Indian Football Team Captain Chhetri with Team

India are the champions of Hero Intercontinental Cup

Team India is on the rise in football. After keeping a clean sheet throughout the Hero Intercontinental Cup, the 101-ranked team defeated Lebanon in the finals of the prestigious tournament to lift the cup. Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte were the heroes of the grand finale winning the match 2-0.

This is India’s second title triumph in the tournament, following their win in the inaugural edition in 2018. Korea won in 2019. In the last leg of his career, the 38-year-old Chhetri found the back of the net in the 46th minute of the title clash, breaking the deadlock right after play resumed after a goalless first half.

Buoyed by the lead and backed by a near-capacity crowd at the Kalinga Stadium, India consolidated their position when Lallianzuala Chhangte, the provider of the first goal, found the target in the 66th-minute, leaving the fans delighted and their 99th-ranked opponents stunned.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Soon after the accomplishment, it was announced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that a whopping ₹1 crore cash prize will be given to the team for their success.

Patnaik said, “It is a matter of great pride for our State to host this prestigious Intercontinental Cup. Congratulations to India on their victory in the face of stiff competition. It is our intention to hold many more football events in Odisha and support the growth of the sport in Odisha and India.”

With this title win, the focus will shift to SAFF Championship in Bengaluru. The hosts will play Pakistan in their opening game on June 21.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham officially signs for Real Madrid

Spanish club giants Real Madrid have broken the Internet. The club has officially signed England’s young sensation Jude Bellingham from Borrusia Dortmund. The 19-year-old has completed his £115 million move, making him the most expensive British player of all time.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Real Madrid announced his arrival on Twitter with a picture of him in the club’s new shirt with a caption saying “Hey Jude” as a reference to the famous Beatles song.

The club released a statement confirming the transfer, revealing that Bellingham will be presented to the fans on Thursday. The official statement read: “Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund have agreed on the transfer of the player Jude Bellingham, who will remain linked to our club for the next six seasons.”

It further read, “Tomorrow, Thursday, June 15, at 12:00 noon at Real Madrid City, the presentation ceremony for Jude Bellingham as a new Real Madrid player will take place.”

The move is a massive plus for Madrid. Bellingham has been rated as one of the best of his generation. He has scored 24 goals in 132 games for Dortmund, winning the German Cup in 2021. Additionally, he has impressed everyone with his leadership skills at Borussia Dortmund.

With Karim Benzema departing from Real Madrid this season, Bellingham will be a great option to lead Real Madrid’s attack. Besides Bellingham, Real Madrid has also announced the signing of Rayo Vallecano left-back Fran Garcia to bolster their defence.

Players Manchester United should target this transfer season

Players Manchester United should target this transfer season

Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United have had a remarkable season. The Premier League club finished 3rd on the points table. Also, the Red Devils were able to win silverware this season. The Old Trafford-based club won the FA Cup final against Newcastle United; landing the club their first trophy in over 6 years.

Manchester United are looking in formidable form. All their departments are firing in unions. However, there is one concern. The club is plagued with injuries to vital players at the wrong time. Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Donny Van de Beek, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and many others missed important games this season due to serious injuries. Ensuring these important players are injury-free is a huge challenge for Ten Hag.

To make matters easy for the club, Erik Ten Hag will be looking to bolster his squad with some new faces. There have been rumours that Ten Hag is looking to bring England star Harry Kane to Manchester United. Just imagine what would happen when this happens. The Internet would definitely break. Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane linking up to provide goals for Manchester United. A sight to behold!!!

Under Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United have definitely improved a lot. They have started playing attacking football and are looking a real threat to Premier League champions Manchester City. However, they can’t become champions until they develop a “champion squad”.

In this article, we will have a look at the top players Manchester United will be looking to target this transfer season.

Harry Kane | ST | Tottenham

Harry Kane becomes second all-time Premier League top scorer

Creator: Clive Rose | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2023 Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur endured another season without a trophy. The last time Tottenham Hotspurs won any prestigious tournament was way back in 2008. Such a long time. However, Harry Kane, the current skipper of the England football team doesn’t want to rely on individual laurels. He has expressed many times that he wants to win trophies.

Numerous teams have expressed interest in him as a result of his achievements, but Manchester United is desperately interested in signing the England captain.

Manchester United are looking for a proper striker. Since Cristiano Ronaldo left the club, they have been left without a striker. Bringing Kane to the club will help fill that void. However, it won’t be easy. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also trying to get the superstar to sign for their team.

To bring Kane to United, the club must overcome his rumoured £90 million asking price, which is a barrier.

Market Value: €89.8M

Mason Mount | CM | Chelsea

Mason Mount next club odds: Manchester United odds-on favourites for Chelsea midfielder

Creator: JUSTIN TALLIS | Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Another England star is on Manchester United’s radar. Once considered Chelsea’s star boy, Mason Mount has fallen out of reckoning in the Blues lineup.

With the Frenkie de Jong signing not going as per the plan, Manchester United will look to bring Mason Mount to the club. Mount’s contract with Chelsea expires in the summer of 2024 and the club would want to avoid losing him for free next year.

Although Mount’s form has dropped in the recent campaign, he has been a crucial player for the Blues over the past four seasons.

Bringing Mount to Old Trafford will strengthen United’s midfield. Imagine Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford; all three in unison in a match!!!!

