IPL's Growth Raises Concerns for Ashwin: 'Cricket Takes a Backseat'

IPL’s Growth Raises Concerns for Ashwin: ‘Cricket Takes a Backseat’

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s star spinner, has expressed his concerns about the IPL’s rapid growth, stating that it has become so “huge” that cricket sometimes takes a backseat.

Ashwin highlighted the challenges faced by players in managing their time between training sessions and advertisement shoots during the two-month-long competition. He reflected on the remarkable evolution of the IPL since its inception in 2008 and emphasized the demanding nature of the player’s lifestyle on the road during the tournament.

“As a youngster coming into the IPL, I was only looking to learn from the big stars, I did not think about how the IPL would look 10 years down the line. I can say that, having been in the IPL for so many seasons, the IPL is huge,” he said on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.

“Sometimes I wonder if IPL is even cricket, because sport takes a backstage (during IPL). It’s so huge. We do end up practicing in advertisement shoots and sets! That’s where the IPL has gotten to,” said Ashwin, who is an important member of the Rajasthan Royals squad.

The 37-year-old, who achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets recently, commenced his IPL journey with the Chennai Super Kings. His impressive performances in the IPL played a crucial role in earning him opportunities to represent India across formats.

In 2022, the IPL media rights were secured for a staggering Rs 48,390 crore for a five-year cycle, solidifying its position as the second most valuable league in the sporting world in terms of per-match value, only behind the NFL. This astronomical figure surpassed renowned leagues such as the English Premier League, NBA, and Major League Baseball.

Ashwin spoke about his early days in the IPL and how the event exceeded all expectations. “No one envisaged the kind of growth that the IPL has had. I still remember a conversation I had with Scott Styris when we were both at CSK. He told me that when he was playing for the Deccan Chargers in the initial seasons of IPL, he did not think the IPL would last for more than two-three years.”

“Initially, there was a big influx of money,” Ashwin said on the podcast hosted by former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australian great Adam Gilchrist.

The IPL’s profile has been further elevated by the astronomical deals secured by players during auctions. In the latest auction, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made headlines by clinching a record deal worth Rs 24.74 crore with the Kolkata Knight Riders. This significant acquisition underscores the league’s ability to attract top-tier talent and solidifies its status as one of the most lucrative and sought-after cricket tournaments globally.

“Look, over the years you’d think that the IPL is one tournament that is largely won at the auctions. I believe the auctions are a very important facet of this league, but the beauty of the IPL is that franchises have evolved into getting their teams right.”

“There’s no one way to skin a cat. No one player is bigger than the team. No one slot is bigger than others. The teams invest wisely,” said Ashwin who has also represented Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.

IPL 2023 Opening Day Breaks Viewership Records

IPL 2023 Opening Day Breaks Viewership Records

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has kicked off with a record-breaking opening day, attracting an unprecedented number of viewers. According to the host broadcaster, Disney Star, the opening ceremony and the first match drew a massive 16.8 crore viewers.

The opening day also witnessed the highest-ever watch-time of 1276 crore minutes, surpassing all previous seasons. Additionally, the peak TV concurrency for an opening day reached a staggering 6.1 crore viewers, indicating the immense popularity of the tournament.

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious in the opening match, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets. The match was played in front of a packed crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The record-breaking viewership is a testament to the growing popularity of the IPL, which has become one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. The tournament has attracted a global audience, with fans tuning in from over 200 countries.

The IPL’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the high level of competition, the presence of world-class players, and the exciting format of the tournament. The IPL has also benefited from the rise of digital platforms, which have made it easier for fans to watch the matches live and on-demand.

The record-breaking opening day viewership is a positive sign for the IPL, which is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. The tournament is a major revenue generator for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and has helped to promote the sport of cricket in India and around the world.

FC Goa Triumphs Over Bengaluru FC, Ascends to Third Place in ISL

FC Goa Triumphs Over Bengaluru FC, Ascends to Third Place in ISL

FC Goa emerged victorious in their Indian Super League encounter against Bengaluru FC, securing a 2-1 win that propelled them to third place in the standings. The Gaurs now boast 36 points from 19 games, while the Blues remain in the lower half of the table.

