourth quarter. However, BPCL refused to go down without a fight, forcing three consecutive penalty corners at the start of the quarter. Railways’ defense held firm, but BPCL’s relentless attack paid off as former international Devender Walmiki scored a brace within three minutes to equalize.

Just when it seemed like BPCL would snatch a draw, Railways’ Darshan Gawkar delivered the decisive blow in the dying minutes of the match. The goal sent shockwaves through the BPCL camp and secured Railways’ place in the semifinals.

In the other Pool-A match, Indian Army defeated Maharashtra 2-1 to join Railways in the last four. Cyril Lugun and Akshay Dubey scored for Army, while Venkatesh Kenche netted a consolation goal for Maharashtra.

The semifinalists from Pool-B are IOC and Odisha. IOC defeated Central Secretariat 6-1, while Odisha beat Karnataka 6-4.

Categories: Others

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Franchises Allowed to Retain Five Players

By Nilay September 25, 2024 0

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for its next mega auction, scheduled for November or December 2025. This highly anticipated event will witness a significant shift in player retention rules, with franchises reportedly allowed to retain up to five players ahead of the auction.

According to sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the decision to increase the retention limit from four to five players aims to provide greater flexibility to franchises in building their squads. However, the Right To Match (RTM) option will not be available in this mega auction.

This change in retention rules is expected to have a major impact on team strategies. Mumbai Indians, for instance, could potentially retain their star-studded lineup of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and a fifth player of their choice.

The IPL has held two mega auctions in the past decade, with four-year intervals in between. The first major auction was held in 2014, followed by the 2018 auction that marked the return of Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings after their two-year suspensions.

The 2021 mega auction was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in teams extending the contracts of their players for an additional year. The upcoming IPL mega sale is likely to be a two-day affair, similar to the previous auctions held in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

While some franchises advocate for a larger retention cap of up to eight players, others prefer the existing limit of four or five. The optimal number of retained players remains a topic of debate among IPL teams.

Categories: Cricket

Lions Triumph Over Stallions in Thrilling Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator

Private Investment in The Hundred May Extend Beyond 2025

Punjab FC Extends Winning Streak to Three with Dominant Victory over Hyderabad FC

Akash Deep Emerges as a Quiet Force in India’s Test Pace Attack

Leander Paes Calls for Collective Effort to Improve Indian Tennis

Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek Rally Support for Flood-Stricken Poland

Green Park Wicket to Offer Balanced Test for India and Bangladesh

Indian MotoGP Postponed to 2026 Due to Operational Challenges

Railways Edge BPCL in Thrilling Hockey Semifinal Qualifier

IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Franchises Allowed to Retain Five Players

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