Market Value: €68.9M

Illan Meslier | GK | Leeds United

Man United eye Leeds United's Illan Meslier as David de Gea successor - Football Today

Creator: Stu Forster | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2023 Getty Images

With David de Gea not being at his absolute best, Manchester United will be looking to bring in a world-class goalkeeper who can be the difference between the two sides during the game. Illan Meslier, who joined Leeds United in the summer of 2020, has been identified as one of the primary targets for Manchester United.

David de Gea is currently in talks to extend his contract with United willing to give £ 250,000 a week, a significant reduction from his current wage of £ 375,000 a week. The Spaniard has to accept a pay cut in order to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Leeds United have been relegated to The Championship this season after having a disastrous season. And Meslier will be looking to play for a Premier League club. The deal looks solid with both parties getting what they want.

Market Value: €28.6M

Declan Rice | CDM | West Ham United

Declan Rice will leave West Ham this summer | PlanetSport

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Copyright: Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. / Alamy Stock Photo

One player that is on the list of Manchester United for long is West Ham United skipper Declan Rice. Primarily a centre-half, Rice has progressed to a midfield role at West Ham United. He has performed brilliantly to earn 7 caps for England and possibly even upstaging Eric Dier to a permanent spot under Gareth Southgate.

Still only 24, Rice has a glorious future ahead of him in the Premier League and is waiting to be swept up by a top side. United could be that club with a reported fee of around £70m.

Bagging the superstar’s sign won’t be easy as big clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal are after the superstar. Will United be able to sign Rice? Only time will tell.

Market Value: €62.5M

Kim Min-Jae | DF | Napoli

Kim Min-jae has accepted transfer to Man Utd, Man Utd ready to trigger €56m release clause - Man Utd News

Creator: Francesco Pecoraro | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2023 Getty Images

Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae is making the headlines for his physical ability and strong man-marking skills. Manchester United will be looking to sign the Napoli defender. It is believed that United’s management has made it clear to the representatives of Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae that they are interested in signing him.

With former skipper Harry Maguire not getting regular game time, it is believed that he is leaving the club for Tottenham Hotspur. Min-Jae signing for Manchester United will be good news as it will help Ten Hag execute his style of gameplay with freedom. However, the Red Devils need to be wary of Chelsea who are also on the lookout for signing a good defensive option.

Market Value: €25M

Final Thoughts

Manchester United is a strong club with good players and a terrific manager in the form of Erik Ten Hag. But they need new faces to win trophies. Do you think Manchester United should bring any other players to the club to once again become “Champions of Europe”? If so, comment down your answers in the comment box.

Kylian Mbappe

Breaking: Kylian Mbappe to not extend his PSG contract

Paris St. Germain star Kylian Mbappe has informed the authorities about his decision to not extend his contract. As per a report in L’Équipé, Mbappe’s contract which is due to expire in June 2024 has an option wherein the footballer can extend for one more year. However, it appears the footballer doesn’t want to extend his stay in the French capital.

Mbappe has been at the club since 2018 after signing from Monaco in a transfer worth a reported $190 million. He has been a pivotal figure for PSG winning five French league titles with the club. However, with Mbappe’s decision, PSG is left with nothing but to sell the player before his contract expires. PSG would not allow Mbappe to leave as a free agent, thus raising the possibility of a transfer battle between clubs this season. Real Madrid who saw their star striker Karim Benzema depart from the club this season will be in the lines to get their hands on the French superstar and strengthen their attacking options. Manchester United and Chelsea will also be looking to sign the superstar.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

With this decision by Mbappe, PSG fans are left stunned. The club saw Lionel Messi leave them and join Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. Neymar Jr. who is also an important player for the club is also being reported to be approached by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Meanwhile, all things aren’t bad for PSG. It is reported that Manchester City star Bernardo Silva is joining Paris St. Germain. Silva has been a big part of Manchester City’s defence and will be a vital cog in PSG’s midfield.

A cup of 2023 UEFE Champions Leauge Final

2023 UEFA Champions League Final Inter Milan vs Manchester City: Match Timings, Venue, Live Telecast and Expected Lineup

It’s the biggest day of the football season. Two giants from the world of football will be clashing with each other. On one hand, we have Manchester City, who will be looking to win their first-ever Champions League final. While on the other hand, we have Inter Milan, who will be looking to do a repeat of their 2009-10 feat.

For Manchester City, this will be their second UEFA Champions League final in three years after falling short in the 2020-21 title clash against Chelsea.

Manchester City, who have already won the English Premier League and FA Cup this season, are looking to complete the treble. If they win Sunday’s UCL final to secure their first European title, the Cityzens will emulate their arch-rivals Manchester United’s feat from 1998-99.

A win in the UCL final will also make Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola only the second manager to win three or more UCL trophies after Carlo Ancelotti (four). The Spanish manager won two UEFA Champions League finals with Barcelona (2008–09 and 2010–11).

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Meanwhile, Inter Milan, who have won the UEFA Champions League trophy thrice (1963-64, 1965, 2009-10) are chasing their fourth title, having last won the European crown under Jose Mourinho in 2009-10.

The Simone Inzaghi-coached Inter had a much easier route to the final compared to their English opponents. Inter Milan beat Porto in their round of 16 clash before eliminating Benfica and city rivals AC Milan in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.

