<p>FIFA&nbsp;said Pele was simply "immortal" after the Brazil legend, named by world football's governing body as the greatest player of the 20th century, died on Thursday aged 82. "For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pele,"&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. "Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pele, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity." Pele is the only footballer to have won three&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;World Cups. He was just 17 when he won with Brazil in Sweden in 1958. Pele won the World Cup again in Chile in 1962, despite being forced out of much of the tournament due to injury.</p>

<p>He lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy for the third and final time in Mexico in 1970. "Pele: immortal -- forever with us,"&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;said on its website. Infantino said Pele was unique, as he sent his condolences to his family, Brazil and all football fans. "His skill and imagination were incomparable. Pele did things that no other player would even dream of," Infantino said. "Most importantly, 'The King' rose the throne with a smile on his face. Football could be brutal in those days, and Pele was often on the receiving end of some rough treatment. "But, while he knew how to stand up for himself, he was always an exemplary sportsman, with genuine respect for his opponents."</p>

<p>Infantino added: "Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world."</p>

<p>FIFA&nbsp;noted that he was the youngest-ever world champion -- not to mention the youngest scorer, youngest hat-trick scorer, youngest finalist and youngest player to score in a final in World Cup history. Former&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;president Sepp Blatter, who led world football's governing body from 1998 to 2015, called Pele the greatest player ever.</p>

<p>"The world mourns the greatest footballer in history and a wonderful personality. He celebrated the game like no other," Blatter said on Twitter. "Dear Pele, I am immensely sad and honour you and your life's work. My sincere condolences to your family and friends." Meanwhile European football's governing body UEFA praised Pele for his part in football's popularity. "He was the first global superstar of the game. Rest in peace, Pele."</p>


FIFA said Pele was simply "immortal" after the Brazil legend, named by world football's governing body as the greatest player of the 20th century, died on Thursday aged 82.

FIFA said Pele was simply "immortal" after the Brazil legend, named by world football's governing body as the greatest player of the 20th century, died on Thursday aged 82. "For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pele," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. "Today, we all mourn the loss of the physical presence of our dear Pele, but he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity." Pele is the only footballer to have won three FIFA World Cups. He was just 17 when he won with Brazil in Sweden in 1958. Pele won the World Cup again in Chile in 1962, despite being forced out of much of the tournament due to injury. He lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy for the third and final time in Mexico in 1970. "Pele: immortal -- forever with us," FIFA said on its website. Infantino said Pele was unique, as he sent his condolences to his family, Brazil and all football fans. "His skill and imagination were incomparable. Pele did things that no other player would even dream of," Infantino said. "Most importantly, 'The King' rose the throne with a smile on his face. Football could be brutal in those days, and Pele was often on the receiving end of some rough treatment. "But, while he knew how to stand up for himself, he was always an exemplary sportsman, with genuine respect for his opponents." Infantino added: "Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world." FIFA noted that he was the youngest-ever world champion -- not to mention the youngest scorer, youngest hat-trick scorer, youngest finalist and youngest player to score in a final in World Cup history. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who led world football's governing body from 1998 to 2015, called Pele the greatest player ever. "The world mourns the greatest footballer in history and a wonderful personality. He celebrated the game like no other," Blatter said on Twitter. "Dear Pele, I am immensely sad and honour you and your life's work. My sincere condolences to your family and friends." Meanwhile European football's governing body UEFA praised Pele for his part in football's popularity. "He was the first global superstar of the game. Rest in peace, Pele."

Pele 'immortal', says football's ruling body FIFA following Brazil legend's demise

<p>Former Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem has been given a wildcard to the Grand Slam next month after missing last year's tournament due to injury, organisers said on Friday. The Austrian gave the 2020 champion Novak Djokovic a huge scare before losing in five sets in a classic final. Former world number three Thiem later made his Grand Slam breakthrough at that year's U.S. Open. He struggled with a serious wrist injury the following season but the powerful 29-year-old has been on the comeback trail this year, improving his world ranking to 102 from outside the top 350 in June.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-34-per-cent-increase-from-2022-organisers-announce-record-prize-pool-for-2023-season-opener-547691">Australian Open: 3.4 per cent increase from 2022! Organisers announce record prize pool for 2023 season-opener</a></strong></p>

<p>Frenchman Luca Van Assche has also been given a wildcard, while Americans Taylor Townsend and Christopher Eubanks and Frenchwoman Diane Parry were awarded wildcards in the women's tournament. The four outstanding wildcards - two men and two women - will be awarded next week, organisers said.</p>


Former Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem has been given a wildcard to the Grand Slam next month after missing last year's tournament due to injury, organisers said on Friday.

