Dismayed to hear about what transpired on the 28th of May with our wrestlers being manhandled. Anything can be resolved through proper dialogue. Hoping for a resolution at the earliest.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) May 30, 2023
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Polish referee Szymon Marciniak has apologised for speaking at a business event tied to a far-right politician and will officiate next week's Champions League final, UEFA said on Friday.
Marciniak's appointment for the game between Manchester City and Inter Milan on June 10 was at risk after a Warsaw-based anti-racism group alerted UEFA to his conference appearance this week.
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Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, is widely regarded as one of football's top referees.
UEFA said it accepted Marciniak's "profound apologies and clarification" and that anti-racism group Never Again had asked for the referee to be retained.
"I want to express my deepest apologies for my involvement and any distress or harm it may have caused," Marciniak wrote in a statement published by UEFA, adding he was "gravely misled and completely unaware" of the links to Slawomir Mentzen, a leader of the far-right Confederation party.
"I had no knowledge that [the conference] was associated with a Polish extreme-right movement. Had I been aware of this fact, I would have categorically declined the invitation," he added.
"I am committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that such lapses in judgment do not occur in the future."
UEFA noted Never Again's acceptance of the Marciniak apology and said "removing him would undermine the promotion of anti-discrimination."
"Based on the information provided, UEFA confirms that Mr. Marciniak will fulfil his role as the referee for the 2023 UEFA Champions League final," the governing body said in a statement.
Marciniak also had been supported by Poland's government on Friday while UEFA considered removing him from next week's match in Istanbul.
Polish sports minister Kamil Bortniczuk wrote to UEFA, saying Marciniak gave a 45-minute speech of a "strictly business, motivational, and inspirational character," and did not have contact with Mentzen.
Marciniak wrote on his Instagram account late Thursday that he "never supported nor legitimized any political party, organization or individual politician."
UEFA said in a statement Thursday that "the whole football community abhor the 'values' that are promoted by the [political] group in question and takes these allegations very seriously."
Marciniak also refereed for FIFA at the 2018 World Cup and for UEFA at Euro 2016, as well as in club competition games over several seasons. He missed Euro 2020 while recovering from a heart issue after a COVID-19 infection.
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Erling Haaland has said he will do everything to secure his "biggest dream" of winning the treble in his first season at Manchester City.
The striker enjoyed a record-breaking debut campaign in England to help Pep Guardiola's side win the Premier League for a third season in a row.
- Stream LIVE: FA Cup final, Saturday 9:40 a.m. ET, ESPN+
Haaland scored 36 goals in 35 games this season, breaking the previous record of 34 in a single Premier League campaign shared by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer that had stood for nearly three decades.
City face bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final Saturday before their Champions League final against Inter Milan next week, and Haaland said he is focused on winning both finals.
"It would be unreal to make this history," he told the BBC on Friday. "This is why they bought me of course, to get this, we don't have to hide that.
"It would mean everything. I will do everything I possibly can to try to make it happen. It's my biggest dream and hopefully dreams do come true."
He added: "But as well it's not easy -- it's two finals against two good teams that will do everything they can to try to destroy that.
"They will be motivated, they will be ready and we have to play at our best, because if we play at our best we have a really good chance of achieving exactly that."
- FA Cup final questions: Is Haaland unstoppable?
- Best Manchester derbies ahead of historic FA Cup final
Meanwhile, United defender Raphael Varane has said his team do not fear Haaland ahead of the final at Wembley.
Haaland scored a hat trick against United in his first Manchester derby as City secured a 6-3 win over their rivals in October.
"Fear? No. Why?" Varane told reporters. "Every game is a challenge and I like to challenge myself, we like to challenge other teams too as a group. The most important is to believe. It doesn't matter if it is a team in good or bad form, the challenge is in front of us and we have to accept it and do our best to win.
"They can score from set plays, from a possession game and from a transition game. As a defender, the connection [Haaland has] especially with [Kevin] De Bruyne -- that kind of pass is complicated to defend, so we try to cut that connection.
"We know we can beat them. We have to be consistent for 90 minutes because we know that everything can change in a few seconds."
Information from Reuters was included in this report.
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Wrestlers' protest: 1983 World Cup winners 'distressed and disturbed' at developments
Published in
Cricket
Friday, 02 June 2023 05:31
Members of India's 1983 World Cup-winning cricket team are "distressed and disturbed" at leading Indian wrestlers being "manhandled" by security personnel in the national capital of Delhi earlier this week.
In a statement, the squad members also said they are "most concerned" that that athletes might be "dumping" their medals in the River Ganga as part of their ongoing protest against the non-action against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, against whom the wrestlers have levelled accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation.