Both teams look strong on paper. Who will prevail and emerge as the winners of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League? Let’s find out.

Everything you need to know about the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League Final between Man City and Inter

When is the 2023 UEFA Champions League happening?

The Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan is scheduled to take place on June 11, 2023. Kickoff for the final will happen at 12:30 AM IST.

Who is playing in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final?

The 2023 UEFA Champions League final is happening between Premier League club Manchester United and Serie A club Inter Milan.

How to watch the 2023 UEFA Champions League final?

Sony Pictures Sports Network (Sony & Ten Channels) has the rights to show UEFA Conference Europa League matches in India. The 2023 UEFA Champions League final will also be available on streaming mobile applications SonyLIV app and JioTV, allowing supporters to watch multiple games simultaneously and catch the replay of matches in their preferred language.

What is the head-to-head record between the two teams?

The two teams have clashed twice in the recent past with both the teams winning one game each.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

What is the expected lineup for the 2023 UEFA Champions League final?

The expected lineup of Manchester City is as follows:

Ederson Moraes (gk), Nathan Aké, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Rodri, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland

The expected lineup of Inter Milan is as follows:

Andre Onana (gk), Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Marcelo Brozovic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Federico Dimarco, Lautaro Martinez and Edin Dzeko

The FC Barcelona Club Badge

Top 5 reasons why Barcelona was able to win the La Liga title

FC Barcelona clinched La Liga’s title for the 2022–23 season with a convincing 4–2 victory against archrivals Espanyol, but there was never any genuine question about their dominance in the league. Barcelona made it quite evident that they are the finest club in the Spanish top division following their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in their most recent league match.

Returning to the top was not an easy journey. After seeing Real Madrid win two of the previous three league championships, with Atlético Madrid winning the third after acquiring Luis Suárez, Barcelona made risky choices in the summer transfer window, securing their future revenues to win the championship.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Here are the top 5 reasons why FC Barcelona was successful in winning their 27th domestic title

Xavi’s Management

Even his own supporters were harshly critical of him this season, but Xavi deserves even more praise for the job he has done steering the Barcelona ship. La Blaugrana had a history of hiring uninspiring managers who didn’t get the club’s concept and tended to undercut the players; Ronald Koeman’s reign had some particularly hysterical low periods.

Even while some Real Madrid supporters falsely claimed that Xavi had not advanced the team beyond Koeman, maybe out of fear, the fact is that the storied Barcelona midfielder really made a significant difference for the team right away. He handled himself with class despite the strain of running such a prominent organisation and had a clear vision and a manner of interacting with the players.

Although that 4-0 Clásico thrashing eventually acted as more of a wake-up call for eventual Champions League champions Real Madrid, the earliest indications of Xavi’s greatness may have been seen there.

The way Xavi has recovered from setbacks is what has caught many eyes. In the Champions League group stages in 2022, he was held accountable for several poor individual performances, like as Gerard Piqué’s humiliating defence against Inter and Ousmane Dembélé’s head-in-the-clouds performance (which some supporters oddly appreciated) against Bayern München. At the La Liga Champions League level, it should never be acceptable for players to make such glaring mental errors, yet Xavi recognised the problems in the team, fixed them, and improved his organisational framework.

In terms of European competitiveness, Barcelona is not exactly where they want to be, but they will get there. Barça has proven they have the talent to reach that level after dominating Real Madrid in most of their head-to-head contests this season and winning the title against what is perhaps the best club in the Champions title.

There shouldn’t be any doubts about La Blaugrana’s potential under Xavi, who has combined Barcelona’s traditional principles with a required fresh approach to the current game.

Rock Solid Defense

Barcelona was propelled by the efforts of its defensive players since, in the end, it is the players who truly have to create the outcomes on the field. In the past, Barça’s defence was a serious flaw, frequently made fun of by mainstream football analysts for getting destroyed by teams like Bayern Munich and Kylian Mbappé.

It would be difficult to find a stronger group in their league this year. Barcelona has only given up 13 goals in 34 games, which is an absurd total. The main reason they were able to defeat meaningful Madrid, who frequently made absurd mistakes and lacked any meaningful organisation under Carlo Ancelotti, was their better defensive play.

Some have attempted to dismiss Barça’s defence as chance, citing the xG measure as one they themselves don’t seem to comprehend. Barcelona may have been relatively unlucky not to have given up more goals, but it is impossible to dismiss the fact that they only let up half as many goals as Atlético Madrid, the second-best league defence.

One of the top centre-backs in the league, Andreas Christensen has proven to be a brilliant free-agent acquisition. The importance of Jules Koundé has met expectations among Barcelona supporters. Uruguayan centre-back Ronald Araujo is absolutely top-notch. Vinicius Junior has the utmost regard for him for a reason. Last but not least, the young left-back Alejandro Baldé is already among the finest in the world at his position.

Consistency

Real Madrid, a reigning champion, still views themselves as one of the world’s top teams; after all, they are now playing in the Champions League semi-finals and have already won the Copa del Rey.

In what is regarded as “the competition of consistency” in Spain, Carlo Ancelotti’s club, however, was unable to stay up with Barcelona this season.

Madrid defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, and although they still rank as the nation’s top team on occasion, Barcelona has established a significant points advantage over Madrid as a result of their more consistent play.