Former Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem has been given a wildcard to the Grand Slam next month after missing last year's tournament due to injury, organisers said on Friday. The Austrian gave the 2020 champion Novak Djokovic a huge scare before losing in five sets in a classic final. Former world number three Thiem later made his Grand Slam breakthrough at that year's U.S. Open. He struggled with a serious wrist injury the following season but the powerful 29-year-old has been on the comeback trail this year, improving his world ranking to 102 from outside the top 350 in June. Also read: Australian Open: 3.4 per cent increase from 2022! Organisers announce record prize pool for 2023 season-opener Frenchman Luca Van Assche has also been given a wildcard, while Americans Taylor Townsend and Christopher Eubanks and Frenchwoman Diane Parry were awarded wildcards in the women's tournament. The four outstanding wildcards - two men and two women - will be awarded next week, organisers said.

Former world number 3 Dominic Thiem given Australian Open wildcard

<p>Ishan Kishan ended 2022 with a bang by becoming only the fourth Indian -- seventh overall -- to slam an ODI double ton during the Indian tour of Bangladesh in December. Playing the third and inconsequential tie due to regular captain Rohit Sharma's thumb injury, the 24-year-old made the most of the opportunity and slammed a majestic 131-ball 210, laced with 24 fours and 10 sixes. Thus, Ishan made a big statement with India stepping into 2023, i.e. an ODI World Cup year with Men in Blue set to host the mega event.</p>

<p>Ahead of India's first international assignment in 2023, the BCCI selection committee -- under outgoing chief Chetan Sharma -- announced the national side's white-ball squads for their home series versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 03. While there was no mention of first-choice Rishabh Pant -- a first-choice keeper-batter across formats -- Kishan found his name in both the squads. With Shikhar Dhawan dropped, India still has&nbsp;quite a few batters who can accompany Rohit at the top. But, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir is crystal clear that Kishan deserves to partner Rohit in ODIs..</p>

<p>As quoted by Cricinfo, Gambhir said that the discussion about who should be Sharma's partner at the top should be over following Kishan's blitz. "I'm amazed we're discussing this, because someone's got a double-hundred in the previous innings," Gambhir pointed out when asked to name his choice on who should open with Rohit. "The discussion is over. It has to be Ishan Kishan. Someone who can get a double-hundred in those conditions against a reasonable attack - especially at [their] home - should play."</p>

<p>"He got what 200 by the 35th over mark? You can't look at anyone beyond Ishan Kishan. He has to be given a longer run. He can keep wickets as well, so he can do two jobs for you. So for me, that discussion shouldn't be there. If someone else had got a double-hundred, I think we would've gone gung-ho over that individual, but it's not the case with Ishan Kishan. Because we still continue to talk about other players. For me, that debate is over," he asserted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-moment-you-start-gautam-gambhir-shares-his-take-on-kl-rahuls-struggles-ahead-of-sl-odis-547750">'The moment you start...' - Gautam Gambhir shares his take on KL Rahul's struggles ahead of SL ODIs</a></strong></p>

<p>Further, Gambhir mentioned his ideal India XI at this moment. "It's very difficult to look beyond Rohit and Ishan Kishan to open the batting, Virat at three, Surya at four, [and] Shreyas at five, because he's been incredible in the last one-and-a-half years. Yes, he's had issues against the short ball, but he's been able to manage it. You can't be the best against everything but if you're able to manage it and got the numbers going for you, you can't look beyond Shreyas at No. 5 and Hardik [Pandya] at 6."</p>

<p>India, under Hardik Pandya, will host SL in three T20Is -- from January 3 in Mumbai -- before the ODI series kicks off on January 10.</p>

<p><strong>India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: </strong>Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar.</p>

<p><strong>India’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs:</strong> Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.<br />
<br />
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Ishan Kishan ended 2022 with a bang by becoming only the fourth Indian -- seventh overall -- to slam an ODI double ton during the Indian tour of Bangladesh in December.