Bengaluru FC drew first blood within two minutes of kickoff, with Suresh Singh Wangjam delivering a sharp through ball to Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh. Shivaldo received the ball with a deft touch and slotted it past Dheeraj Singh to give the Blues an early advantage.

FC Goa gradually gained control of the game, with Noah Sadaoui testing the Bengaluru FC defense in the 18th minute. The equalizer came four minutes later, as Brandon Fernandes’ corner found Boris Singh at the edge of the box. Singh’s shot took a deflection off Odei Onaindia and landed in the back of the net, leaving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu helpless.

The second half saw FC Goa gain a numerical advantage when Suresh was sent off for a challenge on Boris in the 47th minute. The Gaurs capitalized on their man advantage, dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Their efforts paid off in the 81st minute when Borja Herrera curled in a cross to Boris on the left side of Gurpreet. The former Jamshedpur FC winger made no mistake, netting the winner and securing the crucial three points for his team.

FC Goa’s victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, while Bengaluru FC will be disappointed with their inability to hold on to their early lead. The result leaves the Blues with work to do if they want to climb the standings in the remaining games of the season.

Bollywood Meets Sports: Kareena Kapoor Khan, MC Mary Kom Grace Delhi Capitals vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore Clash

Bollywood Meets Sports: Kareena Kapoor Khan, MC Mary Kom Grace Delhi Capitals vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore Clash

Bollywood Glamour Meets Sporting Spirit: Kareena Kapoor Khan and MC Mary Kom Grace Delhi Capitals vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore Clash

In a captivating fusion of Bollywood glitz and sporting fervor, renowned Indian actor-entrepreneur Kareena Kapoor Khan and boxing legend MC Mary Kom graced the electrifying clash between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, bestowed with the honor of tossing the coin, received thunderous applause from the enthusiastic crowd as she stepped onto the pitch. Alongside her, Mary Kom, both serving as PUMA brand ambassadors, exuded infectious enthusiasm, cheering for the players and immersing themselves in the pulsating atmosphere from the stands.

The star-studded event witnessed the presence of iconic women from diverse fields, including fashion designer Masaba Gupta, Vineeta Singh of SUGAR Cosmetics, and media influencer Faye D’Souza. United by their passion for cricket, they captured the essence of the match through selfies, videos, and images for their social media followers.

Mary Kom, a six-time world champion, shared her exhilarating experience on social media, emphasizing the significance of witnessing a packed stadium and the overwhelming support for women in sports. Her caption resonated with the collective aspiration to empower girls and nurture their sporting dreams.

The presence of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mary Kom elevated the spectacle of women’s cricket, highlighting its entertainment quotient and the growing influence of women in sports. As the carnival continues to captivate audiences across India, their presence symbolized the fusion of glamour and grit, adding a new dimension to the sporting narrative.

Ash Barty Shines in Golf and Tennis, Rules Out Professional Return

Ash Barty Shines in Golf and Tennis, Rules Out Professional Return

Ash Barty, the three-time Grand Slam tennis champion, showcased her diverse athletic abilities this week in New Zealand. While she narrowly missed the cut at the New Zealand Pro-Am Championship in golf, she made headlines with her impressive performance on the tennis court.

Barty, who also played cricket professionally for a brief period, displayed her exceptional hand-eye coordination and athleticism in both sports. Despite missing the cut in golf by two shots, she enjoyed a strong second round in the team event at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown.

When asked about the possibility of pursuing professional golf or returning to professional tennis, Barty unequivocally stated, “The answer is no to both.” She emphasized her love for playing tennis as a hobby and the joy she finds in spending time outdoors.

“I love playing as a hobby and it’s obviously lovely to get outside for 18, go for a walk, and enjoy it,” Barty said.

Barty’s retirement from tennis at the age of 25 after winning the 2022 Australian Open marked a remarkable end to her illustrious career. Since then, she has embraced motherhood and found time to indulge in her passion for tennis.

Her recent performance in New Zealand serves as a testament to her enduring athleticism and the joy she derives from participating in sports. While she may not be pursuing professional golf or tennis, Barty’s love for both sports remains evident.

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Khelo India Youth Games: Maharashtra clinch the top spot

The Khelo India Youth Games 2023, which is being conducted in Madhya Pradesh, is seeing incredible competition from athletes across the country. At the end of Day 7 of the games, Maharashtra has clinched the top spot, with Haryana being a close second.