Madrid suffered from Karim Benzema’s injury-plagued season, and it is challenging to play at a high level in every game with ageing greats Luka Modric and Toni Kroos both important players in their best 11.

Barcelona’s elimination from the Champions League and Europa League hurt, but it allowed Xavi’s team to concentrate on winning the top division.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Extra Midfielder

Barcelona generally uses a 4-3-3 formation, but in January, Xavi made the decision to start using Gavi as a left winger.

The kid would enter the pitch and provide Barca a fourth midfielder, providing them a helpful advantage to aid in maintaining possession.

then defeated Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup using that method, and then went on a seven-game winning streak in La Liga.

Lewandowski’s productivity was reduced in the second half of the season as a result of fewer opportunities being generated for him, but Barca had much more control over the course of the game.

Shift in-game

Barcelona’s two previous coaches, Ronald Koeman and Quique Setien, failed to defeat either of Spain’s other two dominant teams in La Liga, Real Madrid and Atletico.

In his first few months in command last season, Xavi altered that by defeating both, and he did so once more this season.

The Catalans had one loss, two victories over Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in league play.

Wst Ham Team

West Ham United beats ACF Fiorentina to lift the 2023 UEFA Conference Europa League trophy

In what could be the last game for West Ham United skipper Declan Rice, his team has given him an astounding farewell. The Premier League club has managed to defeat Italian club ACF Fiorentina in the final of the 2023 UEFA Conference Europa League final to lift the coveted trophy.

The win is West Ham United’s very first trophy in over 50 years in Europe. Declan Rice became the first Hammers captain since the late Bobby Moore in 1965 to lift continental silverware – on that occasion Moore raised high the Cup Winners’ Cup. West Ham’s  Jarrod Bowen’s dramatic last-minute goal sank Fiorentina 2-1 as the Hammers secured the first piece of silverware since 1980’s FA Cup, and the first European trophy since 1965, on a historic and emotional night in Prague.

Fiorentina dominated possession and had more than twice as many shots on goal as West Ham over the course of 90 minutes. But it remained goalless until just over an hour had been played when Said Benrahma broke the deadlock from the penalty spot.

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

That lead lasted barely any time at all before Giacomo Bonaventura had equalised. But the Hammers snatched victory at the death when Bowen was sent through on goal and kept his composure to finish beyond the onrushing Pietro Terracciano.

David Moyes, the current manager of West Ham United has written his name in West Ham folklore, joining Ron Greenwood and John Lyall as trophy-winning Hammers managers.

“I actually think the last two years have been an incredible journey,” he said. He further stated, “It’s an incredible achievement to do so well in Europe, you look at some of the very good teams who find it a struggle. It’s great credit, we’ve turned a disappointing season into a super season.”

With the win, a place in next season’s Europa League group stage is confirmed for West Ham United.

Messi

Breaking: Lionel Messi announces move to join MLS side Inter Miami

It’s an end of an era. After the news of Karim Benzema departing from Real Madrid, Lionel Messi has announced a shocking move. The Argentinian superstar has announced a move to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami on a free transfer.

Messi, who was believed to be re-joining Barcelona will be plying his trade for the American club. Confirming his imminent switch to MLS, Messi said, “I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami. I still haven’t closed it 100 per cent. I’m missing some things but we decided to continue the path.”

He further stated, “I had offers from other European teams but I didn’t even evaluate them because my idea was to go to Barcelona. If the Barcelona thing didn’t work out, then leaving European football, much more after winning the World Cup, was what I needed. Finishing my career on this side and living the United States league in a different way, enjoying day to day much more but with the same responsibility of wanting to win and always doing things well, but with more peace of mind.”

 

Football & Studs

Football & Studs

Despite a mega-money offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal, who were widely expected to sign the 35-year-old until it was revealed he had delayed a move to the Middle East, Messi has opted to head stateside to join up with Inter Miami – the club co-owned by former PSG, Manchester United and Real Madrid star, David Beckham. Messi’s former club Barcelona had also been desperate to re-sign him, but a return to Camp Nou has not materialised after protracted courting from the Blaugrana.

Lionel Messi is a legend. The World champion has played for Barcelona for the majority of his career. He joined Barcelona’s academy at 13 years old after leaving his homeland. At Barcelona, he became the Catalan club’s greatest icon, scoring a record 672 goals in 778 games, winning 35 trophies, including four Champions League triumphs and 10 La Liga titles.

After his unexpected Barcelona departure, Messi linked up in Paris with his former teammate Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe in a star-studded attacking trident, but PSG flattered to deceive during his time at the club.

With Messi departing from European football, it is literally the end of an era.

Karim Benzema

Breaking: Al Ittihad confirms Benzema’s move to the club

Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has completed his move to Saudi Arabia club Al Ittihad. The striker has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions.

Benzema who was a formidable part of Real Madrid for over 14 years bid farewell to the club in a press conference. At the press conference, he was quoted as saying, “I’ll never forget Real Madrid because it’s impossible. It’s the best club in the world and in history, that’s as good as it gets. It’s time for me to leave today and to have another story, but the most important thing for me is what I’ve won here.”