"We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled," a statement released to PTI on Friday by members of the squad said. "We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard earned medals into river Ganga.
"Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination, and grit and are not only their own but the nation's pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of the land prevail."
Kapil Dev, the captain of that side, told PTI that "the whole of 1983 team stands by the statement we have issued".
Apart from Kapil, the 13 surviving members of that squad includes Sunil Gavaskar, one of the icons of the game, as well as Ravi Shastri, Mohinder Amarnath, Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Roger Binny, the current BCCI president who was also the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
On Sunday, images of Vinesh Phogat, among other wrestlers, being dragged away from the site of their protest in central Delhi had emerged. Delhi Police acted against the wrestlers - whose protest has been led, since January, by Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, the last two of whom are Olympic Games medallists - when they breached the security barriers and started to march towards the new parliament building, which was being inaugurated by Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, at the time. The protesters were pushed into buses and taken away, and police personnel cleared the protest site - not far from the parliament building not long after.
Apart from Kumble and Uthappa, there was a message from Irfan Pathan, who tweeted "I'm so sad to see the visuals of our Athletes" on Sunday night itself, and from Manoj Tiwary, now a Member of the Legislative Assembly in West Bengal, who offered his support to the wrestlers.
Saddened to hear about what's happening with our wrestling heroes. I'm certain there is a better way to have this addressed in a peaceful manner. I pray it happens soon.
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) May 31, 2023
I'm so sad to see the visuals of our Athletes…. Please solve this ASAP
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 28, 2023
The tweets from Kumble, Irfan and Tiwary came around the time of the IPL 2023 final, which Chennai Super Kings won off the last ball against Gujarat Titans.
The morning after the final was completed - after rain in Ahmedabad caused long delays over two days - Malik had even tweeted out a jibe of sorts directed at the Indian cricket community.
Congratulations MS Dhoni ji and CSK. We are happy that at least some sportspersons are getting respect and love they deserve. For us, the fight for justice is still on
— Sakshee Malikkh (@SakshiMalik) May 30, 2023
Not long after that, Malik, Phogat and Punia made public statements saying that they would be immersing their medals, earned at competitions around the world including the Olympic Games and the World Championships, into the River Ganga, which they have since opted against.
The wrestlers' protest started in January.
They have alleged that Singh sexually abused and exploited women wrestlers - including a minor - over the past decade. That was after Delhi Police agreed to investigate the charges against Singh a week after the complaint was first filed and only after the wrestlers moved the Supreme Court for action. But the wrestlers' larger mission has been to remove Singh from his position, and to draw attention to the charges against him.
Just around a month ago, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Shikha Pandey were among the cricketers to speak up about the protests being carried out by India's top wrestlers demanding Singh's dismissal.
"Will they ever get justice," Kapil had asked at the time in an Instagram post with a photograph of Phogat, Punia and Malik, who have been the faces of the protest. They were part of a group of 30-odd wrestlers at Jantar Mantar in January, too, when they made public the allegations against Singh, a member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
"You do come forward to congratulate us when we win something. Even the cricketers tweet when that happens. Abhi kya ho gaya [What has happened now]? Are you so afraid of the system? Or maybe there's something fishy going on there too?"
Vinesh Phogat, on April 28
Following that, the union sports ministry, of which former BCCI president Anurag Thakur is the man in charge, tasked its oversight committee to investigate the matter and submit the findings by February. The committee included, among others, boxer MC Mary Kom and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, both Olympic Games medallists (Mary Kom is also a former member of parliament). Reports say that the findings of the oversight committee have not been made available to the wrestlers.
Support for the wrestlers from the cricket community had been limited all along, and Phogat had even issued a plea of sorts to the Indian cricket community, asking why they had been silent on the plight of their fellow sportspersons.
"The entire country worships cricket but not even a single cricketer has spoken up," the Indian Express quoted Phogat as saying. "We aren't saying that you speak in our favour, but at least put up a neutral message and say there should be justice for whichever party. This is what pains me… Be it cricketers, badminton players, athletics, boxing...
"It's not like we don't have big athletes in our country. There are cricketers... During the Black Lives Matter movement in the US, they showed their support. Don't we deserve even that much?
"You do come forward to congratulate us when we win something. Even the cricketers tweet when that happens. Abhi kya ho gaya [What has happened now]? Are you so afraid of the system? Or maybe there's something fishy going on there too?"
