Paris, April 10 (The Guardian) - Sebastian Coe has defended World Athletics’ decision to break with 128 years of Olympic tradition by becoming the first sport to give athletes prize money if they are victorious in Paris this summer.
Coe said the surprise move, under which gold medal-winning athletes in each of the sport’s 48 events will walk away with $50,000 (£39,360), was merely a reflection that the world has changed and said it was time his sport gave more to its stars.
However the decision clearly blindsided the International Olympic Committee, which has never awarded money for participating or winning a medal, as it believes that to compete at a Games is reward enough.
Asked whether the announcement would violate the Olympic spirit, Coe was clear. “I don’t think it does,” he replied.
“I came from an era where to compete for the UK, it was a second-class rail ticket, or a 5p per mile allowance, and you went for the one that was the best margin – and a 75p meal voucher,” he added. “My view is that the world has changed. It’s really important that where possible we create a sport that is financially viable for our competitors. This is the beginning of that.”
While some national federations and sponsors have offered Olympic bonuses for decades, it is the first time since the founding of the modern Games in 1896 that a gold medal will automatically come with a guaranteed monetary prize from a sport’s governing body.
“If I thought athletes were only competing because there was a financial pot at the end of the day, then I might take a very different view – but they are not,” said Coe. “I think this gives them a little bit more skin in the game.”
Coe, who won 1500m gold in 1980 and 1984 before leading London’s 2012 Olympic bid, admitted that he had not spoken to the IOC president, Thomas Bach, before making the decision. However he said that his chief executive, Jon Ridgeon, had spoken briefly to IOC’s games department. “I’m not across the conversation,” he said. “But I’m hoping that they would welcome that.”
He said that the $2.4m (£1.9m) in prize money would come from part of the money World Athletics gets from the IOC every four years to reward athletes.
Between 2017 and 2021, the IOC made $7.6bn in revenues from the Olympic Games. But in a terse statement in response to World Athletics’ decision, the IOC said it pumped nearly all the money it makes back into sports.
“The IOC redistributes 90% of all its income, in particular to the National Olympic Committees and International Federations,” it said. “This means that, every day, the equivalent of $4.2m goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.
“It is up to each IF and NOC to determine how to best serve their athletes and the global development of their sport.”
World Athletics has also promised to extend the cash prizes to Olympic silver and bronze medal winners at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Coe said that the $2.4m cost would come from part of the broadcast revenues it gets from the IOC every four years.
The move is likely to be widely supported by athletes. Last month Britain’s Josh Kerr called the lack of financial reward for becoming a double world champion in a global sport such as athletics “crazy” and there have long been demands for the IOC to allow athletes to relax its rules around prize money and how much athletes can do to promote their sponsors during the Games.
The move was welcomed by the former 110m world record-holder Colin Jackson, who won silver for Britain in the 1988 Olympics. “The top athletes help our sport and this is one way of athletics saying thank you for doing it,” he said. “The Olympics will always be great. And the money is coming from World Athletics. It keeps some purity in that sense.
“There are nations paying their athletes for winning gold medals. So why shouldn’t federations if they have the capacity to? I’m for it, it’s a good idea.”
That attitude was reflected by Coe, who called the move a “pivotal moment” for the sport of athletics.
“While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games, I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is,” he added.
]]>Paris, April 10 (The Guardian) - Sebastian Coe has defended World Athletics’ decision to break with 128 years of Olympic tradition by becoming the first sport to give athletes prize money if they are victorious in Paris this summer.
Coe said the surprise move, under which gold medal-winning athletes in each of the sport’s 48 events will walk away with $50,000 (£39,360), was merely a reflection that the world has changed and said it was time his sport gave more to its stars.
However the decision clearly blindsided the International Olympic Committee, which has never awarded money for participating or winning a medal, as it believes that to compete at a Games is reward enough.
Asked whether the announcement would violate the Olympic spirit, Coe was clear. “I don’t think it does,” he replied.
“I came from an era where to compete for the UK, it was a second-class rail ticket, or a 5p per mile allowance, and you went for the one that was the best margin – and a 75p meal voucher,” he added. “My view is that the world has changed. It’s really important that where possible we create a sport that is financially viable for our competitors. This is the beginning of that.”
While some national federations and sponsors have offered Olympic bonuses for decades, it is the first time since the founding of the modern Games in 1896 that a gold medal will automatically come with a guaranteed monetary prize from a sport’s governing body.
“If I thought athletes were only competing because there was a financial pot at the end of the day, then I might take a very different view – but they are not,” said Coe. “I think this gives them a little bit more skin in the game.”
Coe, who won 1500m gold in 1980 and 1984 before leading London’s 2012 Olympic bid, admitted that he had not spoken to the IOC president, Thomas Bach, before making the decision. However he said that his chief executive, Jon Ridgeon, had spoken briefly to IOC’s games department. “I’m not across the conversation,” he said. “But I’m hoping that they would welcome that.”
