Category Sports News

According to a significant report from the global players’ union, specific windows in the calendar for international games are among the improvements required for cricket to thrive globally.

With the rise of T20 leagues, the World Cricketers’ Association has released a six-month review of the elite level structure of the sport, claiming that the current state “puts the future of the international game in danger.”

The report recommends four short, annual international matches, with longer international matches or T20 leagues being available for the remainder of the year.

It also recommends divisions for each of the three international competitions, with promotion and relegation after the two-year cycles are over. This would also serve as the criteria for competing in major tournaments and competitions.

There are a number of positive cricket trends, but there is no denying that the world cricket is about to change, according to Paul Marsh, the committee’s chair.

The report was compiled after speaking with 64 industry stakeholders, including current and former administrators, media outlets, and prestigious players like Jos Buttler, Heather Knight, and Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain.

It criticizes the international leadership of the sport and calls for the ‘modernization’ of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The ICC appears to have been reluctant to discuss the initial findings and recommendations. One executive from an Indian Premier League franchise was also allowed to contribute, along with the other senior figures from the game’s global powerhouse.

The three biggest cricketing nations, England, India, and Australia, who according to the report claim to control 83% of global revenue, are at the forefront of the report’s emphasis.

The suggested changes, which also include a global growth and development fund and an equal share of revenue, “ensure the survival of international cricket,” “create an “easier to follow” calendar, and increase revenue by $ 240 million (£196 million), are claimed to increase revenue.

National boards are currently largely left to plan their own tours within the Future Tours Programme, while lucrative T20 franchise leagues dominate the remainder of the year.

Set windows, according to the report, would allow internationals to “coexist” with T20 leagues rather than compete against them, ensuring its future survival.

Additionally, it asserts that a structure overhaul that includes divisions with promotion and relegation across the board would give more context, risk, and interest.

As players, Knight, who was sacked as England captain last week, acknowledged that we have a responsibility to the game and that we are interested in seeing it succeed.

“A unified sport will produce better outcomes than a disjointed sport,” says the statement.

Rashid Khan, an Afghan leg-spinner, said: “I want to see it be strong and sustainable in more than just a few nations.

We urge the game’s leadership to take action based on the data and suggestions in this report.

Iga Swiatek, a five-time major champion, is being protected by increased security after a “traumatizing” fan verbally abused her at the Miami Open.

In a Saturday practice session, the man targeted Swiatek, 23, as well.

The man is said to have insulted Swiatek’s family in private.

The man’s representatives told BBC Sport that the world number two had previously abused her on social media.

The Polish player’s team said, “The incident in Miami appears to be a direct transition from verbal aggression online to harassment in the real world.”

“He was teasing and aggressive.”

The incident was immediately reported to tournament organizers, according to Swiatek’s representatives.

The second seed has advanced to the Miami Open quarter-finals, where she will face Alexandra Eala, a teenager from Philippines, on Wednesday, following the incident at the weekend.

“Security is our top priority,” he said. Her spokesperson said that we keep an eye on the network to catch these kinds of issues.

Threats, hate speech, or even disturbance during training are two things that cannot be condoned.

According to reports, the WTA and the tournament’s organizers immediately took additional security measures in place around the former world number one, who has since become a long-time player.

The Miami Open organizers stated to BBC Sport that everyone’s safety and security was taken “extremely seriously.”

In a statement, they said, “We constantly evaluate any potential threats and take every precaution to respond appropriately.”

The WTA echoed those assertions, saying that “comprehensive” security measures are in place to “promptly and effectively” deal with any incidents.

The WTA stated that while the details of these are not public, they remain true to our commitment to keeping a safe environment for both players and attendees of our events.

The most recent incident involving a WTA player is a stark reminder of the dangers that female athletes are exposed to regularly.

When she saw a man who she had already reported for “exhibiting fixated behavior” in the stands of her match in Dubai last month, Raducanu, 22, recoiled in horror.

Hurstville Oval, Sydney, hosts the first Women’s T20.

Australia A 117-6 (20 overs): Penna 27 (34), Gaur 2-10, Davis 2-16

England A 119-7 (19.1 overs): Scholfield 36 (29), Scrivens 35 (38), Flintoff 2-16

Three wickets separated England A.

In their first T20 match of their multi-format tour, England A held their resolve to defeat Australia A by three wickets.

The tourists needed 10 runs in the final three overs to win, but England only needed three after England’s tight bowling.

However, Bess Heath scored a four on the opening play of the 20th over to win.

Before Heath’s unbeaten 18 off 16 and her stand of 63 with Paige Scholfield, who hit 36 off 29, put England to victory, which was completed by Captain Grace Scrivens, who made 35 off 38 balls.

Given the turmoil surrounding the senior XI, this is a promising victory for a young England side, especially in the first of three T20s before three 50-over games and a four-day game.

After Australia humiliatingly won the Women’s Ashes 16-0 clean sweep, England are searching for a new coach and captain.

The younger England players have a chance to compete for seats in the senior side under the new leadership.

The 6’4″ and left-arm pace bowler Gaur, 19, has already shown signs of how dangerous her special abilities are in 26 senior white-ball games.

In a bowling total of just 10 runs, she hit Tahlia Wilson with the first delivery of the game before dismissing the hosts’ other opener Courtney Webb.