Ishan Kishan ended 2022 with a bang by becoming only the fourth Indian -- seventh overall -- to slam an ODI double ton during the Indian tour of Bangladesh in December. Playing the third and inconsequential tie due to regular captain Rohit Sharma's thumb injury, the 24-year-old made the most of the opportunity and slammed a majestic 131-ball 210, laced with 24 fours and 10 sixes. Thus, Ishan made a big statement with India stepping into 2023, i.e. an ODI World Cup year with Men in Blue set to host the mega event. Ahead of India's first international assignment in 2023, the BCCI selection committee -- under outgoing chief Chetan Sharma -- announced the national side's white-ball squads for their home series versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 03. While there was no mention of first-choice Rishabh Pant -- a first-choice keeper-batter across formats -- Kishan found his name in both the squads. With Shikhar Dhawan dropped, India still has quite a few batters who can accompany Rohit at the top. But, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir is crystal clear that Kishan deserves to partner Rohit in ODIs.. As quoted by Cricinfo, Gambhir said that the discussion about who should be Sharma's partner at the top should be over following Kishan's blitz. "I'm amazed we're discussing this, because someone's got a double-hundred in the previous innings," Gambhir pointed out when asked to name his choice on who should open with Rohit. "The discussion is over. It has to be Ishan Kishan. Someone who can get a double-hundred in those conditions against a reasonable attack - especially at [their] home - should play." "He got what 200 by the 35th over mark? You can't look at anyone beyond Ishan Kishan. He has to be given a longer run. He can keep wickets as well, so he can do two jobs for you. So for me, that discussion shouldn't be there. If someone else had got a double-hundred, I think we would've gone gung-ho over that individual, but it's not the case with Ishan Kishan. Because we still continue to talk about other players. For me, that debate is over," he asserted. Also read: 'The moment you start...' - Gautam Gambhir shares his take on KL Rahul's struggles ahead of SL ODIs Further, Gambhir mentioned his ideal India XI at this moment. "It's very difficult to look beyond Rohit and Ishan Kishan to open the batting, Virat at three, Surya at four, [and] Shreyas at five, because he's been incredible in the last one-and-a-half years. Yes, he's had issues against the short ball, but he's been able to manage it. You can't be the best against everything but if you're able to manage it and got the numbers going for you, you can't look beyond Shreyas at No. 5 and Hardik [Pandya] at 6." India, under Hardik Pandya, will host SL in three T20Is -- from January 3 in Mumbai -- before the ODI series kicks off on January 10. India’s squad for Sri Lanka T20Is: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar. India’s squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

The discussion is over: Gambhir feels 'it has to be Ishan Kishan' who should open with Rohit in ODIs

<p>2023 will begin with a bang&nbsp;for hockey lovers in India. The Harmanpreet Singh-led Team India is gearing up for the Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneshwar next month. The tournament will be held in Bhubaneswar-Rourkela and the national side will aim to kick off in style and return with the coveted title. In the last edition of the World Cup, also held in Odisha, hosts India were eliminated in the quarter-finals. In order to motivate the Indian squad,&nbsp;Hockey India recently announced cash prizes for the team and the support staff.</p>

<p>It is to be noted the National Governing Body for hockey will reward the Indian team with Rs 25 lakh (INR 2.5 million) each if they ensure a gold medal at the forthcoming showpiece event. Meanwhile,&nbsp;the members of the support staff will be honoured with Rs 5 lakh&nbsp;each. On the other hand, a silver-medal finish will lead to the players walk away with Rs 15 lakh&nbsp;each whereas the support staff will be given Rs 3 lakh. For a bronze finish, Harmanpreet &amp; Co. will be rewarded with Rs 10 lakh&nbsp;each with the support staff getting Rs 2 lakh. India last attained a podium finish in 1975 -- 47 years ago -- but will feel confident entering the mega event, on home soil, following their bronze-medal finish in Tokyo 2020. In Commonwealth Games 2022, the Men in Blue returned with a silver medal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hockey-wc-explained-what-is-the-tie-breaker-rule-that-will-come-into-play-in-group-stage-547460"><strong>Hockey WC: EXPLAINED! What is the tie-breaker rule that will come into play in group stage</strong></a></p>

<p>Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, in an official statement released by HI, said, "Finishing on the podium at a Senior Men's World Cup is not an easy task, and we hope this announcement will further increase the motivation levels of the already glory-hungry Indian Men's Hockey Team. Winning a medal in a home World Cup would surely go down as one of the best memories for the players in their decorated careers. We wish them the very best for the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela."</p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Hockey India's Secretary General Bholanath Singh said, "The Indian Men's Hockey Team is the pride of the nation and we want them to scale all the possible peaks in the sport. To help them achieve that, and to further motivate them towards this target, we have announced this prize for the team. Harmanpreet and Co are very able and talented players and we are sure they will do the best they can to finish with a medal."</p>

<p><strong>Squad</strong></p>

<p><strong>Goalkeepers:</strong> Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Defenders:</strong> Jarmanpreet Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas (Vice-captain), Nilam Sanjeep Xess&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Midfielders:</strong> &nbsp;Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh,Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Akashdeep Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Forwards:</strong> Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh.</p>

<p><strong>Alternate Players:</strong> Rajkumar Pal and Jugraj Singh.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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2023 will begin with a bang for hockey lovers in India. The Harmanpreet Singh-led Team India is gearing up for the Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneshwar next month. The tournament will be held in Bhubaneswar-Rourkela and the national side will aim to kick off in style and return with the coveted title.

