Archive August 5, 2025

Which franchise league is most entertaining?

BBB Sport
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Franchise leagues are a burgeoning trend in men’s cricket.

The SA20, Pakistan Super League, and the Indian Premier League (PSL) are just a few of the leagues.

One of the originals is Australia’s Big Bash, and others are in the United Arab Emirates (ILT20) and the Caribbean (CPL).

The Hundred, the 100-ball outlier, is next.

Which league is the best, to name a few, but that’s just a few.

How can leagues be compared?

Good question, I think.

We have examined a number of metrics, including the average number of sixes per game, the dot-ball percentage, the effects of home advantage, the bowling style, the number of games that ended with the last over or even the final ball.

The results are subjective; some people prefer a high-scoring thriller, while others prefer a lot of runs. Some people enjoy quick bowling, while others prefer the artistry of spin.

The neutral, and almost certainly those who end up on the winning side in such a situation, prefer a match that goes the distance, though, is not in doubt.

Because of the format’s tight schedule, The Hundred was expected to deliver those nail-biting closes. Has it, then?

The IPL again comes in at top (28.9%), with the PSL second (27.5%), and The Hundred is pushed down to third (24.4%) if we apply the metric to matches that end in the final over (or five balls in the case of The Hundred).

Does home advantage, however, play a significant role in how these matches turn out? We could only look at The Hundred, the IPL, Big Bash, and SA20 for this.

I’m still interested in running, running, running…

Fans of T20 leagues are provided with a fast-food fours diet and a six-pack lunch.

Teams start out strong and muscling the ball into the stands.

Again, IPL domineers, followed by (once more!) the ILT20 and the PSL.

Curiously, The Hundred is only second in terms of scoring, but is this because the bat and ball have a better balance?

There are fewer boundaries in areas where bowlers would ordinarily have a fairer shake, such as England, Australia, and South Africa, but it’s difficult to ignore the fact that there are more runs flowing in Asia.

Then, what about the bowlers?

However, India, Pakistan, or the UAE are not as prolific places for spinners to take their wickets as you might expect. The legendary fast bowlers of the 1980s and 1990s resided in the Caribbean.

The fastest bowlers in Australia are known for their success, including medium pace.

Are there any other possibilities here?

We also considered the player’s quality in each league in light of their international caps in all competitions.

The ILT20 comes out on top (423), followed by the PSL (351), and the IPL (335), when we looked at the average number of international caps the starting XIs (335) held each game.

The Big Bash average is just 145 caps, almost 300 caps short of the ILT20, which is a significant difference between the top of the pile and the bottom.

The fact that Australia’s top cricketers are playing an international summer while the Big Bash is being contested could explain why the rest of the world stops for the IPL window, for instance.

In contrast to the three or four spaces available for players from abroad in other competitions, the ILT20 allows up to nine players from abroad per team.

Only the IPL pays its players more than the equivalent of a salary cap of more than £2 million for a month-long competition, which is why the ILT20 attracts so many players from abroad, according to a report in Forbes that suggests teams in the UAE have a salary cap of more than £2 million, as opposed to the £1.5 million offered by the Big Bash for a competition that lasts for almost twice as long.

How long do certain leagues take to complete, one of the deciding factors. How frequently have IPL games now last for four hours been said by commentators?

Actually, in the most recent iteration of each competition, the CPL, which is known for having the longest games on average, with matches lasting just six minutes short of that four-hour mark.

The Big Bash is the T20 league’s most affordable in terms of time (three hours, 10 minutes), while the IPL is the second-longest (three hours, 44 minutes).

The conclusion

We looked at five key indicators to get an idea of what the best league is, including the average number of international caps per game and the average number of fours and sixes scored.

The highest-performing team receiving 1 and the lowest-performing team receiving 0, respectively, was then scaled down each metric.

By combining these six scores, we were able to calculate the overall “Entertainment Index” that would help us categorize the entertainment franchises.

The IPL, the gold standard for short-format franchise cricket leagues, came out on top.