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A Message from our CEO: Durban 2023, A Tale of Triumph and Transformation
Published in
Table Tennis
Friday, 02 June 2023 01:12
In the realm of change and progress, it’s often challenging to gauge the intensity and determine whether it brings forth positive outcomes.
Moments like these are hard to put into words, but the pressure we felt throughout our journey to Durban was undeniable – driven by the relentless pursuit of achieving our objectives.
However, as we bid farewell to Durban (Ethekwini), South Africa, after successfully hosting the ITTF World Table Tennis Championship Finals, we knew deep within our souls that every ounce of effort was worth it.
It has been 84 years since the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) hosted its marquee event in Africa. So, you can only imagine the pride that swelled within us when we concluded yet another historic chapter in our sports journey—the unforgettable ITTF World Championship Finals in Durban, South Africa. As the Egypt cup was ceremoniously handed over to the next organizers in Busan, South Korea, it struck us just how long it had taken for the cup to return to the beautiful shores of this remarkable continent— we can be sure that the King Farouk from Egypt who started the tradition in 1939 would not have imagined that it would have taken so long to return.
Preparations for this event were nothing short of intense, as is customary. Each passing year in recent times brought new challenges we had never faced before. Terms like “load shedding” entered our vocabulary, plunging us into a world of electricity and energy management that we had to swiftly master. Yet, the local organisers remained unfazed, having already grappled with these issues day in and day out.
The ITTF and WTT operations team, having matured, grown and developed in recent years, seamlessly integrated themselves into the event. They worked hand in hand with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), their unwavering commitment serving as the backbone of the World Championship’s success. Together, they painted a vivid and awe-inspiring picture of South Africa, showcasing the country’s beauty and the spirit of table tennis to the world. To those unsung heroes who toiled tirelessly behind the scenes, both from the LOC and the ITTF/WTT, we owe a debt of gratitude that words fail to express. Take a well-deserved rest, for you have truly earned it. And a special shoutout to Joe Carrim and Hajera Kajee, whose unwavering dedication, patience, and collaboration with our professional team were instrumental in ensuring this triumph.
But let’s not forget the shining stars who stole the limelight—the Chinese players, unrivalled and imperious. Just when we thought the pressure might chip away at their dominance, they unleashed an unprecedented display of skill, taking home all the gold. Sun Yingsha and Fan Zhendong, proving their World Number One status, demonstrated their sheer mastery by defeating formidable opponents and cementing their positions atop the table tennis world.
Fan Zhendong now enters the elite ranks as a two-time World Champion, setting his sights on Doha 2025 to potentially join the legendary Ma Long as a three-time consecutive champion. The feat of winning three titles in a row earns the winner a special replica of the St Brides vase —a recognition of their unrivalled excellence. We were honoured to bestow this vase upon Ma Long in Durban. Although Ma Long may have fallen short of his own expectations, reaching only the semi-finals this time around, it served as a testament to his extraordinary skill. However, it was his heartfelt speech delivered in both Chinese and English that truly touched our hearts, showcasing the humility and grace of an absolute legend in our sport.
While the Chinese players reigned supreme, it’s important to acknowledge the achievements of players from other nations as well. Japanese, Korean, Hong Kong Chinese, and German players all returned home with well-deserved medals, adding their own unique colours to the tapestry of this championship.
Yet, it was the moments beyond the medals that truly resonated with us. When Omar Assar, a local hero from Egypt, became only the second African player in history to reach the quarterfinals at a World Championship. It was a powerful statement that African table tennis was not only alive but also capable of competing at the highest level. The embrace shared between Omar Assar and Quadri Aruna after his triumphant victory remains etched in our memories, representing a symbol of solidarity and triumph against all odds—an indelible highlight of the tournament.
Another extraordinary tale unfolded through the journey of Danish player Anders Lind. A mere 18 months ago, Anders faced a devastating car accident that left doctors questioning if he would ever walk again. However, fuelled by his determination and resilience, he defied all expectations, defying the odds to reach the quarterfinals of the World Championships. It was an extraordinary achievement, offering hope and inspiration to those facing their own adversities. Anders Lind’s story serves as a reminder that with unwavering dedication and an unyielding spirit, hope can triumph over the darkest of moments. In this realm of sport, we discover invaluable life lessons that are often elusive in other spheres.
Now, we embark on a new chapter, hoping to alleviate the weight of change that has burdened us. Our faith in the sport’s potential to conquer new horizons remains unwavering. Creating pathways to the finals, expanding opportunities for our beloved sport across the globe—these endeavours are crucial. We strive to expose more people to the joy of table tennis, cultivating a truly global game that transcends boundaries and unites enthusiasts from every corner of the world.