With Maddie Penna and Rhys McKenna removed, off-spinner Davis, who has only made one one-day international appearance, went for 16 from her three overs.

Issy Wong, a fast bowler who has struggled in form since 2023, attempted to rekindle her English career with a 0-30 record on four of her overs.

Even in chasing relatively low targets, England and Australia have struggled against them, but Scrivens and Scholfield, who are more experienced, largely eased any tension before being both dismissed by Lauren Cheatle in successive overs.

Heath didn’t feel alarmed despite three wickets being quickly lost and Wong being dismissed on the final ball of the 19th over.

Bryony Smith, who did not join the core group, has been declared out of the tour due to illness, but no replacement will be called up. England has confirmed this.

Aidy Boothroyd, the ex-Watford manager, claims he “doesn’t want pity” after revealing he has Parkinson’s disease and plans to continue coaching.

The 54-year-old claims that after seven months in charge of England’s under-21s, he was diagnosed three years ago with a routine health check.

The brain and nervous system are affected by Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition.

Following a “fit to manage” health check organized by the LMA, Boothroyd claimed he was “shocked” by his diagnosis in November 2021.

He was referred to a neurologist, but he was still anticipating a presentable health condition.

He said, “I initially believed everything to be alright, but then the bombshell hit.”

“It sticks in my mind.” It was pouring and raining. A terrible day was had. And the neuroscientist [the guy] said, “This is the picture of your brain,” not the normal brain. The difference is obvious. You suffer from Parkinson’s. I apologize very much.

I had no idea what to say or do. I had no idea what Parkinson’s was at all. My kids were the only things that struck me. What would come next, I was uncertain. I was shocked.

A person with Parkinson’s disease may exhibit a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

Facial masking, according to Boothroyd, is his primary sign, which affects the facial muscles and makes it difficult for others to interpret your mood.

He said, “My face could be smiling outwardly, but it’s actually not,” but he was right.

You’re not your normal self, you’re so quiet, I’ve heard it repeatedly.

Nothing about this is more unbelievable than that. I’m excited, excited. Although I still enjoy my job and working with people, the decision was difficult.

After taking a year-long coaching position with Sheffield United and Northern Ireland, Boothroyd decided to keep working despite the diagnosis. He spent the following year managing the Indian side Jamshedpur.

He claims that speaking out about his illness gives him a sense of relief, but he doesn’t want it to stop him from doing what he loves.

“I don’t want to saunter,” I said. He declared, “I don’t want pity.” “I’ll keep going, I’ll stay in shape.” I’ll work out whenever I can, with the hope that I’ll find employment with a purpose.

From 2005 to 2008, Boothroyd oversaw Watford, earning promotion to the Premier League in 2006 and reaching the FA Cup semi-final.

He also oversaw the youth teams for England, including Colchester United, Coventry City, and Northampton Town, from 2014 to 2021.

Since receiving his Parkinson’s diagnosis three years ago, LMA CEO Richard Bevan has observed an incredible level of optimism, resolve, and tenacity.

“We care deeply for all of our members, and Aidy’s attitude has inspired our entire team as we continue to support him and his family at this unexpected and difficult time,” said the team’s president.

Nearly 10 million people worldwide and more than 150, 000 in the UK are affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Although there are treatments to manage symptoms, there is no known cure or cure for the disease.

Alphonso Davies, a Munich, Bayern full-back, will need surgery to repair his cruciate ligament injury in his right knee for “several months.”

Davies was hurt on Sunday in Canada’s 2-1 Concacaf Nations League third-place play-off victory over the United States.

Dayot Upamecano, a Bayern defender, will also be sidelined for a number of weeks due to a knee problem that he picked up while on international duty with France.

Our squad is strong, and we will make up for these absences. We’ll work together even more closely now. We have the ability to carry on our lofty objectives.

Since joining Bayern from Vancouver Whitecaps at the age of 17, Davies has made 226 appearances.

To end rumors linking him to a move to Real Madrid, the 24-year-old signed a new five-year contract in February.

Since leaving RB Leipzig for a reported 42.5 million euros (£38 million) in 2021, Upamecano has made 147 Bayern appearances.

With eight games to go, Vincent Kompany’s team is six points clear of the top of the Bundesliga as they attempt to win the 34th German title.

In the Champions League quarter-finals, they also host Inter Milan, with the first leg taking place on April 8 in Munich.

The Nevada Athletic Commission has outlawed former UFC competitors Jeff Molina and Darrick Minner.

Minner, 34, was given a 29-month suspension for failing to report a “serious injury” prior to a UFC fight on November 5, 2022.

Molina, 27, has received a three-year suspension for backing his team-mate’s injury and placing a significant wager on Minner’s fight.

According to the Nevada Athletic Commission, Molina acknowledged the crime.

Minner was quickly completed by Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in round one despite missing out on a pre-fight medical questionnaire.

US Integrity identified the featherweight fight as a suspicious betting bet and launched an investigation into an illegal gambling arrangement involving UFC fighters and coaches.

Featherweight Molina’s suspension expires on November 5, 2025, while Minner can start fighting again on March 26, 2025.

Former UFC fighter turned coach James Krause served as Molina and Minner’s training partner.

Krause is being investigated for allegedly engaging in an illegal gambling ring, and the UFC has forbid cornerbacks from Krause’s gym sessions.