Month: August 2023

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have unveiled their men’s squad for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023, set to commence on August 30. The team selection comes with a few notable changes, as the experienced trio of Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara make way for the emerging talents of Binura Fernando and Pramod Madushan. Additionally, legspin-bowling allrounder Dushan Hemantha has been included as a replacement for the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.
Injury Replacements
With a pectoral tear, Chameera’s absence creates an opportunity for the promising Fernando to showcase his skills on the international stage. Similarly, Madushan has earned his place in the squad, stepping in for Madushanka, who is recovering from an oblique tear. Kumara’s side strain has opened the door for other aspiring fast bowlers to make their mark.
Despite the possibility of Hasaranga’s return during the tournament, Sri Lanka’s cautious approach prioritizes the upcoming World Cup. With the global event looming, the management has decided against risking aggravating his thigh strain and opted for a conservative approach.
Kusal Perera’s Return
Kusal Perera, an experienced campaigner, has been included in the squad after a prolonged absence from ODI cricket due to injuries. Although he recently battled Covid-19, Perera’s health is improving, and he is expected to join the team once he makes a full recovery. His return adds depth and experience to the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Other Squad Members
The Sri Lankan team features an impressive array of talent. Matheesha Pathirana and Kasun Rajitha provide pace options, while Dunith Wellalage joins Dushan Hemantha and Maheesh Theekshana as part of the spin-bowling contingent. Wicketkeeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama also finds a well-deserved place in the squad.
Sri Lanka squad for Asia Cup 2023:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan

In the debut FIDE World Rapid Team Championship, WR Chess emerged victorious with an impressive record of two draws and ten wins out of twelve matches, securing the championship title with a round to spare. The WR Chess team consisted of India’s rising star Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Team Freedom secured the second position, while the Indian squad, MGD1, claimed the third spot. WR Chess accumulated a total of 22 matchpoints, followed closely by Freedom with 20 points and MGD1 with 18.
3 things you need to know

• Praggnanandhaa recently secured the runners-up title at Chess World Cup
• The 18-year-old became the youngest ever to appear in a Chess World Cup final
• He lost the final to Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, the former world champion 

Also Read: ‘Didn’t Even Know’ Praggnanandhaa’s Mother Shares Initial Reaction To Her Viral Images
Praggnanandhaa becomes world champion
The championship honors for the first-place finish included a coveted cup, medals, and a substantial prize of 100,000 Euros. Team Freedom received 60,000 Euros for their second-place finish, and MGD1 earned 40,000 Euros for their third-place performance. Additional recognition went to Team Armenia, receiving 25,000 Euros for their fourth-place finish, while the surprise package of Germany and Friends claimed fifth place and a prize of 12,500 Euros.
The FIDE World Rapid Team Championship winners, @wr_chess. pic.twitter.com/JkP34rY4tb
International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 28, 2023
Impressively, WR Chess dominated in 10 of the 12 matches, overcoming formidable opponents such as Freedom, Kompetenzakademie Allstars, and ASV AlphaEchecs Linz. Their only challenge was a draw against Armenia in Round 10, with Vincent Keymer’s last-minute rescue preventing a defeat.
Crucially, in Round 11, WR Chess triumphed against ASV AlphaEchecs Linz with a resounding 5:1 score, reaching 21 matchpoints. Meanwhile, Freedom’s draw against the Chess Pensioners dashed their hopes of catching up. This solidified WR Chess’s championship title even before the final round, a remarkable accomplishment in such a competitive field.
Apart from Praggnanandhaa, the WR Chess team included Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Vincent Keymer, Hou Yifan, and Alexandra Kosteniuk, all stalwarts of chess. 
Also Read: R Praggnanandhaa Adorable Image With His Mother Featuring Chess World Cup Medal
Praggnanandhaa, India’s rising star
Note, Praggnanandhaa recently secured the runners up title in the FIDE Chess World Cup final. He lost the summit clash against former world champion Magnus Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa is only the second Indian player to play in the Chess World Cup final after Viswanathan Anand. The veteran Indian player won the first two editions of the World Cup in 2000 and 2002 respectively. 
Image: Twitter/photochess