For 82 long years, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) had confined its World Championships to the borders of Europe and Asia. The World Championships Finals stand as a beacon, beckoning us to venture into uncharted territories. We hold steadfast hope to explore new markets for the 2027 event, perhaps the Latin American regions or the untouched shores of Oceania.
Amidst the intense pressure experienced since the reforms reshaped our World Championship formats and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have achieved remarkable milestones for our most prestigious event, the World Table Tennis Championships, over the past three years:
- In 2021, we witnessed the historic debut of the World Championships Finals in the United States, hosted in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas.
- The following year, during the throes of the pandemic, the World Team Championships Finals unfolded in Chengdu, China.
- And now, in 2023, after an agonising 84-year absence, the World Championships Finals returned to the continent of Africa, gracing the splendid city of Durban, South Africa. It was a homecoming of monumental significance, an event that will be etched in our collective memory for years to come.
This resurgence, following the regrettable cancellation of the 2020 edition, reaffirms the unrivalled stature of our World Championships on the global sporting calendar. As we navigate through the learnings of the reforms, the birth of WTT, and the post-COVID era, we find ourselves in a promising position.
As we cast our gaze toward future editions, our trajectory takes us back to the Middle East, where Qatar awaits for the second time to embrace the championship. Having previously hosted the teams event in 2004, Qatar will now step into the limelight, welcoming the individual events in 2025 for the very first time.
It’s exciting times ahead for the Championships.
In closing, we extend once again our deepest gratitude to all those who played a part in the resounding success of the ITTF World Championships Finals Durban 2023 in South Africa. The positive, soul-stirring emotions that enveloped us during our time there still resonate within our hearts. May we never have to wait another 84 years before we bring this grand event back to the splendid continent of Africa!
Steve Dainton
ITTF Group CEO
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Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has said Lionel Messi will decide next week where he will continue his career, adding that the Catalan club are still interested in signing the forward should he choose to return.
Messi, 35, will play his last game for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday before leaving the French champions as a free agent after two years in Paris.
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ESPN reported in April that Messi is considering a sizeable offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, although his father, Jorge, denied later reports he had agreed to a deal.
Major League Soccer side Inter Miami and Barca are also interested in his signature.
"Next week he will make a decision and you [media] have to leave him alone," Xavi, who played alongside Messi at Barca and speaks to him regularly, told El Mundo Deportivo.
"He will decide next week and now there are 200 hypotheses. He will decide his future and here the doors are open, there is no debate.
"He will end the season there [at PSG]. He has a lot of respect for Paris Saint-Germain. He wants to finish in the best way. His contract ends and then, he has all the right in the world to say where he goes, where to end his career."
Messi spent 21 years at Barca and helped the club win 35 trophies but left for PSG in August 2021 due to the club's financial crisis.
The Argentina forward has contributed 21 goals and 20 assists for PSG in all competitions this season.
"I think that he has the football to continue playing at a high level and that if he comes to Barca, which most or all of the Catalans want, especially the coach, the doors are open," Xavi said. "I am convinced that it will go well."
In December, Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, ending his wait for the only major honour to have eluded him in his career.
He was then named men's footballer of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in February -- his second time winning the award, adding to his record seven Ballon d'Or trophies.
"I have zero doubts that he can help us a lot in terms of football," Xavi added.
"He has all the confidence and all the enthusiasm of the [Barca] staff. I do see that he can help us a lot, I think we lack that talent in the last third [of the pitch] and Leo always provides that."
Following the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba this month, Xavi said he believes Barca would greatly benefit from having Messi lead the team again.
"Leo is also a natural leader," Xavi said. "He would adapt perfectly to the circumstances. He has been captain of this club. He has been the best player in history and obviously of this club."
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FA Cup final big questions: Can Man United upset City? Is Haaland unstoppable?
Published in
Soccer
Friday, 02 June 2023 03:16
History beckons between Manchester City and Manchester United. There are two "Doubles" on the line and even a "Treble" as the 189th Manchester derby plays out in the 142nd FA Cup final.
Saturday's clash at Wembley will either see Premier League champions City take a giant step towards achieving a Treble of league, FA Cup and Champions League by adding the cup to their championship crown, or United win their 13th FA Cup to complete a domestic cup Double, having won the Carabao Cup by beating Newcastle in February.
There is also the issue of local rivalry, with City and United facing each other in a major final for the first time.
