Virat Kohli's T20 World Cup Inclusion Undoubted, Says Danish Kaneria

Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup Inclusion Undoubted, Says Danish Kaneria

Amidst the ongoing speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s potential exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad, former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has expressed his unwavering belief that the star batter will retain his place in the team.

Kaneria dismissed the rumors circulating on social media, emphasizing that such platforms should not be taken seriously. He firmly stated that Kohli’s inclusion is imperative, given his consistent run-scoring and invaluable experience.

“How can you ignore him (Virat)? He should be in India’s squad. He has been scoring runs, it is not a time to look beyond Kohli, it is a time to have Kohli in your squad, who can also groom youngsters,” Kaneria told IANS.

Kohli’s last T20I appearance was in January against Afghanistan, where he scored 29 and 0 in two matches. However, Kaneria believes that these performances should not overshadow his overall contributions.

In addition to Kohli, Kaneria also lauded the resurgence of chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav. He noted Yadav’s regained confidence and improved performance, encouraging him to continue building on his momentum.

Looking ahead to the upcoming IPL season, Kaneria urged the BCCI and franchises to prioritize the workload management of key players, especially to prevent injuries to the likes of Jasprit Bumrah. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Expressing his desire to contribute to the game, Kaneria expressed his willingness to return to the field as a coach. He welcomed the opportunity to work with any IPL team, particularly to mentor young spinners and contribute to the development of the next generation of cricketers.

Rishabh Pant's Leg Amputation Considered After Horrific Car Crash

Rishabh Pant’s Leg Amputation Considered After Horrific Car Crash

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s life took a dramatic turn after a horrific car crash in December 2022. The accident left him with severe injuries, including a damaged ligament in his right knee, a hurt wrist and ankle, and abrasions to his back. The severity of his injuries was such that doctors even considered amputating his leg.

Pant’s recovery journey has been arduous and challenging. He underwent intensive rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, working tirelessly to regain his fitness. The 26-year-old is now set to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Delhi Capitals, marking his return to competitive cricket after a 14-month absence.

The accident has had a profound impact on Pant’s life, both physically and mentally. He admits that the long layoff has taken a toll on him, but he is grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to play cricket again.

“When my accident happened, I felt something spiritual saved me,” Pant said. “With the kind of accident I had, I only got my knee injured, but I can’t even imagine how much worse it could have been.”

Pant’s determination to return to the field is evident in his rigorous rehabilitation program. He has been working tirelessly to regain his strength and fitness, and is eager to prove that he is still one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen in the world.

If all goes well in the IPL, Pant could be in contention for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States in June. The tournament would be a major milestone in his comeback journey, and would serve as a testament to his resilience and determination.

Pant’s accident has been a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. He has emerged from the experience with a renewed appreciation for life and a deep gratitude for the support he has received from his family, friends, and fans.

David Miller Postpones Wedding for $150,000 BPL Payout

David Miller Postpones Wedding for $150,000 BPL Payout

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram has revealed a sensational claim that South African all-rounder David Miller postponed his wedding to play the final three matches of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 for Fortune Barishal. Akram stated that Miller was offered a hefty sum of $150,000 (approximately Rs 1.24 crore) to participate in the crucial matches, which ultimately led Barishal to their maiden BPL title.

Miller, who recently tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Camilla Harris in a lavish ceremony in Cape Town, reportedly made the decision to prioritize his professional commitments over his personal life. Akram disclosed this information during A Sports’ ‘The Pavillion’ show on March 12, following a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“I just found out today because we were discussing who won the BPL as we were not following because of the PSL. David Miller was offered $150,000 to play three matches. He postponed his wedding,” Akram said.

Akram’s revelation has sparked a buzz in the cricketing world, highlighting the financial incentives and sacrifices that players make to excel in their careers. Miller’s decision to delay his wedding for the sake of his team’s success is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the sport.

In a separate incident, Akram criticized Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique for his muted celebration after taking a catch to dismiss Imad Wasim during the PSL 2024 match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. Shafique’s gesture, which involved putting his finger over his mouth, was interpreted by Akram as an attempt to silence his critics.

“No doubt, great catch but who is responsible for dropping 36 catches in Australia’s Test series? Who will answer for that? Abdullah should work in drama industry rather than cricket,” Akram said on A Sports.

Akram’s comments reflect his belief that players should focus on their performances rather than engaging in unnecessary theatrics. He emphasized the importance of accountability and responsibility in the game of cricket.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering foreign coaches from the PSL to potentially lead the national team until next year’s ICC Champions Trophy. With time running out and limited options available, the PCB is exploring the possibility of appointing a foreign coach to guide the team in the upcoming tournaments.

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken cognizance of the corruption allegations leveled against All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey by the organization’s former legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee. The AFC has requested Bhattacharjee to submit a detailed written report outlining his allegations and supporting evidence by March 18, 2024.

Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused Chaubey of involvement in non-transparent tender processes and attempts to misappropriate federation funds for personal expenses. Chaubey has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Bhattacharjee of attempting to damage his reputation.