2023 will begin with a bang for hockey lovers in India. The Harmanpreet Singh-led Team India is gearing up for the Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneshwar next month. The tournament will be held in Bhubaneswar-Rourkela and the national side will aim to kick off in style and return with the coveted title. In the last edition of the World Cup, also held in Odisha, hosts India were eliminated in the quarter-finals. In order to motivate the Indian squad, Hockey India recently announced cash prizes for the team and the support staff. It is to be noted the National Governing Body for hockey will reward the Indian team with Rs 25 lakh (INR 2.5 million) each if they ensure a gold medal at the forthcoming showpiece event. Meanwhile, the members of the support staff will be honoured with Rs 5 lakh each. On the other hand, a silver-medal finish will lead to the players walk away with Rs 15 lakh each whereas the support staff will be given Rs 3 lakh. For a bronze finish, Harmanpreet & Co. will be rewarded with Rs 10 lakh each with the support staff getting Rs 2 lakh. India last attained a podium finish in 1975 -- 47 years ago -- but will feel confident entering the mega event, on home soil, following their bronze-medal finish in Tokyo 2020. In Commonwealth Games 2022, the Men in Blue returned with a silver medal. Also read: Hockey WC: EXPLAINED! What is the tie-breaker rule that will come into play in group stage Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, in an official statement released by HI, said, "Finishing on the podium at a Senior Men's World Cup is not an easy task, and we hope this announcement will further increase the motivation levels of the already glory-hungry Indian Men's Hockey Team. Winning a medal in a home World Cup would surely go down as one of the best memories for the players in their decorated careers. We wish them the very best for the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela." Meanwhile, Hockey India's Secretary General Bholanath Singh said, "The Indian Men's Hockey Team is the pride of the nation and we want them to scale all the possible peaks in the sport. To help them achieve that, and to further motivate them towards this target, we have announced this prize for the team. Harmanpreet and Co are very able and talented players and we are sure they will do the best they can to finish with a medal." Squad Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran. Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh (Captain), Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas (Vice-captain), Nilam Sanjeep Xess Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh,Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Akashdeep Singh. Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh. Alternate Players: Rajkumar Pal and Jugraj Singh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WC 2023: Hockey India announces prize money for Harmanpreet Singh-led team on podium finish

<p>Just two days before India's first international assignment in 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to hold a review meeting to analyse India's T20 World Cup 2022 performance with regular captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and NCA chief VVS Laxman. The meeting, as per a report in India Today,&nbsp;will take place on January 01 in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Rohit, Dravid and even Laxman will be present as the board will have a review of India's dismal campaign in the 2022 edition of the T20 WC, held in Australia.&nbsp; Heading into the T20 WC as the No. 1 ranked T20I side, India had everything going for them as they topped their group with wins over Pakistan, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, respectively, but lost to South Africa, by a close margin, before falling flat in the semi-finals versus eventual winners England (by ten wickets). India's orthodox approach with the bat and some ordinary fielding efforts -- especialy in the game versus the Proteas -- were criticised by many. Moreover, Yuzvendra Chahal wasn't given a single game which raised eyebrows.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Will some big decisions be taken post the BCCI review? Will it be split captaincy and split coaching for India? Only time will tell...</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/are-we-servants-of-india-just-because-they-are-a-world-power-ramiz-raja-slams-bcci-over-asia-cup-2023-row-548022">'Are we servants of India just because they are a world power?' - Ramiz Raja slams BCCI over Asia Cup 2023 row</a></strong></p>

<p>After the T20 WC, Indian team have tried to tweak their line-up and are aiming to build a new squad around Hardik Pandya. Hardik hasn't officially taken over as the T20I captain but many believe he is set to take over with senior players such as Rohit, Virat Kohli, etc. shifting their focus towards the 2023 ODI World Cup; likely to be their swansong from international cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the home T20Is versus SL, BCCI announced a fresh 16-man squad under Hardik. The likes of Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, etc. have been named in the squad sans Rohit, Kohli, KL Rahul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.</p>

<p><strong>India T20I squad for Sri Lanka series</strong></p>

<p>Hardik Pandya (C), Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar</p>


Just two days before India's first international assignment in 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to hold a review meeting to analyse India's T20 World Cup 2022 performance with regular captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and NCA chief VVS Laxman.