He said that the $2.4m (£1.9m) in prize money would come from part of the money World Athletics gets from the IOC every four years to reward athletes.
Between 2017 and 2021, the IOC made $7.6bn in revenues from the Olympic Games. But in a terse statement in response to World Athletics’ decision, the IOC said it pumped nearly all the money it makes back into sports.
“The IOC redistributes 90% of all its income, in particular to the National Olympic Committees and International Federations,” it said. “This means that, every day, the equivalent of $4.2m goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.
“It is up to each IF and NOC to determine how to best serve their athletes and the global development of their sport.”
World Athletics has also promised to extend the cash prizes to Olympic silver and bronze medal winners at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Coe said that the $2.4m cost would come from part of the broadcast revenues it gets from the IOC every four years.
The move is likely to be widely supported by athletes. Last month Britain’s Josh Kerr called the lack of financial reward for becoming a double world champion in a global sport such as athletics “crazy” and there have long been demands for the IOC to allow athletes to relax its rules around prize money and how much athletes can do to promote their sponsors during the Games.
The move was welcomed by the former 110m world record-holder Colin Jackson, who won silver for Britain in the 1988 Olympics. “The top athletes help our sport and this is one way of athletics saying thank you for doing it,” he said. “The Olympics will always be great. And the money is coming from World Athletics. It keeps some purity in that sense.
“There are nations paying their athletes for winning gold medals. So why shouldn’t federations if they have the capacity to? I’m for it, it’s a good idea.”
That attitude was reflected by Coe, who called the move a “pivotal moment” for the sport of athletics.
“While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games, I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is,” he added.
]]>
With 21 teams and over 350 athletes, including representatives from the tri forces, universities, clubs, and schools, the competition was fierce.
In a showcase of dominance, the senior men's and women's categories were claimed by the formidable Sri Lanka Army, while the intermediate category was secured by the Sri Lanka Navy. However, it was the junior division that saw some remarkable performances.
The junior boys' overall championship was clinched by the Asian International School (AIS), with Ladies College Colombo emerging victorious in the girls' overall championship. Among the standout events in the junior category were the School Boy Scull and School Girl Scull events.
One name that stood out amidst the talented field was Havishka Perera, a 15-year-old prodigy from the British School in Colombo. Havishka, who trains under the Sri Lanka Junior pool and Diyawanna Rowing Academy, showcased her prowess by claiming multiple titles.
Havishka secured the Best Junior Girl Rower award by dominating the School Girl Scull event, setting a new Sri Lankan junior record with a remarkable time of 8 minutes and 39 seconds. She further solidified her status as the best junior single scull rower by clinching the gold medal in the Under-18 Girls Single Scull event, clocking in at 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
This isn't Havishka's first taste of success on the international stage. Having represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Rowing Championship in Thailand last year, she has been steadily adding to her collection of national medals since 2022. (Pix by: Waruna Wanniarachchi)
]]>With 21 teams and over 350 athletes, including representatives from the tri forces, universities, clubs, and schools, the competition was fierce.
In a showcase of dominance, the senior men's and women's categories were claimed by the formidable Sri Lanka Army, while the intermediate category was secured by the Sri Lanka Navy. However, it was the junior division that saw some remarkable performances.
The junior boys' overall championship was clinched by the Asian International School (AIS), with Ladies College Colombo emerging victorious in the girls' overall championship. Among the standout events in the junior category were the School Boy Scull and School Girl Scull events.
One name that stood out amidst the talented field was Havishka Perera, a 15-year-old prodigy from the British School in Colombo. Havishka, who trains under the Sri Lanka Junior pool and Diyawanna Rowing Academy, showcased her prowess by claiming multiple titles.
Havishka secured the Best Junior Girl Rower award by dominating the School Girl Scull event, setting a new Sri Lankan junior record with a remarkable time of 8 minutes and 39 seconds. She further solidified her status as the best junior single scull rower by clinching the gold medal in the Under-18 Girls Single Scull event, clocking in at 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
This isn't Havishka's first taste of success on the international stage. Having represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Rowing Championship in Thailand last year, she has been steadily adding to her collection of national medals since 2022. (Pix by: Waruna Wanniarachchi)
]]>
Apr. 9 (BBC) - Security will be increased at Champions League games this week after a media outlet supporting the Islamic State group published threats against venues.
Ministers in both France and Spain have confirmed enhanced security measures.
A pro-IS media channel has published several images of stadiums hosting quarter-final ties on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Uefa said it was aware of the threats, but said games in Madrid, Paris and London would go ahead as planned.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said there would be "considerably reinforced" security measures in place when PSG play Barcelona in Paris on Wednesday.