The AFC’s intervention highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on Indian football’s reputation. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has also weighed in, calling for Chaubey’s resignation and new elections to clean up the AIFF administration.

Bhattacharjee has remained steadfast in his position, claiming that he refused to sign a “lopsided” agreement with Indigo Airlines during his tenure, which would have provided a minimum guarantee of Rs 7 crore for content creation rights without any incentive for Indian football.

Chaubey has provided a point-by-point rebuttal to Bhattacharjee’s allegations, but Bhattacharjee has vowed to submit all his evidence to the AFC. He has also invited others concerned about Indian football to share any information they may have.

The AFC’s investigation could have significant consequences for Indian football. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to sanctions against the AIFF and damage the reputation of the sport in the country. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders in Indian football.

Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy Hopes Derailed by “Big Stage Anxiety”

Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji Trophy final has left Vidarbha facing an insurmountable task. After Mumbai’s batting collapse on Monday, Vidarbha’s batters failed to capitalize on Tuesday, leaving them with a daunting target of 528 runs.

Experts believe that “big stage anxiety” has played a significant role in Vidarbha’s underwhelming performance. Chandrakant Pandit and Sulakshan Kulkarni, former Vidarbha coaches, attribute the team’s struggles to the pressure of playing in a high-stakes final.

“Players know that it’s not often that one gets such a big stage,” said Pandit. “At the back of the mind, players keep thinking about all this. This leads to anxiety and eventually numb nerves.”

Kulkarni echoed Pandit’s assessment, stating that Vidarbha appeared “overawed by the big stage.” He also criticized the team’s decision to not bat first, which he believes deprived their bowlers of much-needed rest.

“On Day 1, it was a good pitch for batting,” said Kulkarni. “Batting first would have given the Vidarbha bowlers more time to rest.”

Vidarbha’s plan throughout the season has been to bat first and post a big total, but they deviated from this strategy in the final. Kulkarni believes this was a mistake, as it put additional pressure on their bowlers.

“They made a great comeback after being bowled out for 170 in the first innings against MP in the semifinal,” said Kulkarni. “Even more reason they should have batted first here too.”

With Mumbai’s bowlers in top form, Vidarbha’s chances of chasing down the target appear slim. The team will need a historic effort to overcome the deficit and claim their first Ranji Trophy title.

Ashwin's 500th Test Wicket Overshadowed by Family Emergency

Ashwin’s 500th Test Wicket Overshadowed by Family Emergency

Ravichandran Ashwin’s 500th Test wicket milestone was overshadowed by a family medical emergency that forced him to leave the Indian squad immediately. The incident occurred hours after Ashwin achieved the historic feat, becoming only the ninth bowler worldwide to reach the landmark.

According to reports, Ashwin’s mother, Chitra, suffered a medical emergency. Ashwin revealed the details of the traumatic experience in a video on his YouTube channel. He stated that he realized something was amiss when he couldn’t reach his parents or wife after the match.

“I called my wife around 7 PM, asking why my parents weren’t answering my call. Her voice was a bit shaky. She asked me to come separately from the crowd and told me that my mother collapsed after a headache,” Ashwin said.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Ashwin blanked out and struggled to process the news. He was comforted by team physio and captain Rohit Sharma, who advised him to prioritize his family.

“I am part of the playing XI, and the game is in the balance. If I leave, the squad will be left with 10 people fighting against a full-strength England squad when they had the upper hand. If I go, they will be a bowler short,” Ashwin said, expressing his concerns about the team.

However, Ashwin’s primary focus was on his mother’s well-being. He was informed that she was not conscious and could not be seen. “I lost it,” he said.

Coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma stepped in to assist Ashwin. They arranged a charter flight for him to Chennai and ensured that physio Kamlesh accompanied him.

“Rohit did something else – he asked Kamlesh, our physio, to fly with me to Chennai and be with me. He was one of the two physios for the team. During our ride to the airport, Rohit kept calling and asking him to be with me during this challenging time,” Ashwin added.

Ashwin expressed his gratitude to Cheteshwar Pujara for finding flights in Ahmedabad and making it to Rajkot for him to travel. He also thanked Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for their support and understanding.

Rajasthan to Build 'World's Best Sports Ecosystem' with Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan to Build ‘World’s Best Sports Ecosystem’ with Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan’s sporting infrastructure is poised for a significant upgrade as the Rajasthan Royals and the state government prepare to sign a groundbreaking agreement to establish “the best sports ecosystem in the world.”

“We will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royals, who will assist in developing a comprehensive sports ecosystem over the next three years,” announced state sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at the jersey launch event of the Jaipur-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise.

Royals’ chairperson Ranjit Barthakur emphasized their commitment to the cause. “I have often questioned the lack of adequate infrastructure in Rajasthan. We need to create an environment where sports can flourish. We have discussed this with the sports minister, and we will soon reveal our plans. With a sportsman at the helm, who better to champion the welfare of athletes? We are dedicated to building the world’s premier sports ecosystem right here in Rajasthan,” Barthakur stated.