The Hundred is in fourth place in a competition that is about to be boosted by the wealth of its new investors. Then comes the PSL and ILT20.

The Big Bash bolstered the rest, suggesting that a tournament that has been a focal point for so long for many cricket fans may need to change in order to compete with the newest, shiniest T20 leagues.

Have your opinion expressed

What data are gathered from this quiz?

Tournaments incorporated in this project:

related subjects

  • Franchise Cricket
  • The Hundred
  • Cricket

Footballer Thomas Partey granted bail on rape charges

Hannah Price
Reuters Thomas Partey wears a black zip-up collared sweater as he walks into Westminster Magistrates' Court, in London.Reuters

Thomas Partey, a former footballer for Arsenal, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, and has been released on conditional bail.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian was detained on Tuesday and charged with five counts of rape against two women and sexual assault against a third woman.

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for north London club Arsenal.

As he entered the court, Mr. Partey was wearing a navy blazer and a zip-neck jumper. In the dock, he sat with his back to his side.

He confirmed that he understood the terms of his bail and that he had given his name.

According to his bail conditions, he is required to notify police of any permanent address changes or travel abroad and cannot speak with any of the three women.

The charges come after a detectives’ investigation began in February of that year, 2022, when police first received a rape report.

Jenny Wiltshire, Mr. Partey’s attorney, previously stated that he “denies all the charges against him,” and that he was pleased that the opportunity came to finally clear his name.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins fans fuming as two more stars say ‘I’m done’ and quit

Two more contestants decided to leave the show after overcoming the most recent hiking challenge, leaving the Special Forces on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins reeling.

The Special Forces on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins were left reeling as two more contestants decided to quit (Image: PA)

The Special Forces on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins have been left fuming after two more stars have decided to quit the show in dramatic scenes. The hit Channel 4 show returned on Sunday for a brand new series with a controversial lineup.

14 well-known faces are attempting to push themselves to the limit to reach the end of the show.

It comes after the show was thrown into chaos on the very first episode as two stars – S Club singer Hannah Spearritt and dancer Louie Spence – quit. The duo weren’t the only ones finding the show tougher than they thought, as minutes into the second episode, two more celebs decided it was too much. The task included trekking up a hill with a backpack before taking on a scary challenge of hanging from a wire over a ravine. It comes after

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Chloe Burrows was seen struggling before she decided to quit the show
Chloe Burrows was seen struggling before she decided to quit the show(Image: PA)

Chloe Burrows was seen struggling and had already told her co-stars that she wasn’t enjoying the show’s intensity before she reached the top of the hill.

Chloe was expressing her struggles vocally as she began to groan while moaning. The DS yelled at Chloe, “Can’t do what?,” while the Special Forces staff was pushing all the contestants. We’ve walked 300 metres up a f***ing hill”!.

The DS then explained to Chloe that she was “wasting a massive opportunity,” but that she had already decided something and that she had already done so.

Chloe was making her struggles vocal as she was making moaning noises before she declared, “I can’t do it”
Chloe was making her struggles vocal as she was making moaning noises before she declared, “I can’t do it”(Image: Channel 4)

Chloe then proceeded down the hill, turning her over her armband, and began walking in the opposite direction. She expressed shock by saying, “F*** off, this is the worst thing I’ve ever done.”

It wasn’t long before the tough conditions were too much for another contestant, as a few minutes later, Chloe was joined by another former Love Island star. Tasha Ghouri was also clearly struggling as the DS told her to “dig deep” as she started to fall behind the group.

Tasha Ghouri was also struggling and left the show shortly after Chloe
Tasha Ghouri was also struggling and left the show shortly after Chloe(Image: Channel 4)

Tasha then raised her armband and threatened to sue the DS. She stated, “I’m not mentally present. Before she headed back down the hill to reunite with Chloe, she said, “I’m not mentally here to do this.”

Continue reading the article.

When Tasha asked Chloe, “You have to be so mentally strong to do this,” she replied, “And physically.