Mr Darmanin continued: "I will remind you that only 10 days ago, IS shared a picture of the Munich stadium and said action should be taken against sports venues that host football games - although all sports can be targeted. Given how important the Champions League is for football, we are of course talking to our partners."
Two quarter-finals are due to be held in Madrid this week. Real Madrid host Manchester City on Tuesday, while Atletico Madrid take on Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
Pilar Alegría, Spain's sports minister, has issued a message of "calm" ahead of the games in Madrid and said "more than 2,000 police and civil guard officers" are being deployed.
The acting mayor of Madrid, Inmaculada Sanz, told Spanish media there was no specific threat afoot, adding the terrorist alert level in Spain was four out of five, which is classified as high risk.
"These announcements are usually propaganda actions to provoke fear," she said.
"Both the security forces and the intelligence services are studying any possible threat, but there is nothing that makes us foresee a situation of special risk."
Live: Champions league build-up and football latest
Arsenal play Bayern Munich in London on Tuesday. Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: "We're aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London.
"However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight's match and we continue to work closely alongside the club's security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully."
The pro-IS channel featured images of the Emirates Stadium in London, the Bernabeu and Metropolitano Stadiums in Madrid, as well as the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris.
The threatening jihadist images shared this week did not refer to any particular match or event and were posted by pro-IS media groups not officially linked to the organisation itself.
However, it is thought the directive to publish the threats may have come from IS itself, as its leadership recently hinted at close co-ordination between official media operatives and online supporters.
Material seeking to incite attacks on channels with long-standing ties to the group have increased in the wake of last month's Moscow concert hall attack, according to specialists at the BBC's Monitoring service.
Another image shared last week depicted the Allianz Arena in Munich, which is due to host Bayern Munich's return leg against Arsenal next week.
A spokesman for European football's governing body said: "Uefa is aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week's Uefa Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues.
"All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place."
Germany is set to host the Euro 2024 European Championships later this year.
When asked last month about threats to stadium security, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the "dangers have reached a new level". "The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats," she added.
Ahead of Arsenal's match later against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, a spokesperson said venue staff were "working closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all our matches".
"Our planning for tonight's fixture is no different and our approach, working together with the Police and UEFA, is proportionate to the current UK threat level."
The Deputy Assistant Commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, Ade Adelekan, has said officers have "a robust policing plan" in place for Tuesday's match, but has asked the public to "remain vigilant" at the event.
"The UK terrorism threat level remains at 'substantial', meaning an attack is likely, and we work closely with colleagues from across Counter-Terrorism Policing in planning for events here in London, to take into account any relevant information that could help us to keep those attending safe," he said in a statement.
]]>Apr. 9 (BBC) - Security will be increased at Champions League games this week after a media outlet supporting the Islamic State group published threats against venues.
Ministers in both France and Spain have confirmed enhanced security measures.
A pro-IS media channel has published several images of stadiums hosting quarter-final ties on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Uefa said it was aware of the threats, but said games in Madrid, Paris and London would go ahead as planned.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said there would be "considerably reinforced" security measures in place when PSG play Barcelona in Paris on Wednesday.
Mr Darmanin continued: "I will remind you that only 10 days ago, IS shared a picture of the Munich stadium and said action should be taken against sports venues that host football games - although all sports can be targeted. Given how important the Champions League is for football, we are of course talking to our partners."
Two quarter-finals are due to be held in Madrid this week. Real Madrid host Manchester City on Tuesday, while Atletico Madrid take on Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
Pilar Alegría, Spain's sports minister, has issued a message of "calm" ahead of the games in Madrid and said "more than 2,000 police and civil guard officers" are being deployed.
The acting mayor of Madrid, Inmaculada Sanz, told Spanish media there was no specific threat afoot, adding the terrorist alert level in Spain was four out of five, which is classified as high risk.
"These announcements are usually propaganda actions to provoke fear," she said.
"Both the security forces and the intelligence services are studying any possible threat, but there is nothing that makes us foresee a situation of special risk."
Live: Champions league build-up and football latest
Arsenal play Bayern Munich in London on Tuesday. Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: "We're aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London.
"However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight's match and we continue to work closely alongside the club's security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully."
The pro-IS channel featured images of the Emirates Stadium in London, the Bernabeu and Metropolitano Stadiums in Madrid, as well as the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris.
The threatening jihadist images shared this week did not refer to any particular match or event and were posted by pro-IS media groups not officially linked to the organisation itself.
However, it is thought the directive to publish the threats may have come from IS itself, as its leadership recently hinted at close co-ordination between official media operatives and online supporters.
Material seeking to incite attacks on channels with long-standing ties to the group have increased in the wake of last month's Moscow concert hall attack, according to specialists at the BBC's Monitoring service.