 

 

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The state has shown incredible performances with 25 gold, 29 silver, and 23 bronze medals respectively. Maharashtra has won 77 medals in total at the end of Day 7. Haryana, who was the leader for most of the competition, is in the second position with 52 medals. The northern state has clinched 22 gold, 16 silver, and 14 bronze medals.

Haryana’s performances have shown the state is one of the sports powerhouses of the country. Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana, was pleased with the state’s showing at the games.  He said, “It is clear from the results of the competitions that Haryana is full of sports talents; that is why we are constantly working to promote sports in every village.”

The 5th  Khelo India Youth Games commenced on 30th January and will run till February 11th. About 6000 players from the country will be participating in the games in 27 sports. Water sports have been added to the event for the first time. Canoeing, Kayaking, Rowing, and Canoe Slalom are some new games that have been included this time.

Qatar makes history; first host nation to lose opening game

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is no short of news. After making the controversial decision to have no alcohol in the eight World Cup stadiums, the country has attached its name to an unwanted record.

Qatar, the host nation, become the first country to lose its opening game at the World Cup. Enner Valencia’s two goals in the first 30 minutes of the game became the ultimate difference as Ecuador beat the hosts Qatar 2-0 in the tournament opener at the iconic Al Bayt Stadium.

 

“I would say we felt bad [for our supporters],” Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said. “I hope in the next game they will be prouder.”

Besides, Qatar was also in the line to have another foot-in-the-mouth moment. Ecuador striker Michael Estrada scored within the first 3 minutes of normal time. But the goal was cancelled as VAR called the goal “offside”.

The night started with more than 67,000 mostly Qatari fans filling the beautiful Al Bayt Stadium, enjoying an opening ceremony that showcased the tiny Arab emirate to a global audience 12 years after winning the right to host football’s biggest event. The night witnessed many high-profile celebrities in attendance including Morgan Freeman, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and K-pop boyband BTS’ singer Jungkook performing his song “Dreamer”.

How to select a Squash Racket

If you are new in the field and want to know what is squash, then we have made the job easier for you as it is a game that two or four players play in a court covered with four walls with a hollow rubber ball. Those who are into the game of squash will be keen to know which rackets are suitable for them to increase the quality of the game. Let’s look more into the details so that you know which racket fits you by the end of the article. Squash Racket Shape 

When deciding on a squash racket, it is essential to keep in mind its shape. Four kinds of shapes are usually found in squash, and that is: 

  1. Elongated teardrop 
  2. Teardrop 
  3. Oval 
  4. Square head 

These 4 have special abilities that can be observed by the player when they use different shapes of rackets. The teardrop ones are known to have more power in them than compared to the square-head racket. The Square-head is recognized for its control. 

Next comes the throat of these rackets that are important in the game. They are divided into two categories: Closed throat squash rackets and open-throat squash rackets. The main difference between the two is that the open throat has more power as the strings are longer. In the closed-throat ones, the main is shorter, giving the player more command of their racket. 

Squash racket balance 

There are three kinds of balance in squash rackets, and they are categorized as Head heavy, Even, and Headlight. 

Head heavy: As the name suggests, this is on the heavier side because most of its weight is on the frame of the racket. The plus point in this situation is that more power is given by head-heavy ones, which also aids in better control and handling. One can experience their swings being excellent with this kind of. 

Even: This is between the two others, which gives perfect balance, and here the weight is more on the throat at the bottom of the strings. This is a better option for those who are confused with the other rackets. 

Headlight: This racket is focused on speed which is why being light in weights plays a major role here. It is suggested that those who have a slow game can go for this racket that consists of serves or drops. You can change the direction of your shot with the help of your wrist, which is why it is also called a wristy swing. 

How to know about the balance?

You can check the balance of the racket by using these techniques. 

  • If you put the racket on your palm, the weight can be judged according to the place it is leaning. If the racket is leaning in one direction and is balanced in the other, then it means that you have got your answer. For head heavy, the balance is more towards the higher angle. For even, it is around the base where the strings are located, and for the last one, i.e., the headlight, the balance is usually seen either in the handle or the grip. 
  • Internet sites have made life much easier, which is why it has become an efficient job to check the balance of your racket if you are online shopping. Head-heavy rackets have a balance between 350-380mm. Even rackets are known to have their balance at 340mm. In the case of headlight rackets, it ranges below 340 up to 320 mm. 