- Stream LIVE: Man United vs. Man City, Saturday, 9:40 a.m. ET, ESPN+
Despite their resurgence under manager Erik ten Hag, United go into the game as outsiders to win the cup, despite beating City in their last encounter -- a 2-1 Premier League win at Old Trafford in January -- and having the upper hand in recent cup ties. City are not only favourites to beat United, but also to emulate their bitter rival's 1999 success of doing the Treble -- the only English team to pull it off to date.
So can United win, or will City edge even closer to the treble? Here are the key elements in what is the most eagerly-anticipated FA Cup final in living memory.
Is this really the biggest FA Cup final ever?
If you remove club loyalties and take a dispassionate view -- don't expect Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea fans to give this FA Cup final top billing -- it's hard to pinpoint any previous one that has carried so much significance and attracted such global interest.
In the 1980s, Liverpool and Everton dominated English football for a lengthy period and the FA Cup final staged two Merseyside derbies, in 1986 and 1989, both of which were won by Liverpool. The 1986 game saw Liverpool win to secure their first league and FA Cup double, with Everton finishing runners-up in both competitions, but there was no Treble on the line or the possibility of the other team doing a Double.
There have also been heavyweight encounters in recent years between United and Arsenal, as well as Liverpool and Chelsea, but this cup final really does have everything.
United want to end the season with two trophies and win both domestic cups for the first time in the same campaign, but they also desperately want to stop City doing the Treble. That's not only because local pride is at stake, it's because the Treble is United's unique achievement among English teams and they don't want to share the distinction of doing it with anyone, least of all City.
On the flipside, City are desperate to beat United en route to their own treble. Doing the Treble would be satisfying enough, but brushing past United at the penultimate hurdle will only make it sweeter for manager Pep Guardiola and his players.
Man United have prevented a club doing the Treble before, right?
Yes. In 1977, United faced Liverpool in the FA Cup final and stopped their traditional rivals achieving the Treble 22 years before Ferguson's team managed it.
Liverpool had just been crowned league champions and they would go on to win the club's first European Cup by beating Borussia Monchengladbach in Rome four days after the FA Cup final. But a 2-1 United win at Wembley denied Liverpool the distinction of becoming the first English team to do the Treble.
In 1985, United beat league champions Everton in the FA Cup final to deny their opponents a league, FA Cup and European Cup-Winners' Cup treble.
1:25
Man City vs. Man United: The Road to the FA Cup Final
For the first time in history the two Manchester sides will meet in the FA Cup final, but will the blue side or red side come out on top?
Where would it rank among upsets if United beat City?
This is a question that is rooted in the here and now in the sense that City have been top dogs in Manchester for a decade. United haven't finished above their city rivals in the Premier League since last winning the title in 2013 and the trophy count since then -- ironically the year that Sir Alex Ferguson retired is City 13, United 4.
City's recent dominance has turned the rivalry with United on its head -- though United still lead the all-time head-to-head record with 77 wins to City's 58 -- and they are favourites to win this final. Their form is superior: City have lost just once in their last 26 games and that came in the final fixture of the league season at Brentford, with their key players rested and the title already wrapped up.
Historically, United are the bigger and more successful club by some distance, so to suggest it would be a shock if they win on Saturday would seem to be a slight on their tradition and history. But it cannot be disputed that City are strong favourites and a United win would be a huge shock.
Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup final win against a great Leeds United team is regarded as the biggest shock of them all as Sunderland were a second-tier side at the time. But West Ham (also second tier) beating Arsenal in 1980, reigning champions Liverpool losing to Wimbledon in 1988 and relegated Wigan defeating City in 2013 are also memorable upsets.
United beating City wouldn't eclipse any of those, but it would certainly be significant.
Why are City such strong favourites to win?
There are so many threads to City story, and many can be traced back to being owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi.
Since Sheikh Mansour bought City in 2008, the club have been transformed from a perennially-failing team to arguably the best side in the world. City have the best players -- Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne -- and the best manager in Guardiola, but while Sheikh Mansour's financial might makes a huge difference, their period of dominance is all down to Guardiola.
City hired the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach in 2016 with the objective of turning the team into the best in England and Europe. With five of the last six Premier League titles, England was dominated a long time ago, while City are just one win (against Inter Milan in this season's Champions League final) from conquering Europe for the first time, too.
Guardiola's intensity and attention to detail are renowned, but it is his ability to constantly improve and re-invent players that marks him out as the best around. Centre-back John Stones has been converted into a midfielder this season, teenage full-back Rico Lewis has been trusted to operate at right-back and defensive midfield, while Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake, Riyad Mahrez and Rodri have all taken their games to a new level.
No team works harder than Manchester City and that is a testament to Guardiola being able to motivate a group of players who have already won virtually everything in the game.
So, how can United beat City?