Another image shared last week depicted the Allianz Arena in Munich, which is due to host Bayern Munich's return leg against Arsenal next week.
A spokesman for European football's governing body said: "Uefa is aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week's Uefa Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues.
"All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place."
Germany is set to host the Euro 2024 European Championships later this year.
When asked last month about threats to stadium security, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the "dangers have reached a new level". "The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats," she added.
Ahead of Arsenal's match later against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, a spokesperson said venue staff were "working closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all our matches".
"Our planning for tonight's fixture is no different and our approach, working together with the Police and UEFA, is proportionate to the current UK threat level."
The Deputy Assistant Commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, Ade Adelekan, has said officers have "a robust policing plan" in place for Tuesday's match, but has asked the public to "remain vigilant" at the event.
"The UK terrorism threat level remains at 'substantial', meaning an attack is likely, and we work closely with colleagues from across Counter-Terrorism Policing in planning for events here in London, to take into account any relevant information that could help us to keep those attending safe," he said in a statement.
]]>
Apr. 9 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Athletic (SLA) is optimistic they will qualify to participate in at least four events at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, SLA President Major General Palitha Fernando (Retired) said.
The deadline set by the IAAF to reach the Paris Olympic Games track and field events is June 30.
The qualifying period for the Paris Olympic Games athletics events is from June 30 2023 to June 30 2024, but none of the Sri Lankan athletes have reached the required standards.
A 36-member elite athletic pool set up by the SLA is currently training while targeting the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The SLA is hopeful that elite athletes including Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Yupun Abeykoon (100m Men), Hangzhou Asian Games Gold Medallist Tharushi Karunarathna (800m Women), Hangzhou Asian Games Silver Medallist Dilhani Lekamge (javelin throw Women) and the Hangzhou Bronze Medallist 4X400m Men’s Relay Team will be able to improve their performances in the upcoming international athletic events.
Meanwhile, the IAAF World Athletic Relay Championships, which will be held from May 4 to 5 at the Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau Bahamas, will be the final Olympics Qualifying Relay event.
The Sri Lanka 4X400m Men’s Relay Team will include Kalinga Kumarage, Aruna Dharshana, Rajitha Rajakaruna, Dinuka Deshan and Pasindu Kodikara.
]]>Apr. 9 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Athletic (SLA) is optimistic they will qualify to participate in at least four events at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, SLA President Major General Palitha Fernando (Retired) said.
The deadline set by the IAAF to reach the Paris Olympic Games track and field events is June 30.
The qualifying period for the Paris Olympic Games athletics events is from June 30 2023 to June 30 2024, but none of the Sri Lankan athletes have reached the required standards.
A 36-member elite athletic pool set up by the SLA is currently training while targeting the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The SLA is hopeful that elite athletes including Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Yupun Abeykoon (100m Men), Hangzhou Asian Games Gold Medallist Tharushi Karunarathna (800m Women), Hangzhou Asian Games Silver Medallist Dilhani Lekamge (javelin throw Women) and the Hangzhou Bronze Medallist 4X400m Men’s Relay Team will be able to improve their performances in the upcoming international athletic events.
Meanwhile, the IAAF World Athletic Relay Championships, which will be held from May 4 to 5 at the Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau Bahamas, will be the final Olympics Qualifying Relay event.
The Sri Lanka 4X400m Men’s Relay Team will include Kalinga Kumarage, Aruna Dharshana, Rajitha Rajakaruna, Dinuka Deshan and Pasindu Kodikara.
]]>
Apr. 9 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka U19 Women’s left and right arm spin pair Chamodi Munasinghe and Dewmi Wijeratne wrecked the England U19 Women batting to guide the side to a big 108 run win in the U19 Women’s Tri Nation ODI encounter played at the Galle Internatinal Stadium.
Fourteen year old Munasinghe a schoolgirl hailing from remote Kumbukkenen in the Monaragala district ended with a five wicket haul while Wijeratne bagged four as the duo combined to bowl out the England U19 Women chasing a target of 227 runs to bundle them out for a low score of 118 runs.
The foundation for the win was laid by Rashmika Sewwandi who made a 56 ball knock of 59 that included nine boundaries after two valuable partnerships put on by the top order batting.
The first was an opening wicket stand of 63 runs between Sanjana Kavindi and Sumudu Nisansala and the other of 54 runs for the fourth wicket between skipper Manudi Nanayakkara and Dewmi Wijeratne.
Later Sewwndi shared two brief partnerships of 40 runs for the sixth wicket with Rashmi Nethranjalai and 38 runs for the seventh wicket with Rishmi Sanjana for Sri Lanka U19 Women taikng first lease of the wicket to make a score of 226 runs.