Just two days before India's first international assignment in 2023, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to hold a review meeting to analyse India's T20 World Cup 2022 performance with regular captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and NCA chief VVS Laxman. The meeting, as per a report in India Today, will take place on January 01 in Mumbai. The likes of Rohit, Dravid and even Laxman will be present as the board will have a review of India's dismal campaign in the 2022 edition of the T20 WC, held in Australia. Heading into the T20 WC as the No. 1 ranked T20I side, India had everything going for them as they topped their group with wins over Pakistan, Netherlands, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, respectively, but lost to South Africa, by a close margin, before falling flat in the semi-finals versus eventual winners England (by ten wickets). India's orthodox approach with the bat and some ordinary fielding efforts -- especialy in the game versus the Proteas -- were criticised by many. Moreover, Yuzvendra Chahal wasn't given a single game which raised eyebrows. Will some big decisions be taken post the BCCI review? Will it be split captaincy and split coaching for India? Only time will tell... Also read: 'Are we servants of India just because they are a world power?' - Ramiz Raja slams BCCI over Asia Cup 2023 row After the T20 WC, Indian team have tried to tweak their line-up and are aiming to build a new squad around Hardik Pandya. Hardik hasn't officially taken over as the T20I captain but many believe he is set to take over with senior players such as Rohit, Virat Kohli, etc. shifting their focus towards the 2023 ODI World Cup; likely to be their swansong from international cricket. For the home T20Is versus SL, BCCI announced a fresh 16-man squad under Hardik. The likes of Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, etc. have been named in the squad sans Rohit, Kohli, KL Rahul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar. India T20I squad for Sri Lanka series Hardik Pandya (C), Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Mukesh Kumar

Ahead of SL series, BCCI to hold review meeting on Team India's T20 World Cup campaign: Report

<p>Ramiz Raja was recently removed as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. His stint was a controversial one with New Zealand withdrawing from their tour of Pakistan&nbsp;in September 2021&nbsp;just before the tour opener, whereas England cricket team also followed suit. While Australia toured and England also followed suit, with the Kiwis currently in Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs, Team Pakistan also had a mixed run -- ending second in Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2022 -- before losing their first-ever Test series on home soil (against England).</p>

<p>Following the England Tests, Ramiz was ousted as the PCB chief. During his tenure, he spoke a lot against Indian cricket and often slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). All hell broke loose when Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that India won't travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and the continental tournament will be held at a neutral venue.<br />
<br />
In reply, Ramiz slammed the BCCI and also went onto claim that Pakistan won't travel to India for the ODI World Cup, later next year, if the Asia Cup is moved out of Pakistan.</p>

<p>Speaking on Duniya News, the 60-year-old Ramiz has once again lashed out at the BCCI. He has urged the new PCB management to not fulfil each and every demand of the BCCI and show some leadership, which he claims was evident during his stint.<br />
<br />
He&nbsp;said, "One positive from my stint as a chairman was that I provided leadership. If you remember, New Zealand had left, and we told them that what you did was unfair. The England team refused to come; we spoke with them, following which they played 7 T20Is instead of 5, two extra. The ECB staff visited Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium; they came to my office and apologised. Similarly, Australia also visited."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/they-couldnt-digest-how-pakistan-former-pcb-chief-ramiz-raja-once-again-takes-a-dig-at-india-547634">'They couldn't digest how Pakistan....': Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja again takes a dig at India</a></strong></p>

<p>"What is leadership? When Asian Cricket Council has asked Pakistan to host a tournament and then India says they won't travel to Pakistan and shift the tournament to a neutral venue, what should be the response?&nbsp;<em>Kya hum sab servant rahenge India ke, kyunki woh ek world power hain apne hisab se. Kya hum har cheez unki mante jayenge</em>?" (Are we servants of India just because they are a world power in cricket? Should we listen to everything they say?)," Ramiz questioned.</p>

<p>The former Pakistan captain further believes that Pakistan is moving in the right direction and the current crop of players, and fans, should be respected by everyone and no one has a right to move Asia Cup out of the country. Ramiz added, "The Pakistan cricket team is enjoying a great run; you have a good fan following; you have superstars, so please give your team and fans the respect they deserve. There should be a decision on the matter, as the tournament was given to Pakistan, so how can it be shifted to a neutral venue without consulting us or the ACC members."<br />
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Ramiz Raja was recently removed as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. His stint was a controversial one with New Zealand withdrawing from their tour of Pakistan in September 2021 just before the tour opener, whereas England cricket team also followed suit.