The good news for United is that they won 2-1 when the teams last met in the Premier League at Old Trafford in January. United have also won five of their last FA Cup meetings with City. But when the heat is on, City have beaten all of their biggest opponents since losing at Old Trafford. Liverpool (4-1), Arsenal (4-1), Bayern Munich (3-0) and Real Madrid (4-0) have all been blown away by Guardiola's team recently, so United have a huge challenge ahead of them.
United simply have to play the same disciplined, organised game they produced when beating City in January. On that occasion, Ten Hag's team cut off the supply line to Haaland by nullifying De Bruyne, but they also had luck on their side with a contentious VAR offside decision giving United a route back into the game after Grealish had scored the opener for City.
- Stream on ESPN+: FA Cup, LaLiga, more (U.S.)
If United are to win, they need to replicate that performance and hope that forwards Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho can penetrate the City backline and take advantage of the opportunities they get.
Lisandro Martinez's absence due to a broken metatarsal will impact United's defence, but they beat City without the Argentina international in January, so they must do so again.
It's all about stopping Haaland, isn't it?
Not quite. The City forward has scored 52 goals from 51 games in all competitions this season and is clearly the biggest threat to United. The former Borussia Dortmund forward scored a hat trick in the 6-3 win against United last October, so he already has a taste for scoring in derby games. But City are about much more than his goals
A Mahrez hat trick saw them win 3-0 against Sheffield United in the semifinal, and City have four other players who have contributed 10 or more goals in all competitions this season -- Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, Mahrez and De Bruyne -- while Ilkay Gundogan has scored nine from midfield.
This team can score from any area of the pitch and that is the big problem for United. If they stop Haaland, that's only one element of the job. There are so many others threats to deal with too.
What else do we need to know?
This is City's 12th FA Cup final and they have a mixed record, winning six and losing five of their previous 11. Since 2011, they have won two and lost one, with their last cup final a comprehensive 6-0 win against Watford in 2019.
United will be playing in their 21st FA Cup final, a record shared with Arsenal, but no club have lost more times than the eight defeats suffered by United -- an unenviable distinction shared with Chelsea and Everton.
If City beat United on Saturday without conceding a goal, they will become the first team since Bury in 1903 to go through the whole competition without conceding. Preston North End, in 1889, are the only other team to achieve that.
City beat Chelsea, Arsenal, Bristol City, Burnley and Sheffield United en route to the final; United faced Everton, Reading, West Ham, Fulham and Brighton.
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Carl Hooper named among West Indies' white-ball assistant coaches
Published in
Cricket
Thursday, 01 June 2023 22:18
Former West Indies captains Carl Hooper and Floyd Reifer have been appointed as assistants to new white-ball head coach Daren Sammy ahead of West Indies' three-match ODI series against UAE and the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. Former New Zealand allrounder James Franklin has also joined the staff as an assistant coach.
Hooper, who played 102 Tests and 227 ODIs, has worked at various levels of coaching in the Caribbean and Australia, where he is now settled. He was assistant coach of Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL) during the 2022-23 Australian summer, and has previously worked with Antigua Hawksbills and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He has also served as a mentor at the West Indies High-Performance Centre in Barbados.
"When I was initially approached by Daren about the potential opportunity, I immediately confirmed my interest, as I really want to help with the challenge and make a meaningful impact," Hooper said. "I firmly believe that it is time for West Indies Cricket to ascend, and I am confident in my ability, knowledge, and experience to aid in this endeavour."
Reifer, who played six Tests, eight ODIs and one T20I, has also served as West Indies' interim head coach during the 2019 World Cup. He has held coaching roles with the West Indies A team and the senior men's side, and was head coach of the men's Under-19 team in 2021 and Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL.
Franklin, an allrounder who played 31 Tests, 110 ODIs and 38 T20Is for New Zealand, has served stints as head coach of the English county side Durham, assistant coach at Birmingham Phoenix in the Men's Hundred, and fielding coach at MI Emirates in the ILT20.
Meanwhile, former West Indies players Kenny Benjamin and Stuart Williams and the former Guyana fast bowler Rayon Griffith will be assistant coaches working alongside Test-match head coach Andre Coley. Benjamin and Griffith were part of the coaching staff for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa earlier this year, while Williams had previously worked as an assistant coach on various tours.
CWI have said all new assistant coaches have been appointed on a short-term basis and will be "reviewed after the India series in August 2023".
West Indies are currently in Sharjah for the three-match ODI series against UAE, which is scheduled to begin on June 4, as they build up towards the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
For the ten-team Qualifier, West Indies have been drawn in Group A, which also includes Netherlands, Nepal, Zimbabwe and USA, against whom they kick off their campaign on June 18.
