分类： sports

A private cricket league in Indian-administered Kashmir has sparked outrage after its organizers abruptly abandoned the tournament, leaving players, support staff, and hotel owners unpaid. The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), organized by the Yuva Society from Punjab, initially showed promise with international cricket legends like Chris Gayle and Devon Smith participating in the opening matches. However, the league was halted after just 12 of the scheduled 20 matches, with organizers allegedly fleeing Kashmir on November 1, leaving behind unpaid bills and disgruntled participants. Local players reported poor attendance, with only 400-500 spectators at the opening match despite reduced ticket prices. Police have registered a case of cheating and breach of trust, launching an investigation into the incident. Parvez Rasool, a former international cricketer, criticized the poor management, while fast bowler Abid Nabi lamented the lost opportunity for local players to gain experience alongside international stars. The Radisson Collection Hotel in Srinagar, where organizers stayed, claimed they fled in the middle of the night, leaving behind unpaid dues. Umpire Mellissa Juniper revealed that around 40 players were stranded for hours before being allowed to leave, with unpaid wages totaling 5 million rupees ($56,430). Authorities in Kashmir have distanced themselves from the league, emphasizing their limited role in granting permissions. The incident has left local cricket enthusiasts disillusioned, with resident Tahir Hussain stating that the sudden collapse has shattered trust among players, fans, and the community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the victorious Indian women’s cricket team at his official residence on Wednesday, celebrating their historic win at the ICC Women’s World Cup. The team, which overcame a challenging start with three consecutive losses and faced significant online criticism, made a remarkable comeback to clinch the title. PM Modi lauded their resilience and determination, emphasizing their achievement as a source of national pride. The players presented the Prime Minister with a signed jersey bearing the inscription ‘Namo 1,’ symbolizing their gratitude and unity. The meeting was also attended by Mithun Manhas, President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflected on the team’s journey, recalling their previous meeting with PM Modi in 2017 after a heartbreaking loss in the World Cup final. She expressed joy at returning with the trophy this time and hoped for more such interactions in the future. Vice Captain Smriti Mandhana, who emerged as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, credited PM Modi’s motivational words as a driving force behind their success. She highlighted the broader impact of his leadership on empowering women across various fields.

Deepti Sharma, named ‘Player of the Tournament’ for her all-round performance, shared her excitement about meeting the Prime Minister again. She recounted his advice from 2017 to persevere and strive for excellence, which she believes played a pivotal role in their eventual triumph. PM Modi also praised Amanjot Kaur for her crucial catch in the final, which dismissed South Africa’s in-form captain Laura Wolvaardt, despite initial fumbles. The meeting underscored the team’s journey from adversity to glory and their role as inspirations for aspiring athletes nationwide.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ dramatic 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series captivated a global audience, averaging 51 million viewers across the United States, Canada, and Japan. This marks the most-watched World Series game since the 1991 showdown between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. In the U.S., the game drew an average of 27.33 million viewers on Fox Sports, Fox Deportes, and Fox’s streaming platforms, making it the second most-watched broadcast of the week. The game also saw a 16% increase in viewership compared to the 2019 Game 7 between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. In Canada, the game averaged 11.6 million viewers on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, becoming the most-watched English-language broadcast since the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Japan, where the game aired at 9 a.m. local time, recorded an average of 12 million viewers, following Game 6’s record-breaking 13.1 million viewership. The entire seven-game series averaged 15.71 million viewers on Fox, marking a 2% increase from last year’s Dodgers-Yankees series and the first consecutive year of audience growth since 2015-16. The MLB Postseason on Fox, FS1, and FS2 averaged 8.09 million viewers, an 8% increase from 2022, making it Fox’s best postseason since 2017. The World Series was broadcast in 203 countries and territories by 44 media partners in 16 languages, solidifying its global appeal.

Rory McIlroy, the current leader in the Race to Dubai Rankings, is set to compete in the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with his sights firmly set on the Falcon Trophy. Despite his impressive track record in the UAE, including seven DP World Tour victories—four Hero Dubai Desert Classic titles and three DP World Tour Championship wins—McIlroy has yet to claim victory in Abu Dhabi. This tournament remains a notable gap in his illustrious career, which boasts five Major Championships and 29 PGA TOUR victories.

McIlroy has come close to winning in Abu Dhabi on multiple occasions, with four runner-up finishes and five third-place finishes. Reflecting on his past performances, McIlroy noted that the tournament’s timing at the start of the year often left him less prepared than he would have liked. However, with the event now moved to the end of the season, he feels better positioned to finally secure the title. ‘I’ve been close,’ McIlroy stated in his pre-tournament press conference. ‘This year, I’m hoping to finally get that Falcon Trophy.’

The Northern Irishman enters the tournament with a commanding 441.32-point lead over England’s Marco Penge in the Race to Dubai Rankings. A strong performance could see McIlroy claim his seventh Harry Vardon Trophy, bringing him within one of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight season-long titles. ‘Getting to six last year and tying Seve was special, and now Monty’s record feels within reach,’ McIlroy added. ‘I’m excited for the challenge over these next couple of weeks.’

The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship offers fans an exceptional viewing experience, with general admission tickets free for the first two days and starting at just Dh 100 for the final two days. For those seeking a premium experience, the Championship Chalet on the 18th green provides five-star hospitality and unparalleled views of the action. Spectators can enjoy the air-conditioned chalet and a shaded balcony overlooking the final hole, making it the perfect spot to witness McIlroy’s quest for the Falcon Trophy.