SS Ton Cricket Bat

Karim Benzema further added, “I was lucky enough to fulfil my childhood dream thanks to the president, who a long time ago, when I was just 21 years old, went to my house, with my parents. When I saw you I said, he’s the man who brought Zizou and Ronaldo and now he wants me in his team. Thank you very much for that.”

On joining Al Ittihad, he stated, “Al Ittihad is a new challenge for me. It’s a good league and there are many good players. Cristiano Ronaldo is already here, he is a friend who shows that Saudi Arabia is starting to get ahead and I am here to win as I did in Europe”.

Karim Benzema joined Real Madrid from Lyon in the iconic summer transfer of 2009, scored 354 goals in 648 games and won a club-record 25 trophies during his time with the La Liga side. Talking about individual glories, Benzema was awarded the 2022 Ballon d’Or after having an exceptional season.

In addition to Benzema, there are a host of superstars who are in the ranks of the Saudi clubs. High-profile players including Chelsea defender N’golo Kante, Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha and former Arsenal player Alexis Sanchez have been approached by various clubs. Besides these giants, the Saudi Pro League comprises one of football’s greatest talents Cristiano Ronaldo.

Test FAQ

FAQs

Cricket

Cricket was invented in England, with the earliest documented reference to the game way back in 1597, having developed as a kids’ bat-and-ball game during medieval times.

Cricket is a popular sport played between two teams with each team consisting of 11 players. It is played with a bat and a ball on a large oval-shaped field.

In a cricket match, there are 11 players who play for each team.

An over is when six legal deliveries are bowled by the bowler.

A cricket pitch is 22 yards long and is the strip of grass in the centre of the field with the stumps at either end.

A wicket in cricket is a batsman getting out. Confusingly, though, the stumps can also be referred to as the wickets.

The score in cricket works by displaying how many runs a team has scored and how many wickets they have lost to get them, generally in the format of runs-wickets, e.g. a score of 100-3 would tell you a team has 100 runs but has lost 3 wickets. At the end of the game, the team that has the most runs is the winner, with each team only able to lose a maximum of 10 wickets.

There in total 10 ways to get out in cricket. These are: bowled, caught, lbw (leg before wicket), run out, stumped, timed out, double hit, retired out, obstructing the field and hit (own) wicket. Up until 2017, there was an 11th way to get out – ‘handled the ball’ – but this is now covered in obstructing the field.

Only 12 countries play test cricket and they are: England, India, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan. In addition to test nations, a further 96 countries play international cricket as ICC ‘associate members’, including Netherlands, Scotland, UAE, Namibia, Nepal, USA, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong and many others. International cricket is dominated by the test nations – all of whom are former members of the British Empire.

Test cricket is a form of first-class cricket played at international level between teams representing full member countries of the International Cricket Council. A Test match consists of four innings and is scheduled to last for up to five days.

Typically, there is no limit to the amount of overs in a test cricket match. Generally, though, test cricket games are a maximum of 5 days long with 90 overs a day.

A T20 cricket game lasts around three hours, with rules in place to ensure the teams get through the game in a timely fashion.

A century in cricket refers to a batsman scoring 100 or more runs individually in an innings.

Indian Premier League aka IPL is a domestic Twenty20 tournament in India which attracts the best players in the world and is watched by hundreds of millions.

The different formats of cricket are Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) cricket.

In a cricket match, each team takes turns batting and fielding. The team batting tries to score runs by hitting the ball and running between the wickets, while the fielding team tries to dismiss the batsmen and limit the number of runs scored.

A hat-trick in cricket is when a bowler takes three wickets on consecutive deliveries in the same match.

The Duckworth-Lewis method is a mathematical formula used to calculate target scores in rain-affected limited-overs matches. It adjusts the target based on the number of overs lost due to rain.

Test cricket is the longest format of the game and is played over five days, while limited-overs cricket (ODIs and T20s) has a restricted number of overs per side and shorter match durations.

The ICC Cricket World Cup is an international cricket tournament held every four years. It features teams from different countries competing for the title of world champions in the ODI format.

Umpires in cricket are responsible for making decisions on the field, such as judging whether a batsman is out, signaling boundaries, and enforcing the laws of the game.

The Ashes is a Test cricket series played between England and Australia. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious cricket rivalries.

The toss in cricket determines which team will bat or bowl first. Winning the toss allows the captain to make a strategic decision based on pitch and weather conditions.

The captain in a cricket team is responsible for making crucial decisions on the field, such as setting fielding positions, making bowling changes, and leading the team both tactically and emotionally.

The wicketkeeper in cricket is responsible for standing behind the wickets, catching the ball when the batsman misses it, and attempting to stump the batsman if they leave their crease.

A no-ball is an illegal delivery in cricket. It can occur if the bowler oversteps the crease while delivering the ball, bowls it above the waist height, or has an incorrect bowling action.

The follow-on rule in Test cricket allows the team batting first to enforce the opposing team to bat again immediately if they have a lead of 200 runs or more after the first innings.

A powerplay is a designated period in limited-overs cricket where fielding restrictions are applied. During the powerplay, only a limited number of fielders are allowed outside the inner circle, providing an advantage to the batting team.

A super over is a tie-breaking method used when a limited-overs match ends in a tie. Each team gets to bat for one over, and the team that scores the most runs in that over wins the match.