Squash racket weight 

The weight of the racket can usually vary between 110 and 140 grams. One thing that needs to be noted is that this weight does not include the string and the grip. These rackets are divided into four categories according to their weight. 

Heavy: These weigh above 140 grams. This is great for players who want more power and are fond of hard-hitting shots, as they can see the racket doing wonders with it. It can be a task to bear the weight of this after a point which is why this is used only sometimes by the players. 

Mid-weight: This ranges between 130-140 grams. It is popular amongst intermediate players as it is not leaning on any extreme sides of the weight. If someone is looking for accuracy in their shots, then these kinds of rackets are a suitable option as they give stability when it comes to playing shots. 

Light racket: This has become a successful racket in today’s world, as most players lean towards it. The weight varies from 120-130 grams, and the advantage that is seen in these rackets is that it is great for manoeuvring. Power is guaranteed by light rackets, which makes it more attractive. It is necessary to remember that light rackets are sometimes the best choice, and one should not buy them thinking that they perform the best as it has their own set of drawbacks. 

Ultra-light: Squash rackets that weigh under 120 grams are categorized under this section. This is best in making the other opponent nervous, as speed is a speciality of ultralight. A few disadvantages that it has is control and power are not in its favour. Those who are good at the game can use these. 

Squash racket beam 

When we say racket beam in simple words, it means how thick the frame of the racket is. How wide the racket is from the side is considered under this aspect. Here, there are three measurements. Let’s look at them in detail for better understanding.

Wider beam: Those who are beginners in this field are seen with this kind of racket. This has the advantage of being more powerful as the frame consists of an additional material which makes it wide in size. The measurements are seen as 20-21mm. 

Average beam: This is the most common one which is utilized by players. It ranges from 18-19. This is one of the safest options to go for, which is the reason for its popularity. 

Narrow beam: The measurement is taken in mm. Wide beams are usually between 16-17mm. The positives that this gives are that it has more flexibility than compared to the others and good manoeuvring and this kind is seen being used by those players who have an ample amount of experience in the game of squash. 

What are some useful recommendations? 

Those who specifically want a few suggestions in rackets can read further to know what experts suggest for various degrees of players. 

NIVIA Attack-Ti Squash Racquet 

This racket is made up of steel, and the material that is used is of high grade. The strength of this is that it is lightweight and durable, which gives a noticeable performance. If you are a beginner in the game and want something comfortable, this can be a great option to go for. 

Cosco LST 125 Aluminium Squash Racquet 

Players have experienced a strong grip with this racket, and the weight of it is around 0.75 pounds which makes it another brilliant choice for beginners. Those who are above 12+ can definitely go for it, as it has an anti-slip feature that makes it efficient for newcomers to handle the racket well. 

Tecnifibre Carboflex X-Top 125 

The pro player Mohamed El Shorbagy used this; this racket has multiple features, which is why it makes it to the top of the list. The price is high compared to the others. It gives a great balance when it comes to the essential aspect of squash: power and control. It is recommended for expert players, and this was released in the year 2021. 

Prince Airstick 130 

This is the classic choice that Ramy Ashour used. It weighs around 130 grams, and it was released a few years back, but the experts believe that this racket can still perform excellently. It is known for its good power and maneuver, which will make your opponent sweat. The material used in his racket is graphite, which aids with giving an edge for some powerful action in the court. 

Head Nano Ti 110

This budget-friendly racket will fit into your spending and also give you the feel of a good game. If you are just getting to know squash, then it is better not to go for something which will be too expensive, as when your game improves, that will be the right time to go for it. For now, this option is the best as it gives all the brilliant features. The weight of this racket is around 149 grams, and this has been recommended strongly as a good racket, to begin with. 

Conclusion: 

It is always a clever step to buy such types of equipment with a proper set of knowledge about how other factors affect performance. Take a view at the specifications to get an idea of what will be the most suitable for you. With this guide, we hope that you get your own racket that will make you stand out from the rest of the players.

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