Rathore clarified that the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) will not be involved in conducting the 17th Indian Premier League (IPL), emphasizing that it is a three-party agreement between the Royals, Rajasthan State Sports Council, and the BCCI.

“Our government will spare no effort in hosting the best IPL ever in Jaipur. Notably, unlike in the past, we are committed to utilizing the Rs 5 crore we receive from organizing five IPL matches for the benefit of players. This amount is significantly higher than previous allocations. We have also reached several other agreements with the Royals,” Rathore added.

The Royals will play five of their seven home games in Jaipur, commencing their IPL campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24 at the SMS Stadium.

“We will designate a special area in the stadium for sub-junior and junior players to witness the matches. We will also invite and accord VIP treatment to all former state captains,” Rathore further stated.

The senior state cricket team will also benefit from the expertise of former Sri Lanka batsman and Royals head of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. “We will leverage Kumar’s immense talent. He will mentor the Rajasthan Ranji team,” Rathore announced.

Matteo Berrettini Returns with a Win at Phoenix Challenger

Matteo Berrettini Returns with a Win at Phoenix Challenger

Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, made a triumphant return to competitive tennis on Tuesday at the Phoenix Challenger. After a seven-month absence due to injury, Berrettini overcame a slow start to defeat Hugo Gaston in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Berrettini’s victory marked his first match since the US Open last August, where he suffered a ligament rupture in his right ankle. The injury followed an abdominal issue that had sidelined him for much of the 2023 European clay-court season.

Despite his recent setbacks, Berrettini expressed his joy at being back on the court. “I’m just so happy. It’s been 10 years! It was so long. It’s been almost seven months since my last match,” he said.

Berrettini’s return to competition comes at the 175-level Phoenix Challenger, where he is seeded third. Last year, he fell in his opener at Indian Wells as a seeded competitor, seeking match reps to regain his confidence.

This time, Berrettini is on the comeback trail from injury, a narrative he has unfortunately become accustomed to. His ranking has slipped to No. 154, but he has entered the upcoming Masters 1000 event in Miami with a protected ranking of No. 74.

Berrettini’s victory in Phoenix is a testament to his resilience and determination. He will face a tough challenge in the next round against top seed Chris Eubanks, but his performance on Tuesday suggests that he is ready to make a strong comeback.

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal has etched its name in football history by setting a new world record for consecutive victories. The Riyadh-based club extended its winning streak to an astonishing 28 matches, surpassing the previous record of 27 held by Welsh team The New Saints.

Al Hilal’s remarkable run culminated in a 2-0 triumph over fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. The victory propelled them into the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate score.

The match was a tense affair, with Al Ittihad posing a significant threat despite missing key players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. However, Al Hilal’s resilience and attacking prowess proved too much for their opponents.

Yasser Al Shahrani broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a pass from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Brazilian forward Malcom sealed the victory deep into injury time, securing a memorable night for the Riyadh giants.

Al Hilal’s dominance has been evident throughout their Champions League campaign, as they have won their last nine matches. They are also the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy four times.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ulsan also advanced to the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Jeonbuk Motors. Seol Young-woo’s first-half volley proved decisive in a tense encounter between the two K-League powerhouses.

Ulsan’s victory brings them closer to a place in next year’s expanded Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams in the United States. They will face either Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos or China’s Shandong Taishan in the semi-finals.

Football-Inspired App Empowers Students in Brazil's Underprivileged Schools

Football-Inspired App Empowers Students in Brazil’s Underprivileged Schools

In the heart of football-obsessed Brazil, a unique educational initiative is transforming classrooms into virtual soccer pitches, inspiring young minds to academic excellence. The Vini Jr Institute, founded by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, has launched an innovative app that harnesses the power of football to enhance learning in underprivileged communities.

At the Visconde de Sepetiba municipal school in Sao Goncalo, Vinicius’s birthplace, students are immersed in a gamified learning environment. Perched on football-patterned cushions on artificial grass floors, they engage with educational content on tablets and smartphones using the Vini Jr Institute app.

“I learn better when I use the app,” says 11-year-old Ana Clara da Silva. “It’s easier, it looks like a game.”

The app, designed as a supplement to traditional teaching, provides each student with a personalized account that tracks their progress. Questions are presented in a playful, football-inspired manner, covering subjects such as mathematics, Portuguese, and science.

“Each school year is a ‘season,’ and each subject is a ‘match,'” explains Victor Oliveira, executive manager of the Vini Jr Institute. “The avatar ‘Vinizinho Jr’ celebrates each correct answer as if it were a goal.”

Beyond academic support, the institute also tackles the pervasive issue of racism in Brazil. It has developed an anti-racism training manual and provided instruction to teachers on the subject.

“He is very important to all of us,” says Ana Clara about Vinicius. “I’m glad he never gives up. And because his voice reaches a wide audience, he can fight for us.”

The Vini Jr Institute, initially funded by Vinicius himself, has expanded its reach with the support of sponsors. By the end of this year, it aims to reach 30 schools, benefiting over 4,500 students and 500 teachers.

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