A maiden over is an over bowled by a bowler in which no runs are scored by the batting team. It signifies a successful and economical over for the bowling team.

The third umpire is an off-field umpire who assists the on-field umpires in making decisions. They primarily review disputed or unclear decisions using TV replays and technology.

The Decision Review System is a technology-based system used to review on-field decisions. It allows teams to challenge the umpire’s decision by requesting a review for certain dismissals or calls.

A boundary in cricket refers to a shot hit by the batsman that reaches the edge of the field without bouncing. It can be worth four runs if it crosses the boundary rope on the ground or six runs if it goes over the boundary without touching the ground.

Cricket selectors are responsible for choosing the players who will represent a team at various levels. They assess player performances, consider team requirements, and make decisions regarding team composition.

Football

Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a popular sport played between two teams of 11 players each. The objective is to score goals by kicking a ball into the opponent’s net using any part of the body except the arms and hands.

A football team consists of 11 players, including one goalkeeper and ten outfield players.

The different positions in football include goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Specific positions within these categories include center-backs, full-backs, defensive midfielders, attacking midfielders, wingers, strikers, etc.

A standard football match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, making a total playing time of 90 minutes. However, there may be additional time added for stoppages and injuries.

The objective of a football match is for a team to score more goals than their opponent. The team with the higher number of goals at the end of the match wins.

Goals in football are scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar. The team that scores more goals during the match wins.

Offside in football is a rule that prevents an attacking player from being nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them.

A penalty kick is a direct free kick awarded to the attacking team when a defending player commits a major foul within their own penalty area. It allows the attacking team to take a shot at the goal from the penalty spot, with only the goalkeeper defending it.

A yellow card is a cautionary disciplinary action shown by the referee to a player who commits a significant offense or misconduct. It serves as a warning, and if a player receives two yellow cards in the same match, they are shown a red card and sent off.

A red card is a disciplinary action shown by the referee to a player for a serious offense or misconduct. When a player receives a red card, they are immediately sent off the field, and their team must continue the match with one fewer player.

The goalkeeper, also known as the goalie, is the player positioned in front of the goal. Their primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals by using their hands and body to block shots and control the penalty area.

Some of the major football leagues in the world include the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, and French Ligue 1. These leagues feature top clubs and attract a global following.

The FIFA World Cup is an international football tournament held every four years. It features national teams from around the world competing for the title of world champions.

The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It involves top clubs from European leagues competing for the prestigious title.

Club football refers to matches played between teams representing clubs or organizations, while international football involves matches played between national teams representing their respective countries.

A football manager, also known as a coach, is responsible for overseeing the team’s training, tactics, player selection, and overall strategy. They play a crucial role in guiding and motivating the team to achieve success.

Extra time is an additional period played at the end of a match when the scores are tied after the regular playing time. It usually consists of two halves of 15 minutes each and is played to determine a winner in knockout matches.

A free kick is awarded to a team when the opposing team commits a foul or handball. The team taking the free kick can either pass or shoot the ball without interference from opponents, depending on the location of the foul.

A corner kick is awarded to the attacking team when the ball goes out of play over the defending team’s goal line, having been last touched by a defending player. The attacking team takes the corner kick from the corner arc, aiming to score a goal.

The referee is responsible for enforcing the laws of the game, making decisions, and ensuring fair play during a football match. They have the authority to issue cards, award free kicks, penalties, and make crucial judgments on various situations.

The Golden Boot award, also known as the Golden Shoe, is given to the top goal scorer in a specific tournament or league. It recognizes the player who has scored the most goals during that particular competition.

The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football. It is given to the best male football player in the world, as voted on by journalists, national team coaches, and captains.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system is a technology-based system used in football to review and assist on-field decisions made by the referee. It helps in cases of potential goals, penalty decisions, red card incidents, and mistaken identity.

Badminton

Badminton is a racquet sport played between two players (singles) or two teams of two players each (doubles). The players use racquets to hit a shuttlecock over a net and aim to score points by making the shuttlecock land in the opponent’s court.

A badminton match can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side), making a total of either two or four players.

The objective of a badminton match is to score points by hitting the shuttlecock over the net and making it land within the boundaries of the opponent’s court. The aim is to make the shuttlecock difficult for the opponent to return.

A badminton court is rectangular and measures 13.4 meters in length and 6.1 meters in width for singles matches. For doubles matches, the width is increased to 6.7 meters.

The basic equipment required to play badminton includes racquets and shuttlecocks. Players also typically wear appropriate sports attire and non-marking indoor court shoes.

A badminton match is typically played as the best of three games. Each game is played to 21 points, and the player/team that reaches 21 points first with a two-point lead wins the game. If the score reaches 20-20, the game continues until a two-point lead is achieved (up to 30 points).

The shuttlecock, also known as a birdie, is a conical-shaped object with feathers or a plastic skirt attached. It is hit back and forth over the net and serves as the object that players must make contact with to score points.

A let is called when the rally needs to be replayed due to various reasons, such as interference from outside the court, equipment failure, or if the server’s serve is deemed faulty.

A fault in badminton is a violation of the rules that results in the loss of a point. Common faults include hitting the shuttlecock outside the boundaries, touching the net with the racquet, or obstructing the opponent’s shot.

A drop shot in badminton is a shot played with a gentle touch, causing the shuttlecock to fall just over the net and close to the opponent’s side, making it difficult for them to reach and return the shot.