Team India’s five-day training camp in Alur, Bengaluru concluded on Tuesday with some highly encouraging scenes emerging. Barring KL Rahul, who has been ruled out of the first two matches of the Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan and Nepal, India’s squad of 17 looks fresh, determined and most importantly, fully fit. While not many are privy to the exact details as to what has transpired in the camp due to limited media access, the BCCI on Tuesday offered a glimpse into how things have panned out.
Virat Kohli was versatile as ever.(BCCI/Screengrab)
A short clip covered plenty of positives for India from Jasprit Bumrah bowling full steam to Virat Kohli’s many roles. Captain Rohit Sharma hitting the strides while Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer were all seen flexing their muscles. Even Rahul, despite not having attained 100 percent fitness, looked in nice touch with the bat and while keeping wicket. With India’s Asia Cup 2023 opener just four days away, coach Rahul Dravid wrapped up ‘really fruitful 4-5 days at the camp’.
Watch the video below:
However, another video shared by Star Sports on their show ‘Follow the Blues’, captured some really interesting footages. In the three nets that were set up for batters to skill it out for a 10-minute drill, Rohit Sharma was the first to get in the groove, followed by Shubman Gill and then Ravindra Jadeja. Virat Kohli was one of the last guys to join and the reason is a rather interesting one. The sight that stood out among others was Kohli performing multiple roles when Gill was batting. He first walked and took the umpire’s position next to coach Rahul Dravid who was already observing the youngster as he faced Mohammed Shami.
Here is the video of Kohli and Gill’s intense chat:
After Gill went through the watchful eyes of Kohli and Dravid, the former India captain then took the youngster under his wings and engaged in a long conversation. Gill was all ears to whatever it was that Kohli was muttering as the conversation went long. Kohli’s seriousness was visible in his eyes and body language, which even for once, didn’t flinch. The conversation between the ‘King’ and ‘Prince’ went on for good 10 minutes before it was Kohli’s turn to bat in the nets where he looked in smashing form, smoking Siraj for what would have been a six in any ground. What exactly did he tell Gill is not known and probably never will be even coach Dravid did not address the incident but it was heartening to see a senior in Kohli spending time with Gill nonetheless.

The pre-sale window for the first lot of tickets for the high-voltage ICC World Cup 2023 match between Indian cricket team and Pakistan saw huge interest from fans on Tuesday. The ICC’s ticketing partner ‘Book My Show’ opened its exclusive pre-sale window for the October 14  clash in Ahmedabad, but it was sold out within an hour. There will be another round of general sale for the India-Pakistan match on September 3, there is a chance that then also it would be a complete sell-out within hours, like it happened on Tuesday for all the Mastercard holders.
It couldn’t be confirmed as to how many tickets were put online during the pre-sale window for all India matches and the warm-up games but news agency PTI has learnt that, after the sale opened at 6 pm IST, within an hour, all tickets on the day were exhausted. The ‘Book My Show’ website put a ‘Sold Out’ caption on the Pakistan game, which wasn’t the case for the other eight India games.
“Today it was only for those who owned a Mastercard (credit or debit, India and international). Only two tickets per person was allotted and naturally, the tickets put on pre-sale were bought by fans within an hour. However it is expected that another round will happen on September 3. The best part is that Narendra Modi Stadium has 132,000 capacity, so reasonable number of tickets could be expected to be put on sale on September 3,” a BCCI source told PTI.
However, unable to get tickets, some fans were disappointed.
This is the ticket booking system of the richest cricket board. What a shame!! @BCCI
Waited for more than 2 hours in the queue only for this stupidity of #bookmyshow ?? #ICCWorldCup2023@icc@cricketworldcuppic.twitter.com/BzuqeOUAJQ
Artist Shubham Dogra (@artistshubham7) August 29, 2023
#BookMyShow 4 months for highlights or match? pic.twitter.com/xKd3ZLIgEt
(@Ro45King) August 29, 2023
Lagtha hai match phele katham hoga Phir tickets milenge @bookmyshow#bookmyshowpic.twitter.com/X115HBYqR8
Bharath seervi (@Bharathseervi44) August 29, 2023
What a scam!! Such a pathetic ticket booking system for ICC Cricket World Cup. Can’t even book any ticket for any match of team India. We fans deserve better @BCCI#bookmyshow#WorldCup@bookmyshow@ICC@cricketworldcuppic.twitter.com/joSjjBSrRN
Artist Shubham Dogra (@artistshubham7) August 29, 2023
Worst ever experience of tickets booking with the #BookMyShow of the World cup matches. You can watch the video below, how disgusting is bookmyshow.@bookmyshow@BCCI@cricketworldcup If you don’t want to sell the tickets don’t do these all drama and play with our emotions #BCCIpic.twitter.com/cA1rqFpzwv
Pritesh More (@morepritesh20) August 29, 2023
The ICC is allowing only two tickets to be booked per person for all India games along with semi-final and final while for non-India games, four tickets per person could be booked.