Ramiz Raja was recently removed as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. His stint was a controversial one with New Zealand withdrawing from their tour of Pakistan in September 2021 just before the tour opener, whereas England cricket team also followed suit. While Australia toured and England also followed suit, with the Kiwis currently in Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs, Team Pakistan also had a mixed run -- ending second in Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2022 -- before losing their first-ever Test series on home soil (against England). Following the England Tests, Ramiz was ousted as the PCB chief. During his tenure, he spoke a lot against Indian cricket and often slammed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). All hell broke loose when Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah confirmed that India won't travel to Pakistan for the 2023 Asia Cup and the continental tournament will be held at a neutral venue. In reply, Ramiz slammed the BCCI and also went onto claim that Pakistan won't travel to India for the ODI World Cup, later next year, if the Asia Cup is moved out of Pakistan. Speaking on Duniya News, the 60-year-old Ramiz has once again lashed out at the BCCI. He has urged the new PCB management to not fulfil each and every demand of the BCCI and show some leadership, which he claims was evident during his stint. He said, "One positive from my stint as a chairman was that I provided leadership. If you remember, New Zealand had left, and we told them that what you did was unfair. The England team refused to come; we spoke with them, following which they played 7 T20Is instead of 5, two extra. The ECB staff visited Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium; they came to my office and apologised. Similarly, Australia also visited." Also read: 'They couldn't digest how Pakistan....': Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja again takes a dig at India "What is leadership? When Asian Cricket Council has asked Pakistan to host a tournament and then India says they won't travel to Pakistan and shift the tournament to a neutral venue, what should be the response? Kya hum sab servant rahenge India ke, kyunki woh ek world power hain apne hisab se. Kya hum har cheez unki mante jayenge?" (Are we servants of India just because they are a world power in cricket? Should we listen to everything they say?)," Ramiz questioned. The former Pakistan captain further believes that Pakistan is moving in the right direction and the current crop of players, and fans, should be respected by everyone and no one has a right to move Asia Cup out of the country. Ramiz added, "The Pakistan cricket team is enjoying a great run; you have a good fan following; you have superstars, so please give your team and fans the respect they deserve. There should be a decision on the matter, as the tournament was given to Pakistan, so how can it be shifted to a neutral venue without consulting us or the ACC members." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Are we servants of India just because they are a world power?' - Ramiz Raja slams BCCI over Asia Cup 2023 row

<p>On Friday (December 30), India woke up to the devastating news of Rishabh Pant, Team India star keeper-batter, being injured in a serious accident. This happened when the swashbuckling batter was returning to Delhi from Uttarakhand. His car collided with a divider&nbsp;and caught fire. As per reports and several pictures that have gone viral on social media platforms, the 25-year-old suffered multiple burn injuries. He&nbsp;has been shifted to the Max hospital, Dehradun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accident occurred in the early hours of Friday when Pant was returning to Delhi. He was driving his Mercedes when the accident happened on the Narsan border of Roorkee near Hammadpur Jhal. As a result, wishes have been pouring in from all corners for the superstar cricketer after pictures of his horrific car accident went viral. The likes of R Ashwin, Virender Sehwag, Ricky Ponting, Anil Kumble and many others reacted to Pant's accident and prayed for his speedy recovery. <strong>Here are some reactions on Twitter:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bounce back Rishabh, let’s all pray for his strong recovery🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GetWellSoon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GetWellSoon</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1608692070201561089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope you are ok bhai praying for your quick recovery get well soon champ 🤲🏻🤲🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a></p>
— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1608693628368736256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I hope you recover quickly rishabh .. sending warm hugs and love! <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a></p>
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadKaif/status/1608693573079420932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing dear <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> a super speedy recovery. Bahut hi Jald swasth ho jaao.</p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1608668455808663553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thinking of <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a>. Hope you're on the mend and back on your feet soon 🙏</p>
— Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) <a href="https://twitter.com/RickyPonting/status/1608683126175461379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing you a speedy recovery <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> Get well soon.</p>
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1608669747406831616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing a very speedy &amp; full recovery to Rishabh! Take care <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a></p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1608679856447029248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Get well soon mere bhai Allah sab thik karega <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a> <a href="https://t.co/1QLy46tOHs">pic.twitter.com/1QLy46tOHs</a></p>
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1608679251318038528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Terrible news to wake up to..praying for Rishabh’s speedy recovery..🙏🙏</p>
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) <a href="https://twitter.com/parthiv9/status/1608676867414069249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Praying for Rishabh Pants speedy recovery. Relieved to hear that he is safe and stable. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishabhPant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishabhPant</a></p>
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/azharflicks/status/1608687748533342208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really hope Rishabh Pant is ok. The car looks absolutely quashed. Horrific to see even.</p>
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) <a href="https://twitter.com/mukundabhinav/status/1608676502610284544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thoughts and prayers with Rishabh Pant. Get well soon brother 🙏🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/RishabhPant17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishabhPant17</a></p>
— Litton Das (@LittonOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/LittonOfficial/status/1608689321980342272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Get well soon <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RishabhPant?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RishabhPant</a> 🙏🏼</p>
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkateshprasad/status/1608685433302691841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-cricketer-rishabh-pant-injured-in-car-accident-547898">Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant injured in car crash</a></strong></p>

<p>It is believed that Pant has suffered some injuries but is out of danger. A statement from the hospital is expected to be out later in the day. Pant has been India's mainstay across formats. He was part of India's 2-0 Test series win versus Bangladesh, in Bangladesh, but hasn't been named by the BCCI selectors in India's white-ball squads for the upcoming home assignments versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 03.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, Pant had been advised to work on his fitness as he had been carrying a niggle on his knee for quite sometime. He was expected to return for India's four Tests versus Australia, on home soil, before the accident took place on Friday morning. One hopes for his speedy recovery and return to the 22-yard cricket strip sooner than later.</p>


On Friday (December 30), India woke up to the devastating news of Rishabh Pant, Team India star keeper-batter, being injured in a serious accident. This happened when the swashbuckling batter was returning to Delhi from Uttarakhand.