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Shastri: Bharat vs Kishan could hinge on bowling combination
Published in
Cricket
Friday, 02 June 2023 02:10
Who should keep wicket for India during the World Test Championship final against Australia? India have a call to make between two inexperienced candidates, with KS Bharat having played only four Tests and Ishan Kishan yet to debut in the format, and Ravi Shastri feels the choice could come down to conditions at The Oval.
Speaking to Star Sports, Shastri said India should pick their keeper depending on the composition of their bowling attack. They went with Bharat ahead of Kishan in their most recent Test series, at home against Australia in February-March, and Shastri reckoned they might do the same if conditions at The Oval warrant picking two spinners.
"I have a feeling that India might just go with, depending on who's playing - if two spinners are playing, maybe KS Bharat, but if there are four seamers and one spinner playing, then it'll go the other way, it might go Ishan Kishan's way."
Shastri has experienced a WTC final as coach, and he is aware of the effect conditions can have. Two years ago, his India side picked three fast bowlers and two spinners against New Zealand in Southampton, where overcast weather almost took spin out of the equation. While R Ashwin made an impact, picking up four wickets while conceding just 45 runs in 25 overs across two innings, Ravindra Jadeja ended up bowling just 15.2 overs in the match. New Zealand, who played five seamers, won the Test by eight wickets.
Spin usually comes into play at The Oval, but the catch for India is that the venue usually hosts Test matches during the warmer, drier second half of the English summer. Of the 104 Tests The Oval has hosted since 1880, the vast majority have been played in August and September, with only eight starting in July. The WTC final, which begins on June 7, will be the first-ever Oval Test to be played in June.
Regardless, Shastri indicated he was leaning towards a two-spinner combination, given that the UK has experienced a mostly sunny summer so far. Outside of the wicketkeeper, Shastri was certain about his 12 for the final, with Ashwin and the fast bowler Umesh Yadav battling it out for one spot in India's five-man attack.
"When you look at the WTC, if I remember from the last time India were in the final, what you learn from that game is very important," Shastri said. "You've got to pick a team that suits the conditions. Last time in Southampton the weather was really overcast. Hence I'll pick my 12.
"And my 12 will be very clear. It will be Rohit [Sharma], Shubman [Gill], [Cheteshwar] Pujara at three, Virat Kohli at four, Ajinkya Rahane five […] Six will be Jadeja, seven will be Mohammed Shami, eight will be [Mohammed] Siraj, nine will be Shardul Thakur, the eleventh will be Ashwin and the twelfth will be Umesh Yadav. So this will be my twelve.
"And then, depending on the conditions, if four seamers are playing, then it'll be Umesh and Shardul who'll play with Siraj and Shami. But if two spinners are playing, which should be the case at The Oval, seeing what the weather is existing in England at the moment, where it's nice and sunny at times, then it will be Ashwin, Jadeja, Shardul, Shami and Siraj."
India have been training at Arundel Castle over the last week or so, with the coaching staff and a first batch of players starting preparations on May 25. The rest of the team has arrived in groups since then, with the five players involved in the rain-affected IPL final in Ahmedabad, which went into its reserve day - Gill, Shami, Bharat, Jadeja and Rahane - joining their team-mates on June 1.
Australia, who have been training in Beckenham, have also been pondering the composition of India's attack. Their assistant coach Daniel Vettori suggested India's major selection debate would involve Thakur and Ashwin, who are vying to be the second allrounder at No. 8.
"We have been debating that," Vettori said in a media interaction prior to Australia's training session in Beckenham. "I think Jadeja will play because of the batting he brings to the table and how successful he has been at that No. 6 position. Then the question will be around that fourth seamer and the allrounder in Thakur and Ashwin, but they are [both] pretty good choices."
Vettori felt the pitch at The Oval would play true to its character despite the unusual timing of the Test match, and bring spinners into play.
"Ashwin is an incredible bowler and he will be first choice in most teams, and just with their combinations it may lead to that [him missing selection]," Vettori said. "We expect The Oval to behave how it always behaves. It is a good wicket, but it can offer a lot to the spinners as the game goes on."
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Charith Asalanka 91, Dhananjaya de Silva fifty set Afghanistan 269 in first ODI
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Cricket
Friday, 02 June 2023 02:10
Innings break Sri Lanka 268 (Asalanka 91, Dhananjaya 51, Fareed 2-43) vs Afghanistan
Afghanistan's seamers struck with the new ball, and closed out the innings efficiently with the old one, but Charith Asalanka's 91 and Dhananjaya de Silva's 51 pushed Sri Lanka to a competitive total. Their 268 all out left one ball unused, as four wickets fell in the last two overs of the innings.