Amid all the talk about the potential Coco Gauff has to script an upset in repeating her Cincinnati Open feat against Iga Swiatek, the American went down in the opening set 6-3 against Laura Siegemund. The memories of Wimbledon last month came rushing back, where she had suffered an opening round loss to Sofia Kenin. But the 19-year-old dug deep, overcame a tensed mid-match row with her opponent that drew jeers from the crowd before scripting a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win to reach the second round at the Flushing Meadows. After the win, Gauff took to the on-court interview to brutally mock her opponent over that altercation.
Coco Gauff mocks opponent after US Open first-round scare
Despite the horror from SW19 haunting her, Gauff maintained her composure and with the thousands of partisan fans getting rowdier by the moment in the second set, the sixth-seed converted her eighth break point in the game to gain the edge over the German qualifier.
And moment after gaining the lead in the match, Gauff let out her frustration at how Siegemund kept her waiting before every point by rushing towards her towel.
She’s never ready when I’m serving. … How is this fair? said Gauff as she charged towards chair umpire Marijana Veljovic. I’m going a normal speed. Ask any ref here. … I’ve been quiet the whole match. … Now it’s ridiculous. I don’t care what she’s doing on her serve, but (on) my serve, she has to be ready.
Veljovic warned the German immediately, but Gauff ended up losing that game. Later, Siegemund was docked a code violation for delaying, which sent Gauff 5-1 up. It was then when Siegemund walked to the umpire to argue her case saying I can’t go to the towel anymore? and the crowd immediately began to boo her.
Siegemund then threatened to make a comeback after Gauff double-faulted three times when serving for the match at 5-2, but it remained her last hiccup as she wrapped up the tensed clash in 2-hours and 51 minutes. After the win, ESPN’s Pam Shriver, during the on-court interview, asked her about her match against Siegemund and Gauff replied saying: Slow.
Gauff has now played 13 matches in the North America hard court swing, winning 12 of tjem and dropping only four sets and won two big titles oher career which included the her maiden victory against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in eight meetings en route to her first WTA 1000 win in Cincinnati.
August has been a great month for me, Gauff said. Im really excited to go into the rest of this month — hopefully a little bit into September, as well.
Gauff will next face Mirra Andreeva, 16, the youngest player in the main draw, who beat Olivia Gadecki in three sets. This will be their second meeting on WTA tour. Gauff had won in three sets in their French Open third-round clash where the Russian had claimed the first set.

Source:Twitter
The President of Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales has caught the eye of the world after his controversial kiss to star women’s midfielder Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales has faced heavy criticism for his kiss to Hermoso during the presentation ceremony as the backlash has now resulted in him being suspended from all football-related activities by FIFA. 
20 August 2023, Luis Rubiales Kiss
During the presentation ceremony of the FIFA Womens World Cup final President of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, after she helped the national team beat England. Spain won the final 1-0 to clinch their maiden Womens World Cup title.
(Photograph:Twitter)
23 August 2023, Spain PM Pedro Sanchez criticizes Rubiales
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took a dig at Rubiales actions and criticized him for his behaviour after the Womens World Cup final.
“I think the apology Mr. Rubiales has given wasn’t sufficient, I’d say it wasn’t adequate, and Mr. Rubiales should keep taking further steps … The RFEF isn’t a part of the Spanish government, PM Sanchez said.
(Photograph:Twitter)
25 August 2023, Luis Rubiales refuses to resign from RFEF office
On Friday, despite rumours of resignation from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) office, Rubiales refused to leave his office.
“Demonstrate each of the lies that have been spread, whether in the name of the player, if that is the case, or by the player herself, the federation (RFEF) and Rubiales said.
(Photograph:Twitter)
26 August 2023, FIFA provisionally suspends Rubiales
World football governing body FIFA has provisionally suspended Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities in the Jenni Hermoso kiss controversy on Saturday, August 26. The decision from FIFA comes a day after Rubiales had refused to step down from his office at the Spanish FA.
(Photograph:Twitter)
;28 August 2023, Spain prosecutors open preliminary sex abuse probe
Prosecutors at Spain’s top criminal court said Monday they had opened a preliminary investigation into Luis Rubiales’ forcible kiss on the lips of World Cup player Jenni Hermoso on grounds it could constitute a crime of “sexual assault”. Rubiales’ mother would later go on a hunger strike in protest of the probe.
(Photograph:Twitter)
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photoDetailsenglish2655131Sanju Samson, the name that resonates with cricket enthusiasts across India, is not just a remarkable cricketer but also a man of intriguing personal facets. Amidst the blazing cricketing spotlight, Samson has managed to keep his private life relatively shielded, giving fans a glimpse into his charming love story with Charulatha Remesh, whom he fondly calls his ‘better half.’ In this article, we delve into the life of the Kerala-based cricket sensation, exploring his cricketing journey, his love story, and his marriage with Charulatha, a union that transcends the boundaries of religion and culture. Join us as we unravel the captivating story of Sanju Samson’s life beyond the cricket pitch.”
https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/sanju-samsons-wife-charulatha-remesh-beautiful-love-story-of-india-wicket-keeper-batsman-in-pics-2655151Updated:Aug 29, 2023, 04:45 PM IST
Sanju Samson The Cricketer:
Sanju Samson, a talented Indian cricketer from Kerala, is known for his explosive batting skills and has a promising future in international cricket.
 