A smash is a powerful attacking shot in badminton. It is executed by hitting the shuttlecock forcefully from a high position, aiming to send it steeply downwards and beyond the opponent’s reach.

The service is the starting shot of each rally in badminton. It must be hit diagonally to the opponent’s service court, and the server’s feet should remain within the service area until the serve is made.

A rally in badminton refers to the period of play where the shuttlecock is hit back and forth between the players or teams. The rally continues until the shuttlecock hits the ground, goes out of bounds, or a fault is committed.

The net in badminton is positioned across the middle of the court and separates the playing areas of the two opposing players or teams. Its purpose is to create a physical barrier that the shuttlecock must pass over during the game.

A let is called when a rally needs to be replayed due to external interferences or unforeseen circumstances. On the other hand, a fault is a violation of the rules that results in the loss of a point for the player or team committing the fault.

Yes, the shuttlecock can touch the net during a rally and still be considered in play as long as it passes over to the opponent’s side. However, if the shuttlecock hits the net and fails to cross to the opponent’s side, it results in a fault.

The umpire in badminton is responsible for overseeing the match, ensuring that the rules are followed, making decisions on disputed situations, and keeping score. They also call out the score and make announcements during the game.

A drive shot in badminton is a fast and flat shot that travels parallel to the net. It is hit forcefully with minimal arc, aiming to pass the opponent quickly and maintain pressure in the rally.

A clear shot in badminton is a defensive shot played from the back of the court. It involves hitting the shuttlecock high and deep into the opponent’s court, forcing them to move backward and creating time for the player to regain a better position.

A let serve in badminton refers to a situation where the server’s serve hits the net but still lands within the opponent’s service court. In such cases, the serve is replayed without any penalty to the server.

In a singles match, each player competes individually against their opponent, while in a doubles match, two players on each team play together as a pair against the opposing pair. The court dimensions and strategies can vary between the two formats.

A backhand shot in badminton is when a player uses the backside of their racquet hand to hit the shuttlecock. It is commonly used for shots on the opposite side of the player’s body.

A forehand shot in badminton is when a player uses the front side of their racquet hand to hit the shuttlecock. It is the most common and dominant hand position for executing shots in the game.

The BWF is the international governing body for the sport of badminton. It regulates and organizes major badminton tournaments, establishes rules, and works to promote and develop the sport globally.

Tennis

Tennis is a racquet sport played between two individuals (singles) or two teams of two individuals each (doubles). The players use racquets to hit a ball over a net and aim to score points by making the ball land within the opponent’s court while following specific rules.

A tennis match can be played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side), making a total of either two or four players.

The objective of a tennis match is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in a way that makes it difficult for them to return. The aim is to win games, sets, and ultimately the match.

A tennis court is rectangular and measures 78 feet (23.77 meters) in length and 27 feet (8.23 meters) in width for singles matches. For doubles matches, the width is increased to 36 feet (10.97 meters).

The basic equipment required to play tennis includes tennis racquets and tennis balls. Players also typically wear appropriate tennis attire and proper tennis shoes for traction on the court.

A tennis match is typically played as the best of three or five sets, depending on the tournament or level of play. Each set is played to a certain number of games, and the player/team that wins the majority of sets wins the match.

The net in tennis is positioned across the middle of the court, dividing it into two equal halves. It acts as a physical barrier that the ball must pass over during play. Players must hit the ball above the net and land it within the boundaries of the opponent’s court.

A rally in tennis refers to the exchange of shots between players during a point. It begins with the serve and continues until the point is won by one of the players, either through an error by the opponent or a successful shot.

A game in tennis is the smallest unit of scoring. To win a game, a player must win at least four points and have a two-point advantage over the opponent. Games are then accumulated to win a set.

A set in tennis is a collection of games. To win a set, a player must win at least six games with a two-game advantage over the opponent. If the set reaches a score of 6-6, a tiebreaker is often played to determine the winner of the set.

A tiebreaker in tennis is a special game played when the score in a set reaches 6-6. It is played to determine the winner of the set. The tiebreaker typically involves players reaching seven points, with a two-point lead, or a specific number of points set by tournament rules.

A serve in tennis is the shot that starts a point. The server stands behind the baseline and hits the ball diagonally over the net into the opponent’s service box, aiming to initiate the rally.

A forehand shot in tennis is when a player uses the front side of their racquet hand to hit the ball. It is the most common and dominant hand position for executing shots in the game.

A backhand shot in tennis is when a player uses the backside of their racquet hand to hit the ball. It is commonly used for shots on the opposite side of the player’s body.

A volley in tennis is a shot where the player hits the ball in the air before it bounces on the court. It is often executed near the net and requires quick reflexes and precise hand-eye coordination.

An ace in tennis is a serve that is not touched or returned by the opponent and results in a point for the server. It is typically a powerful and well-placed serve that the opponent fails to reach.

The umpire in tennis is responsible for overseeing the match, ensuring that the rules are followed, making decisions on disputed situations, and keeping score. They also call out the score, announce faults, and handle player challenges.

The chair umpire in tennis sits elevated in a chair on one side of the court. They have the final authority in making decisions and judgments during a match. They oversee the conduct of the match, call the score, and make final decisions on disputed calls.