Lizzo admits ‘I still think I’m big’ as she shares candid revelations about weight loss

Lizzo, the star of Damn Time, admitted that her weight loss journey hasn’t been easy, but she revealed she had lost 16 percent of her body fat over the course of two years in 2025.

Lizzo admits her weight loss journey hasn’t been easy(Image: Women’s Health)

Singer, Lizzo, has admitted she still thinks of herself as ‘big’ despite losing a reported 60 pounds over two years. The About Damn Time star, 37, has spoken openly about her weight loss journey, revealing she had lost 16 per cent of her body fat over two years.

Lizzo now says she “never regrets a workout” and allows herself to enjoy food “without overindulging”. However, years of speculating about the star’s body lead the singer to harbour some ‘dark thoughts’ as she heartbreakingly admitted: “If everyone hates you and thinks you’re a terrible person, then what’s the point?’”

It comes after Lizzo explained she prefers to call her weight loss journey a process of ‘weight release’ after admitting she tried medication GLP-1 after shutting down endless rumours about her new appearance.

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Lizzo
Lizzo has spoken openly about her weight loss journey(Image: Women’s Health)

Speaking to Women’s Health UK, revealing she still thinks of herself as ‘big’ despite her weight loss, Lizzo said: “I like how I look now. I still think I’m big. I’m still wearing plus-size clothing. I have the same rolls. I got the same belly, the same thighs – I think I’m just a smaller version.”

Lizzo, who heartbreakingly admitted she would eat so much, admitted that losing weight wasn’t easy. She explained how she had to deal with binge eating, and that she once had her stomach hurt. When I finished, I would feel so uneasy, difficult to breathe, and unknowable. It would be hidden by me.

Thankfully, Lizzo claims she has gained “inner confidence” and is now proud of who she has become. She does, however, make the point that you can’t rely on other people to make you feel good and that no matter how big or small, I can still be beautiful and strong. However, it was difficult to remember that you can’t let others know who you are.

Lizzo
Years of speculating about Lizzo’s appearance have taken its toll on the star(Image: Women’s Health)

Years of speculating about the star’s appearance have culminated in Lizzo admitting she “tried everything” to achieve the dramatic weight loss that has dumfounded her fans.

She told Trisha Paytas’ Just Trish podcast that she began to take weight loss medication at the outset of her weight loss journey in 2023. But despite taking it she soon came to the conclusion that it was not a long-term solution.

She said: “I tried everything. Ozempic works because you eat less food, yeah? So if you eat right, it makes you feel full. But if you can just do that on your own and get mind over matter, it’s the same thing.”

Lizzo also rebuffed anyone who claimed that taking GLP-1 medication was “cheating,” claiming that this was a “fat phobic” dose. It’s difficult, they say. To assist someone in a problem, it’s a drug. When you tell someone they’re cheating, I believe people are acting fat phobic.

Continue reading the article.

Instead, the singer changed her diet to help her achieve her goals. The Good as Hell star had been a vegan for three years between 2020 and 2023, and he had been eating plant-based for many years.

* The full interview can be read in the September issue of Women’s Health UK, out now.

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Tendulkar leads praise for India after Test fightback in England

After squabbling an all-time classic Test series with England at the Oval on Monday, an euphoric India praised Shubman Gill and his men.

In their first Test series under Gill, who inherited a team that had been depleted by the retirement of batting legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two players who came before him in that capacity.

As a result of their batting order’s gaping holes, veteran seamer Mohammed Shami was declared unfit for the tour, while pace leader Jasprit Bumrah was only available for three of the five Tests as part of his workload management.

Gill and his men then won numerous memorable games at Edgbaston and the Oval to earn a 2-2 series draw and assure their loyal supporters that Indian cricket’s future was in good hands.

In the series finale, Mohammed Siraj’s tireless bowling team, which produced a six-run victory amid high drama, led by the unwavering success of the series.