Inconsistent International Career:
Despite his talent, Samson has faced inconsistency in his international cricket career. He made his debut in 2014 but had intermittent appearances in the team for the next four years.
 
Samson’s impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket have earned him a huge fan following, making him a cricket sensation.
 
Sanju Samson’s Family Life:
Beyond cricket, Samson is a devoted family man who cherishes his personal life as much as his cricketing career.
 
Meet Charulatha Remesh, His Wife:
Sanju Samson is married to Charulatha Remesh, who also hails from Kerala. She completed her education in Thiruvananthapuram and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Mar Ivanios College.
 
Charulatha’s Professional Life:
Charulatha is an entrepreneur with a Master’s degree in Human Resources, showcasing her educational and professional achievements.
 
Charulatha’s Low-Profile Persona:
Unlike some cricket wives, Charulatha maintains a low profile and doesn’t seek attention from her husband’s success. She occasionally shares moments from her life on Instagram.
 
Samson and Charulatha met during their college days at Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram. Their love story began with a simple Facebook friendship request from Samson, leading to a sweet romance.
 
After five years of dating, Sanju Samson and Charulatha tied the knot in a modest ceremony held in Kovalam on December 22, 2018. Their marriage, a union of two different religions, was solemnized under the Special Marriage Act.
 
The couple enjoys celebrating festivals and vacationing together. Samson, who keeps his personal life private, continues to work hard in his cricketing career, hoping to make a mark in all formats of the game, despite stiff competition in the wicketkeeper-batsman role in the Indian cricket team.

Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODI) finals

CrickPe, the cricket-focused fantasy sports application from Ashneer Grover’s Third Unicorn, appears to have introduced paid subscriptions with zero platform fees through a new offering called CrickPe Pro, in a possible bid to attract more players onto its platform.
This launch comes ahead of the biennial Asia Cup cricket tournament that is starting on August 30. It also comes at a time when India’s real-money gaming industry has been hit hard by the government’s decision to impose a whopping 28 percent GST on player deposits, a move that is set to result in a significant tax burden on the companies.
At the time of writing this article, consumers can choose to purchase a monthly plan for Rs 200 or an annual plan for Rs 1,000. They can top up their in-app wallet to buy these plans. The company will waive off its 10 percent platform fees on player winnings for those who purchase these plans.
Real-money gaming companies typically earn money by charging a fee for making its platform available for users to participate in games or tournaments.
A screenshot depicting CrickPe’s new subscription plans
CrickPe notes that people can also “share their team” to earn 5 percent extra on their winnings. However, it is yet to disclose specific details on how this will work. We have reached out to the company for more information and will update once we hear back.
Read: Explained: GST Councils 28% tax on Indias real-money gaming sector
The move to offer a higher share of winnings to players could help CrickPe draw more players onto its platform as well as retain its existing users, in a market that is currently dominated by Dream11 with over 90 percent market share, as per industry estimates.
Third Unicorn, the venture floated by BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover and his wife Madhuri Jain, had launched CrickPe in March 2023, a week prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament. The company has raised about $4 million in seed funding led by ZNL Growth Fund earlier this year, as per media reports.
CrickPe allows players above 18 years of age to create a virtual team of cricket players or choose a team created by a “fantasy cricket expert” to enter paid contests and earn cash prizes based on their performance in real-life games. People can also create private groups to play with a limited group of friends as well as participate in contests to win rewards.
At the time of launch, CrickPe had said that it will give 10 percent of every game pot to real cricketers based on their actual performance in the cricket match. It also allowed users to send cash rewards ranging from Rs 100 – Rs 100,000 per year to their favourite cricketers. However, the startup appears to have now removed these features as per its website and mobile application.
CrickPe appears to have removed the ability to send cash rewards to cricketers
In April 2023, a report from Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports and Deloitte India had pegged the revenues from the Indian fantasy sports industry at Rs 6,800 crore in FY22. It also mentioned that the sector’s revenues is set to grow by 33 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to cross Rs 25,300 crore by FY27.
That said, the government’s imposition of a 28 percent GST on real-money games is expected to significantly dent the growth trajectory of this fast-growing industry due to a substantially higher tax burden. Last month, Grover had said that the measure has become an “existential issue” for the skill-based gaming industry.