On Friday (December 30), India woke up to the devastating news of Rishabh Pant, Team India star keeper-batter, being injured in a serious accident. This happened when the swashbuckling batter was returning to Delhi from Uttarakhand. His car collided with a divider and caught fire. As per reports and several pictures that have gone viral on social media platforms, the 25-year-old suffered multiple burn injuries. He has been shifted to the Max hospital, Dehradun. The accident occurred in the early hours of Friday when Pant was returning to Delhi. He was driving his Mercedes when the accident happened on the Narsan border of Roorkee near Hammadpur Jhal. As a result, wishes have been pouring in from all corners for the superstar cricketer after pictures of his horrific car accident went viral. The likes of R Ashwin, Virender Sehwag, Ricky Ponting, Anil Kumble and many others reacted to Pant's accident and prayed for his speedy recovery. Here are some reactions on Twitter: Bounce back Rishabh, let’s all pray for his strong recovery🙏 #GetWellSoon — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 30, 2022 × I hope you are ok bhai praying for your quick recovery get well soon champ 🤲🏻🤲🏻 @RishabhPant17 — Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) December 30, 2022 × I hope you recover quickly rishabh .. sending warm hugs and love! @RishabhPant17 — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 30, 2022 × Wishing dear @RishabhPant17 a super speedy recovery. Bahut hi Jald swasth ho jaao. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 30, 2022 × Thinking of @RishabhPant17. Hope you're on the mend and back on your feet soon 🙏 — Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) December 30, 2022 × Wishing you a speedy recovery @RishabhPant17 Get well soon. — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 30, 2022 × Wishing a very speedy & full recovery to Rishabh! Take care @RishabhPant17 — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 30, 2022 × Get well soon mere bhai Allah sab thik karega @RishabhPant17 pic.twitter.com/1QLy46tOHs — Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) December 30, 2022 × Terrible news to wake up to..praying for Rishabh’s speedy recovery..🙏🙏 — parthiv patel (@parthiv9) December 30, 2022 × Praying for Rishabh Pants speedy recovery. Relieved to hear that he is safe and stable. #RishabhPant — Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) December 30, 2022 × Really hope Rishabh Pant is ok. The car looks absolutely quashed. Horrific to see even. — Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) December 30, 2022 × Thoughts and prayers with Rishabh Pant. Get well soon brother 🙏🙏 @RishabhPant17 — Litton Das (@LittonOfficial) December 30, 2022 × Get well soon #RishabhPant 🙏🏼 — Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) December 30, 2022 × Also read: Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant injured in car crash It is believed that Pant has suffered some injuries but is out of danger. A statement from the hospital is expected to be out later in the day. Pant has been India's mainstay across formats. He was part of India's 2-0 Test series win versus Bangladesh, in Bangladesh, but hasn't been named by the BCCI selectors in India's white-ball squads for the upcoming home assignments versus Sri Lanka, starting on January 03. As per reports, Pant had been advised to work on his fitness as he had been carrying a niggle on his knee for quite sometime. He was expected to return for India's four Tests versus Australia, on home soil, before the accident took place on Friday morning. One hopes for his speedy recovery and return to the 22-yard cricket strip sooner than later.

'Bounce back Rishabh' - R Ashwin, Virender Sehwag & others pray for Pant's speedy recovery

<p>Three-time Olympic champion&nbsp;Matthias&nbsp;Mayer&nbsp;of Austria announced his retirement from Alpine skiing on Thursday (December 29), saying he had arrived at the decision after days of consideration. The 32-year-old had a successful outing at this year's Winter Games in Beijing, taking home gold in the super-G and bronze in the downhill race. He also claimed super-G gold at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang as well as the downhill gold in Sochi in 2014. In addition to his Olympic medals,&nbsp;Mayer&nbsp;also racked up 11 World Cup victories.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-king-pele-no-more-list-of-records-held-by-the-brazilian-legend-547954">Football 'King' Pele no more: List of records held by the Brazilian legend</a></strong></p>

<p>"There is no main reason, I simply don't have the bite anymore. I've been thinking about it over the last few days and the time has come to stop,"&nbsp;Mayer&nbsp;told reporters in Bormio, Italy. "Risk has been my passion, but now I have reached the limit." Matthias&nbsp;added he will not be competing in the super-G World Cup event in Bormio later on Thursday.</p>


Three-time Olympic champion Matthias Mayer of Austria announced his retirement from Alpine skiing on Thursday (December 29), saying he had arrived at the decision after days of consideration.