Scores:
- Sri Lanka U19 Women 226 in 48.4 overs (Rashmika Sewwandi 59, Sanjana Kavindi 27, Sumudu Nisansala 27, Manudi Nanayakkara 25, Dewmi Wijeratne 25 : Charis Pevely 2/16, Amu Surenkumar 2/21, Sophia Smale 2/34)
- England U19 Women 118 in 23.3 overs (Jodi Grewcock 26, Amu Surenkumar 25: Chamodi Munasinghe 5/42, Dewmi Wijeratne 4/43)
]]>Apr. 9 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka U19 Women’s left and right arm spin pair Chamodi Munasinghe and Dewmi Wijeratne wrecked the England U19 Women batting to guide the side to a big 108 run win in the U19 Women’s Tri Nation ODI encounter played at the Galle Internatinal Stadium.
Fourteen year old Munasinghe a schoolgirl hailing from remote Kumbukkenen in the Monaragala district ended with a five wicket haul while Wijeratne bagged four as the duo combined to bowl out the England U19 Women chasing a target of 227 runs to bundle them out for a low score of 118 runs.
The foundation for the win was laid by Rashmika Sewwandi who made a 56 ball knock of 59 that included nine boundaries after two valuable partnerships put on by the top order batting.
The first was an opening wicket stand of 63 runs between Sanjana Kavindi and Sumudu Nisansala and the other of 54 runs for the fourth wicket between skipper Manudi Nanayakkara and Dewmi Wijeratne.
Later Sewwndi shared two brief partnerships of 40 runs for the sixth wicket with Rashmi Nethranjalai and 38 runs for the seventh wicket with Rishmi Sanjana for Sri Lanka U19 Women taikng first lease of the wicket to make a score of 226 runs.
Scores:
- Sri Lanka U19 Women 226 in 48.4 overs (Rashmika Sewwandi 59, Sanjana Kavindi 27, Sumudu Nisansala 27, Manudi Nanayakkara 25, Dewmi Wijeratne 25 : Charis Pevely 2/16, Amu Surenkumar 2/21, Sophia Smale 2/34)
- England U19 Women 118 in 23.3 overs (Jodi Grewcock 26, Amu Surenkumar 25: Chamodi Munasinghe 5/42, Dewmi Wijeratne 4/43)
]]>
Apr. 9 - Having reversed their decisions of retiring from international cricket, fast bowler Mohammad Amir and left-arm spinner Imad Wasim were recalled to the 17-member Pakistan Squad for the five-match Twenty20I series against New Zealand, starting on April 18.
The 10-day series will feature three games in Rawalpindi and two games in Lahore.
Amir, who was convicted for spot-fixing charges and also briefly did jail time in England, last played international cricket in 2020 before calling it quits to ply his trade in T20 leagues.
He retired from international cricket due to his differences with erstwhile coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.
Imad, a spin all-rounder, had retired from international cricket in November 2023 but took back his retirement after persuasion from the board and selectors after he had a productive Pakistan Super League (PSL), in which his team won the title.
The selection committee comprising Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz and Bilal Afzal told media that those who have performed consistently have been rewarded.
They also called up uncapped batters Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi and spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Wahab defended Amir’s selection who was roundly criticised recently by former Test captain and commentator, Ramiz Raja, for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.
Ramiz had said if he had been in charge and even if his son had done spot-fixing, he would never have allowed him back into the team.
The team selection was done by majority voting for the first time in Pakistan’s cricket history. In the past, the chief selector had the final say. (Agencies)
]]>Apr. 9 - Having reversed their decisions of retiring from international cricket, fast bowler Mohammad Amir and left-arm spinner Imad Wasim were recalled to the 17-member Pakistan Squad for the five-match Twenty20I series against New Zealand, starting on April 18.
The 10-day series will feature three games in Rawalpindi and two games in Lahore.
Amir, who was convicted for spot-fixing charges and also briefly did jail time in England, last played international cricket in 2020 before calling it quits to ply his trade in T20 leagues.
He retired from international cricket due to his differences with erstwhile coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.
Imad, a spin all-rounder, had retired from international cricket in November 2023 but took back his retirement after persuasion from the board and selectors after he had a productive Pakistan Super League (PSL), in which his team won the title.
The selection committee comprising Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz and Bilal Afzal told media that those who have performed consistently have been rewarded.
They also called up uncapped batters Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi and spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Wahab defended Amir’s selection who was roundly criticised recently by former Test captain and commentator, Ramiz Raja, for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal.
Ramiz had said if he had been in charge and even if his son had done spot-fixing, he would never have allowed him back into the team.
The team selection was done by majority voting for the first time in Pakistan’s cricket history. In the past, the chief selector had the final say. (Agencies)
]]>
April 09 - Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed Sri Lankan leggie Vijayakanth Viyaskanth as replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga for the remainder of IPL 2024.