The team’s great batting player Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute and described the offer as “absolute goosebumps”

“Series 2–2, Performance 10/10! INDIA SUPERMEN What a victory, the former India captain wrote on X.

Mohammed Siraj, an Indian player, celebrates with his teammates after taking Jamie Overton’s wicket in the fifth Test [Paul Childs/Reuters]

With four wickets in hand, England needed 35 runs on Monday to win the series, but Siraj struck three times to give his team a famous victory.

India staged a historic heist in a nail-biting, riveting match at England’s oldest test venue in the ominous Olde Blighty weather, according to the Hindustan Times newspaper.

Gill’s leadership as captain of a “gun team” was described in the Indian Express headline “Miracles Do Happen” and how the newspaper explained the incident.

The Hindu spoke passionately about the “Mission accomplished”

The best was saved for the last thanks to Shubman Gil’s men’s remarkable victory, it said, “after 25 days of riveting action.”

The young Indian team showed heart and character as it fought back from difficult circumstances to earn the honors, according to the statement.

India's Mohammed Siraj poses after winning the player of the match award after India won the match to draw the test series
Mohammed Siraj of India poses after winning the Test series match against India. [Paul Childs/Reuters]

Stacey Solomon’s sister shares lifelong battle to gain weight with before and after photos

Jemma Solomon’s sister, who described her lifelong struggle to gain weight as “I’ve never been in the 8 stone weight bracket,” has provided her fans with in-depth information on her journey.

Stacey Solomon’s sister shares lifelong battle to gain weight (Image: Instagram)

Reality star Stacey Solomon’s sister Jemma has opened up online about a huge struggle which saw her battling to put on any weight. Jemma shared personal details on her journey as well as showing off her transformation snaps.

Jemma, who is known as the ‘Label Lady’ after creating her own label-making company, has been honest with her fans about her struggles in the past and took to Instagram on Monday to share her progress.

The Loose Women star’s sister shared a before-and-after picture of her weight transformation as she said seeing the photos makes her ‘realise how far’ she has come in her weight gain journey. In a lengthy caption, Jemma revealed that she is now 54kg, as she declared it ‘looks good on me’ and said it is time she ‘turned the weight gain into muscle’. It comes after Kerry Katona revealed her own health struggle after splitting from ex-fiancé.

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Jemma revealed that she is now 54kg
Jemma revealed that she is now 54kg(Image: Instagram)

Jemma wrote: “I realize how far I have come, and believe me, I don’t have many mirror selfies!” (Scroll to the end) And since I’m finally gaining weight, I need to put on muscle and become stronger.

Jemma continued, “I don’t really have an end weight goal, I’ve never been in the 8 stone weight bracket,” enlarging more about her journey and what she is hoping to achieve.

That is an accomplishment I’m extremely proud of, to be sure! You all know what I mean, but I do want to be able to complete a 5k run without fear of failure! And be able to do weights consistently and comfortably, forming a part of my routine.

Jemma said 'I’ve never been in the 8 stone weight bracket'
Jemma said ‘I’ve never been in the 8 stone weight bracket’(Image: Instagram)

Jemma continued, “I know I ramble on and share a lot about this journey, but I’m seeing change because it’s been the most difficult one so far.” and beginning to experience it. I’ve been told for too long whether or not I need a burger or how lucky I am to be skinny.

“I’m going to start being proud and happy with my body and using it to its fullest potential.”

Jemma thanked her followers for “championing her” and said she appreciates “every comment.” She finished the post.

Jemma finished the post by thanking her followers for ‘championing her’ and said she appreciates ‘every comment’
Jemma finished the post by thanking her followers for ‘championing her’ and said she appreciates ‘every comment’(Image: Instagram)
Continue reading the article.

Fans eluded fans’ efforts to show their support for the label-making entrepreneur, with one person saying, “I love seeing how much your confidence has grown and is still growing,” and another, “You look amazing and I love that bikini!” Well done, it just shows how determined and persistent you can be.

A third person added, “This is a very inspiring and positive message, and focusing on strength.”