Sri Lanka launches inquiry into recent losses
Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera has revealed that they are initiating a probe into the woeful state of cricket on the island following a series of recent humiliating defeats. Sri Lanka had to face a humiliating 0-3 whitewash against India in the three-Test series and thus have been drawing flak both from former cricketers and fans. The defeat against the Virat Kohli-led side came after Sri Lanka lost a home ODI series to bottom-ranked Zimbabwe, and made an early exit from the Champions Trophy.
Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat bow out
Rio Olympic bronze-medallist Sakshi Malik suffered a major blow as she crashed out of the ongoing World Wrestling Championships after going down against Germany's Luisa Niemesch 2-3 in last-16 round of 60kg event on Thursday. Vinesh Phogat's campaign also came to an end as USA's Victoria Lacey Anthony slumped to a defeat against Yui Susaki of Japan in their last-eight clash, thus ending the Indian's hopes of competing in the repechage round.
UP Yoddha beat Titans in PKL
After four consecutive losses and a draw, hosts U.P. Yoddha finally managed to register a 25-23 win against Telugu Titans in the final match of the Lucknow leg of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 5 at the jampacked Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow on Thursday. Home skipper Nitin Tomar scored crucial points for his team in the dying minutes to help the hosts sail through.
Maguire in England squad for WC qualifiers
England manager Gareth Southgate has named Leicester City defender Harry Maguire among the three uncapped players in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Watford's Nathaniel Chalobah are the other new players. England are scheduled to play Malta on September 1 and Slovakia on September 4.
Du Plessis to lead World XI against Pakistan
South African Faf du Plessis will lead a star-studded 14-member World XI that will play three Twenty20 Internationals for the Independence Cup against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium here on September 12, 13 and 15, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on Thursday. The World-XI comprises five players from South Africa, three from Australia, two from the West Indies, and one each from Bangladesh, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Besides du Plessis, the other South Africans in the side include Hashim Amla, David Miller, Morne Morkel and leg-spinner Imran Tahir.
Lanzarote signs for FC Goa; Jonatan Lucca re-sign FC Pune City
FC Goa on Thursday confirmed the signing of Spanish winger Manuel Lanzarote for the fourth season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament. The winger, who was last plying his trade for Real Zaragoza in the second division of Spain, becomes Goa's sixth foreign recruit. A product of the La Masia, Lanzarote largely operates from the right wing but can also play in a more central attacking midfield position and on the wide left. Meanwhile, FC Pune City has bolstered their midfield by re-signing Jonatan Lucca for the fourth edition of the ISL. The 23-year-old represented FC Pune City in 2016 edition, making 14 appearances for them.
Mayweather, McGregor to fight for the 'Money Belt'
American boxing star Floyd Mayweather and UFC star Conor McGregor will not be fighting just for the money in the much awaited battle to take place on August 26 (August 27 in India). In fact, the winner will also be getting the 'Money Belt' created by the World Boxing Council (WBC) for this weekend's 154-pound showdown. The Money Belt is made of 1.5 kilograms of 24 carat gold; 3,360 diamonds, 600 sapphires, 160 emeralds and crocodile leather.
London to host 2018 table tennis team World Cup
The 2018 ITTF Team World Cup will be held in London from February 22 to 25 next year, the world table tennis governing body announced. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Wednesday awarded the hosting rights for the event, its second most prestigious team tournament after the World Championships. The Team World Cup, last held in Dubai in 2015, comprises 12 men's and 12 women's teams which include the host team, Continental Champions and the other top finishers at the 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships.
Roberto Carlos sentenced to jail
A Rio de Janeiro judge has sentenced former Real Madrid and Brazil international full-back Roberto Carlos to jail for failing to pay child support. The 44-year-old owes his ex-partner Barbara Thurler 61,000 reais (around $20,000), according to documents lodged with the Itaperuna family court in Rio de Janeiro state. Carlos, a father of nine, has two children with Thurler. Judge Mayane de Castro said the family rejected a proposal by the 44-year-old to pay the sum in instalments.
Robin Singh joins T20 Global League as coach
Former Indian cricketer Robin Singh, who played 100 ODI matches for the country, have acquired coaching job for the forthcoming T20 Global League of South Africa slated to begin from November 3 and will run until December 16. Singh, an outstanding fielder in his own right, will take charge of the T20 Global League franchise Bloem City Blazers. He has already served as fielding coach to the Indian side for a number of years and has also worked as head coach of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