Hasaranga was set to represent SRH for the first time in his IPL career after being bought by the 2016 champions for Rs 1.5 crore at the players’ auction last December.
However, a chronic pain in his left foot ended his hopes of playing any role for his new franchise in the ongoing season.
Hasaranga represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru for two seasons after being bought at an astronomical price of Rs 10.75 crore at the 2022 players’ auction.
The legspinner had an excellent maiden season for RCB, taking 26 wickets but played limited role last year following which he was released.
]]>April 09 - Sunrisers Hyderabad have signed Sri Lankan leggie Vijayakanth Viyaskanth as replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga for the remainder of IPL 2024.
Hasaranga was set to represent SRH for the first time in his IPL career after being bought by the 2016 champions for Rs 1.5 crore at the players’ auction last December.
However, a chronic pain in his left foot ended his hopes of playing any role for his new franchise in the ongoing season.
Hasaranga represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru for two seasons after being bought at an astronomical price of Rs 10.75 crore at the 2022 players’ auction.
The legspinner had an excellent maiden season for RCB, taking 26 wickets but played limited role last year following which he was released.
]]>
Apr. 9 (BBC) - World Netball has banned transgender women from competing in women's international competition.
The ban comes in with immediate effect after the global governing body released a new participation and inclusion policy on Monday.
World Netball said that after a lengthy consultation process it had determined international women's netball was a "gender affected activity".
A new policy was required to ensure "fairness and safety", it added.
Women's netball at international level will now be restricted to players "recorded as female at birth irrespective of gender identity" or transgender athletes who can demonstrate to World Netball's satisfaction "they have not experienced the biological effects of testosterone at any time".
"Following detailed review of the science and consultation with experts and members, it has determined that international level women's netball is a gender affected activity and that a policy is required (to) ensure fairness and safety at this level of our sport," World Netball said in a statement.
"World Netball believes that the research on which it has relied is robust, it comprises many research studies, all of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals and come from multiple distinct research groups around the world."
World Netball said national governing bodies could choose to "modify or even not apply these guidelines" if they decided to base their participation rules on other factors.
The international policy, which follows similar moves by other sports, will be reviewed annually by World Netball.
In June 2022, swimming's world governing body Fina voted to stop transgender athletes from competing in women's elite events if they had gone through any part of the process of male puberty.
The Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union also banned transgender women from competing in female-only forms of their games.
World Athletics banned transgender women from competing in the female category at international events, while world cycling's governing body the UCI ruled transgender women would be prevented from competing in female events.
Transgender women have also been barred by the International Cricket Council from playing in international women's matches.
]]>Apr. 9 (BBC) - World Netball has banned transgender women from competing in women's international competition.
The ban comes in with immediate effect after the global governing body released a new participation and inclusion policy on Monday.
World Netball said that after a lengthy consultation process it had determined international women's netball was a "gender affected activity".
A new policy was required to ensure "fairness and safety", it added.
Women's netball at international level will now be restricted to players "recorded as female at birth irrespective of gender identity" or transgender athletes who can demonstrate to World Netball's satisfaction "they have not experienced the biological effects of testosterone at any time".
"Following detailed review of the science and consultation with experts and members, it has determined that international level women's netball is a gender affected activity and that a policy is required (to) ensure fairness and safety at this level of our sport," World Netball said in a statement.
"World Netball believes that the research on which it has relied is robust, it comprises many research studies, all of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals and come from multiple distinct research groups around the world."
World Netball said national governing bodies could choose to "modify or even not apply these guidelines" if they decided to base their participation rules on other factors.
The international policy, which follows similar moves by other sports, will be reviewed annually by World Netball.
In June 2022, swimming's world governing body Fina voted to stop transgender athletes from competing in women's elite events if they had gone through any part of the process of male puberty.
The Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union also banned transgender women from competing in female-only forms of their games.
World Athletics banned transgender women from competing in the female category at international events, while world cycling's governing body the UCI ruled transgender women would be prevented from competing in female events.
Transgender women have also been barred by the International Cricket Council from playing in international women's matches.
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(ICC) - Sri Lanka Women’s team captain Chamari Athapaththu has cleared the air about her future in international cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu has her focus entirely on the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, after which she will decide her future in international cricket.
Athapaththu stirred up speculation within the cricketing community by dropping hints about retirement in a now-deleted Facebook post, where she mentioned 'last duty for my country' following Sri Lanka's remarkable T20I series victory over South Africa.
Now, prior to the ODI series against South Africa, the 34-year-old emphasised that her primary focus lies on the upcoming commitments for Sri Lanka
"I'm still not decided [on retirement]," Athapaththu said on the eve of the first ODI against the Proteas. "We can talk about it later. At the moment, I'm focused on the [South Africa] ODIs and World Cup qualifiers. Let's see in the future."