Clay courts are made of crushed brick, shale, or stone and provide a slower playing surface with higher bounce. Grass courts are made of natural grass and offer a fast playing surface with low bounce. Hard courts are made of asphalt or concrete and provide a medium-paced playing surface.

The referee in tennis is the highest authority in a tournament. They oversee all matches, ensure fair play, and make final decisions on matters such as weather conditions, player conduct, and schedule changes.

Ball persons, also known as ball kids, are responsible for retrieving balls that are out of play and providing them to the players during a match. They play a crucial role in maintaining the flow and pace of the game.

A passing shot in tennis is a shot hit by the receiver to get the ball past the opponent and win the point. It is typically executed when the opponent is at the net, and the receiver aims to hit the ball out of their reach and into the open court.

A slice shot in tennis is a shot hit with underspin, causing the ball to curve and stay low after bouncing. It can be used for defensive purposes, to change the pace of the game, or to create angles on the court.

A double fault in tennis occurs when the server fails to deliver a legal serve in both attempts, resulting in the loss of the point

Volleyball

Volleyball is a team sport played between two teams of six players each. The objective is to score points by hitting a ball over a net and making it land within the opponent’s court while preventing them from doing the same.

A volleyball team consists of six players on the court at a time, with additional players available as substitutes.

The objective of a volleyball match is to win sets by scoring points. A team scores a point by successfully hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s court and making it land within the boundaries while following the rules.

The net in volleyball is positioned across the middle of the court and acts as a barrier. It divides the two teams’ playing areas and serves as a boundary that the ball must pass over during play.

A volleyball match is typically played as the best of five sets. Each set is played to 25 points, with a two-point advantage required to win the set. If a fifth set is necessary, it is played to 15 points.

The basic equipment required to play volleyball includes a volleyball, a net, and a properly marked court. Players also wear appropriate attire, including knee pads, to protect against injuries while diving or sliding.

A rally in volleyball refers to the continuous exchange of plays between the two teams. It starts with a serve and continues until the ball hits the ground or a fault is committed, resulting in a point for the opposing team.

A spike in volleyball, also known as an attack or a hit, is an offensive shot where a player forcefully hits the ball downward into the opponent’s court. It is often executed by jumping near the net and aiming to score a point by making the ball difficult to defend.

A block in volleyball is a defensive technique where a player tries to intercept the ball as it is being spiked by the opposing team. The goal is to stop the ball from crossing the net and direct it back into the opponent’s court, either for a point or to disrupt their attack.

A dig in volleyball is a defensive technique used to receive a spiked ball. It involves using the forearms or hands to control the ball and direct it to a teammate for a subsequent play. The dig is aimed at preventing the ball from hitting the ground and keeping the rally alive.

A serve in volleyball is the shot that initiates each rally. It is executed by a player standing behind the baseline and hitting the ball over the net into the opponent’s court, aiming to start the game and put the receiving team under pressure.

A libero in volleyball is a specialized defensive player who wears a different colored jersey from the rest of the team. The libero’s primary role is to excel in passing and defensive skills. They often replace a back-row player and are not counted as a regular substitution.

A side-out in volleyball occurs when the serving team fails to score a point, resulting in the serve being awarded to the opposing team. It often happens after a rally ends, and the receiving team successfully defends against the attacking team’s hit

The referee in volleyball is responsible for overseeing the match, ensuring that the rules are followed, making decisions on disputed situations, and keeping score. They also signal faults, violations, and handle player misconduct.

A side-out in volleyball refers to a situation where the receiving team successfully defends against the serving team’s attack and wins the right to serve. It typically occurs when the serving team makes an error or fails to score a point.

A rotation fault in volleyball occurs when the serving team fails to rotate players in the correct order. Each player must move to the next position in a clockwise direction, and a rotation fault is called if the order is not maintained.

A libero replacement in volleyball refers to the substitution of the libero player with another player on the team. This type of substitution can occur an unlimited number of times and is usually done for strategic purposes or to provide rest for the libero.

A joust in volleyball occurs when two opposing players at the net simultaneously contact the ball above the net. It creates a contest of strength and timing, with both players attempting to push the ball towards the opponent’s court.

The coach in volleyball is responsible for strategizing, planning practices, training players, making substitutions, and providing guidance and support to the team. They play a crucial role in developing skills, tactics, and team cohesion.

A libero control in volleyball refers to a specific action allowed only for the libero player. It allows the libero to use an open-hand technique to stop or redirect the ball within the team’s playing area, primarily for defensive purposes.

A quick set in volleyball is a fast-paced offensive play where the ball is set close to the net and the attacker quickly jumps and spikes the ball. It aims to catch the opposing team off guard and make it difficult for them to defend against the attack.

A pancake in volleyball is a defensive technique where a player extends their hand flat on the floor to prevent the ball from touching the ground. The player slides their hand underneath the ball, creating a pancake-like shape, to keep the ball in play.

A timeout in volleyball is a break in play called by a team to regroup, discuss tactics, and provide rest. Each team is typically allowed a certain number of timeouts per set or match, and they are often used to disrupt the opposing team’s momentum.

A libero serve in volleyball refers to a serve performed by the libero player. The libero can only serve in specific rotations and is often utilized for their defensive abilities rather than their serving skills.

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