SPORTS

The auction of the inaugural edition of the Rajasthan Premier League (RPL) saw all-rounders attracting big deals in an intense bidding war between six franchises that lasted for more than seven hours here on Thursday.

It was all-rounder Deepak Hooda who landed the highest bidding amount as Kota splurged Rs15,50000 to have his services. Another all-rounder, Mahipal Lomror bagged the second-highest bid of Rs15,00000 by Sikar.

The International Cricket Council on Wednesday (August 9) announced a new schedule for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. In what comes as a piece of good news for cricket fans, the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan will now take place on October 14 instead of October 15 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

A few alterations would be made to the 2023 ODI World Cup schedule, BCCI secretary Jay Shah previously announced. After numerous rumours stated that India and Pakistan's highly anticipated meeting will be moved from October 15 to October 14, Shah made the announcement. The BCCI secretary also disclosed that the World Cup hosts India had received requests from two to three ICC member boards, who had previously requested adjustments to the tournament's schedule due to logistical difficulties. The nine World Cup games that were altered by the ICC and BCCI in the run-up to the main tournament are listed below.

Three-time champions and title favourites India were held to a 1-1 draw by Japan in their second match of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Friday. India had started their campaign on a rousing note, demolishing China 7-1 on Thursday. But, the home side were blocked out by a dogged Japanese defence. Ken Nagayoshi gave Japan the lead in the 28th minute which was neutralised by India skipper Harmanpreet Singh in the 43rd minute.

Japan definitely have to be slightly happier of the two sides. India had a chance of going top of the table today but Malaysia will stay there. For Japan, it is a valuable point against the hosts and tournament favourites and it is something that they can build on after the disappointment they suffered against South Korea. 

The former England cricket captain, Nasser Hussain, has recently spoken out regarding his views on the issue of teams facing stringent disciplinary measures for slow over rates, particularly highlighting instances in the recent Ashes series. He voiced his support for the, at times, substantial penalties that were placed upon the English and Australian teams. Hussain firmly believes that the repercussions for lenient play should remain harsh to maintain the integrity and allure of the sport.

Desi netizens were left fuming on Wednesday after a news report said Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif-appointed committee will meet tomorrow in a high profile meeting to decide the country's cricket team's participation in the 2023 ICC Men's World Cup. 

A Cricbuzz report said the Bilawal Bhutto-headed committee, appointed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, will meet on Thursday to decide on going to India to play the prestigious quadrennial cricket tournament.