Sri Lanka will have Athapaththu at the helm at least until the Qualifiers, where they will need to reach the finals to book their berth for the main tournament to be played later this year in Bangladesh.
In the Qualifiers to be played in the UAE starting on 25 April, Sri Lanka are placed in Group A alongside Scotland, Thailand, Uganda and USA. The top two teams from the two groups will reach the semi-final stage.
The skipper expressed confidence in her team's performance ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, highlighting the adaptability needed to succeed in the conditions UAE has to offer.
“I'm pretty confident about my group,” Athapaththu added. “We've played really good cricket so far. But the UAE has different conditions and is really good for the batters. Every team goes to qualifiers to win so we have to play our best cricket in World Cup qualifiers as well. I'm pretty confident about my bowling unit and batting unit."
Athapaththu has proved to be an inspirational leader for Sri Lanka and has been credited for turning them into a formidable side in recent years. This transformation has been underscored by several accolades, including a historic first-ever T20I series win over England in England, an ODI series win against New Zealand at home and most recently, T20I series win over South Africa, which was the Islanders’ first-ever bilateral series victory over the Proteas in any format of Women’s cricket.
]]>(ICC) - Sri Lanka Women’s team captain Chamari Athapaththu has cleared the air about her future in international cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu has her focus entirely on the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, after which she will decide her future in international cricket.
Athapaththu stirred up speculation within the cricketing community by dropping hints about retirement in a now-deleted Facebook post, where she mentioned 'last duty for my country' following Sri Lanka's remarkable T20I series victory over South Africa.
Now, prior to the ODI series against South Africa, the 34-year-old emphasised that her primary focus lies on the upcoming commitments for Sri Lanka
"I'm still not decided [on retirement]," Athapaththu said on the eve of the first ODI against the Proteas. "We can talk about it later. At the moment, I'm focused on the [South Africa] ODIs and World Cup qualifiers. Let's see in the future."
Sri Lanka will have Athapaththu at the helm at least until the Qualifiers, where they will need to reach the finals to book their berth for the main tournament to be played later this year in Bangladesh.
In the Qualifiers to be played in the UAE starting on 25 April, Sri Lanka are placed in Group A alongside Scotland, Thailand, Uganda and USA. The top two teams from the two groups will reach the semi-final stage.
The skipper expressed confidence in her team's performance ahead of the World Cup qualifiers, highlighting the adaptability needed to succeed in the conditions UAE has to offer.
“I'm pretty confident about my group,” Athapaththu added. “We've played really good cricket so far. But the UAE has different conditions and is really good for the batters. Every team goes to qualifiers to win so we have to play our best cricket in World Cup qualifiers as well. I'm pretty confident about my bowling unit and batting unit."
Athapaththu has proved to be an inspirational leader for Sri Lanka and has been credited for turning them into a formidable side in recent years. This transformation has been underscored by several accolades, including a historic first-ever T20I series win over England in England, an ODI series win against New Zealand at home and most recently, T20I series win over South Africa, which was the Islanders’ first-ever bilateral series victory over the Proteas in any format of Women’s cricket.
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Colombo, April 8 (Daily Mirror)- Sri Lanka's cricket sensation, Kamindu Mendis, has secured the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for March 2024.
Mendis triumphed over formidable contenders, including Ireland's Mark Adair and New Zealand's Matt Henry, to clinch the coveted title.
His stellar performance on the field throughout the month captivated fans and critics alike, solidifying his reputation as one of Sri Lanka's most promising batters.
The announcement, made by the International Cricket Council (ICC), highlights Mendis's remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport, further cementing his status as a rising star in international cricket.
]]>Colombo, April 8 (Daily Mirror)- Sri Lanka's cricket sensation, Kamindu Mendis, has secured the ICC Men's Player of the Month Award for March 2024.
Mendis triumphed over formidable contenders, including Ireland's Mark Adair and New Zealand's Matt Henry, to clinch the coveted title.
His stellar performance on the field throughout the month captivated fans and critics alike, solidifying his reputation as one of Sri Lanka's most promising batters.
The announcement, made by the International Cricket Council (ICC), highlights Mendis's remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport, further cementing his status as a rising star in international cricket.
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Apr. 5 (Daily Mirror) - The Asia Rugby (AR) Men’s 15-A-Side Division 1 Championship 2024 will commence on April 30 at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo.
Host Sri Lanka, Qatar, Kazakhstan and India will participate in this four-nation tournament.
Originally, this year’s AR Men’s Division 1 Tournament was to be contested between Sri Lanka, Qatar and Pakistan. However, Pakistan withdrew from this year’s competition.