Fazalhaq Farooqi made the first incisions, dismissing opener Dimuth Karunaratne and No. 3 Kusal Mendis inside the first nine overs, though he would go on to bowl some expensive spells later, finishing with an economy rate of 6.44. Fareed Ahmad also took two wickets - that of Angelo Mathews in the 15th over, and of debutant Dushan Hemantha at the death.
Everyone else - Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi, and Azmatullah Omarzai - took one wicket apiece. While Noor went for runs, Mujeeb and Nabi kept a lid on the scoring through Sri Lanka's middle overs. Omarzai bowled the last over, in which Sri Lanka mustered only four runs but lost three wickets - two of them to run-outs.
Having come to the crease at 61 for 3, Asalanka had a jittery start. He survived a caught-behind review off the sixth ball he faced, before getting into his work, hitting three fours off successive overs. Asalanka was proactive - though not quite aggressive - by picking up singles as he awaited Afghanistan's errors.
When Dhananjaya joined him at the other end, he too batted at a similar tempo. The early fall of wickets - Sri Lanka had been 84 for 4 when these two came together - did not allow either batter to free his arms. They progressed without any fuss through the middle overs - Asalanka prospered through midwicket and cover, while Dhananjaya found boundaries behind square on the off side, though he also played the legside flick effectively.
Asalanka got to his fifty with consecutive fours off Mujeeb in the 36th over, reaching the milestone off the 57th ball he faced. Dhananjaya got there next over, off his 56th ball. But he was soon bowled by the canny Nabi, who slid one quickly underneath the batter's attempted sweep shot.
The pair's 99-run stand had delivered Sri Lanka to the doorstep of the death overs, but Asalanka had only stinting support once Dhananjaya fell at the start of the 38th over. Dasun Shanaka managed only 17, before Noor - his Gujarat Titans team-mate at the IPL - sneaked one into his off stump. Hemantha then struck the only six of the innings - that came as late as the penultimate over - high over cow corner, but was out for 22 off 20 balls.
Two overs out, Sri Lanka were 256 for 6, with a total of 280 not out of reach. But they fell meekly after that, Asalanka getting himself run-out attempting to take a bye to start the final over, after Hemantha had holed out to mid-off three balls earlier.
Andrew Fidel Fernando is ESPNcricinfo's Sri Lanka correspondent. @afidelf
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Shweta Sehrawat to lead India A at Emerging Women's Asia Cup
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Cricket
Thursday, 01 June 2023 23:36
India have picked the core of their under-19 team that won the 2023 U-19 Women's World Cup in the India A squad for the Emerging Women's Asia Cup in Hong Kong from June 12-21.
The BCCI have also ensured continuity by appointing former allrounder Nooshin Al Khadeer as head coach. Khadeer had headed the backroom staff during the Under-19 World Cup campaign in January, and was assistant coach of Gujarat Giants at the inaugural Women's Premier League in March.
Sehrawat topped the run charts at the World Cup, making 297 runs in seven innings, while 17-year-old Chopra, who was among the youngest players in the WPL, finished as the second highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets in six innings at an average of 7.00.
The selectors also rewarded Shreyanka Patil and Kanika Ahuja, both 20 years old, for their performances in the WPL. The duo was among the bright spots for Royal Challengers Bangalore, who finished fourth in the five-team league. Patil impressed with her power in the lower order and her offspin in the death overs, while Ahuja displayed her inventive strokeplay and big-hitting ability.
Sadhu, rated highly by Jhulan Goswami, will spearhead the pace attack along with Kashyap and Chandigarh's Kashvee Gautam, who took 10 wickets in an innings, with a hat-trick, against Arunachal Pradesh in the Women's Under-19 One Day Trophy in 2020.
India A are in Group A in the Emerging Women's Asia Cup and will open their campaign against hosts Hong Kong on June 13, before taking on Thailand A and Pakistan A on June 15 and June 17 respectively. Bangladesh A, Sri Lanka A, Malaysia and UAE make up Group B. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals.
India A squad: Shweta Sehrawat (capt), Soumya Tiwari (vc), Trisha Gongadi, Muskan Malik, Shreyanka Patil, Kanika Ahuja, Uma Chetry (wk), Mamatha Madiwala (wk), Titas Sadhu, Yashasri S, Kashvee Gautam, Parshavi Chopra, Mannat Kashyap, B Anusha.
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