At the same time, the AR Men’s Division 2 competition also ended up with only two teams - Kazakhstan and India - available to compete as Iran withdrew from this year’s competition.
The AR Division 1 will now take place in a knock-out format with Qatar taking on Kazakhstan in the first semi-final and Sri Lanka will face India in the second semi-final under lights.
On May 5, the losing semi-finalists will play for third place while the winners will play for the final and promotion for the AR Top-4 in 2025.
Sri Lanka last competed in the AR Men’s Division 1 Championship five years ago in 2019 in Chinese Taipei.
Sri Lanka lost in the semi-final to the Philippines 39-22 but came back strongly to take third place by beating the hosts, Chinese Taipei 72-17.
Since then, Sri Lanka have not been able to compete, due to the cancellation of all rugby activity due to the pandemic and then due to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) suspension by AR and World Rugby over governance issues.
The schedule:
- April 30: Kazakhstan vs Qatar at 4.00 p.m. Sri Lanka vs India at 6.00 p.m.
- May 5: Loser of match 1 vs loser of match 2. Winner of match 1 vs winner of match 2.
]]>Apr. 5 (Daily Mirror) - The Asia Rugby (AR) Men’s 15-A-Side Division 1 Championship 2024 will commence on April 30 at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo.
Host Sri Lanka, Qatar, Kazakhstan and India will participate in this four-nation tournament.
Originally, this year’s AR Men’s Division 1 Tournament was to be contested between Sri Lanka, Qatar and Pakistan. However, Pakistan withdrew from this year’s competition.
At the same time, the AR Men’s Division 2 competition also ended up with only two teams - Kazakhstan and India - available to compete as Iran withdrew from this year’s competition.
The AR Division 1 will now take place in a knock-out format with Qatar taking on Kazakhstan in the first semi-final and Sri Lanka will face India in the second semi-final under lights.
On May 5, the losing semi-finalists will play for third place while the winners will play for the final and promotion for the AR Top-4 in 2025.
Sri Lanka last competed in the AR Men’s Division 1 Championship five years ago in 2019 in Chinese Taipei.
Sri Lanka lost in the semi-final to the Philippines 39-22 but came back strongly to take third place by beating the hosts, Chinese Taipei 72-17.
Since then, Sri Lanka have not been able to compete, due to the cancellation of all rugby activity due to the pandemic and then due to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) suspension by AR and World Rugby over governance issues.
The schedule:
- April 30: Kazakhstan vs Qatar at 4.00 p.m. Sri Lanka vs India at 6.00 p.m.
- May 5: Loser of match 1 vs loser of match 2. Winner of match 1 vs winner of match 2.
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Apr. 5 (Daily Mirror) - Lucy Hamilton was in top form as she shone in Australia Under-19 Women’s 88-run win against Sri Lanka Under-19 Women in the first one day match of the Under-19 Women’s Tri-Nation series encounter played at the Galle Stadium.
Lucy cracked a 95-ball 80 inclusive of 10 boundaries as Australia Under-19 Women, taking first lease of the wicket went on to make 228 runs.
Sri Lanka Under-19 Women in their run chase collapsed to 71 for six at the half way stage of the innings and they were eventually dismissed for 140 despite a fighting 54 from Sanjana Kavindi.
Chief scores
Australia Under-19 Women: 228 in 48.5 overs (Lucy Hamilton 80, Grace Lyons 39, Hasrat Gill 29, Ella Briscoe 27, Chamodi Munasinghe 3/34, Shashini Gimhani 3/48, Hiruni Hansika 2/38)
Sri Lanka Under-19 Women: 140 in 44 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 54, Hiruni Hansika 22 n.o, Lucy Hamilton 3/18, Bonnie Berry 3/19).
]]>Apr. 5 (Daily Mirror) - Lucy Hamilton was in top form as she shone in Australia Under-19 Women’s 88-run win against Sri Lanka Under-19 Women in the first one day match of the Under-19 Women’s Tri-Nation series encounter played at the Galle Stadium.
Lucy cracked a 95-ball 80 inclusive of 10 boundaries as Australia Under-19 Women, taking first lease of the wicket went on to make 228 runs.
Sri Lanka Under-19 Women in their run chase collapsed to 71 for six at the half way stage of the innings and they were eventually dismissed for 140 despite a fighting 54 from Sanjana Kavindi.
Chief scores
Australia Under-19 Women: 228 in 48.5 overs (Lucy Hamilton 80, Grace Lyons 39, Hasrat Gill 29, Ella Briscoe 27, Chamodi Munasinghe 3/34, Shashini Gimhani 3/48, Hiruni Hansika 2/38)
Sri Lanka Under-19 Women: 140 in 44 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 54, Hiruni Hansika 22 n.o, Lucy Hamilton 3/18, Bonnie Berry 3/19).
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