Three-time Olympic champion Matthias Mayer of Austria announced his retirement from Alpine skiing on Thursday (December 29), saying he had arrived at the decision after days of consideration. The 32-year-old had a successful outing at this year's Winter Games in Beijing, taking home gold in the super-G and bronze in the downhill race. He also claimed super-G gold at the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang as well as the downhill gold in Sochi in 2014. In addition to his Olympic medals, Mayer also racked up 11 World Cup victories. Also read: Football 'King' Pele no more: List of records held by the Brazilian legend "There is no main reason, I simply don't have the bite anymore. I've been thinking about it over the last few days and the time has come to stop," Mayer told reporters in Bormio, Italy. "Risk has been my passion, but now I have reached the limit." Matthias added he will not be competing in the super-G World Cup event in Bormio later on Thursday.

Three-time Olympic champion Austria's Matthias Mayer announces retirement from skiing

<p>While there remains tension between India and Pakistan, due to the political relation, with both sides reluctant to travel to their respective nations for next year's Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is keen on hosting a Test match between the two heavyweights at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. This comes after the success of hosting the two Asian giants in the 2022 T20 World Cup on October 23.</p>

<p>While speaking on SEN radio during Day Four of the second and penultimate Test between Australia and South Africa, on Thursday (December 29), the MCC chief executive Stuart Fox revealed that the club, along with the Victoria government, had made an inquiry to Cricket Australia (CA) about hosting a neutral Test between India and Pakistan. A CA spokesperson has, in turn, confirmed ESPNCricinfo that the final decision to host a Test or a full series solely rests on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).</p>

<p>"Absolutely. Three [Tests] in a row would be lovely at the MCG. You'd fill it every time. We have asked," Fox said. "We've taken that up with Cricket Australia. I know the [Victoria] government has as well. Again, it's enormously complicated from what I can understand, amongst a really busy schedule. So I think that's probably the greater challenge," he opined.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-thrash-south-africa-by-an-innings-and-182-runs-to-win-2nd-test-take-unassailable-2-0-lead-547547">Australia thrash South Africa by an innings and 182 runs to win 2nd Test, take unassailable 2-0 lead</a></strong></p>

<p>"Wouldn't it be great that it wasn't just Australia-centric and Victoria-centric, that we're catering for all the countries and filling the stadium all the time. So we have asked. "Hopefully, Cricket Australia keep taking it up with the ICC and keep pushing for it. When you do see some of the stadiums around the world unoccupied, I think it would be much better to have a full house and that atmosphere and celebrating the game with full houses," Fox further added.</p>

<p>India and Pakistan last played a Test series in 2007 when Anil Kumble-led India won 1-0. The two nations nowadays only meet in multi-nation or ICC events and their last face-off came during the 2022 T20 WC, in Australia, where Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. beat Babar Azam-led Men in Green by four wickets in a last-ball thriller at a jam-packed MCG, Melbourne.</p>

<p>In the ongoing second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, India and Australia have a strong chance of meeting in the final in June 2023. Pakistan, after their home series defeat versus England, have been out of contention. Currently, there is nothing scheduled between India-Pakistan&nbsp;for any bilateral cricket on the Future Tours Program (FTP) between 2023-2027, and, hence, if MCG manages to host even a Test, it will be a sellout in no time.&nbsp;</p>


While there remains tension between India and Pakistan, due to the political relation, with both sides reluctant to travel to their respective nations for next year's Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is keen on hosting a Test match between the two heavyweights at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne.

While there remains tension between India and Pakistan, due to the political relation, with both sides reluctant to travel to their respective nations for next year's Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is keen on hosting a Test match between the two heavyweights at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne. This comes after the success of hosting the two Asian giants in the 2022 T20 World Cup on October 23. While speaking on SEN radio during Day Four of the second and penultimate Test between Australia and South Africa, on Thursday (December 29), the MCC chief executive Stuart Fox revealed that the club, along with the Victoria government, had made an inquiry to Cricket Australia (CA) about hosting a neutral Test between India and Pakistan. A CA spokesperson has, in turn, confirmed ESPNCricinfo that the final decision to host a Test or a full series solely rests on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "Absolutely. Three [Tests] in a row would be lovely at the MCG. You'd fill it every time. We have asked," Fox said. "We've taken that up with Cricket Australia. I know the [Victoria] government has as well. Again, it's enormously complicated from what I can understand, amongst a really busy schedule. So I think that's probably the greater challenge," he opined. Also read: Australia thrash South Africa by an innings and 182 runs to win 2nd Test, take unassailable 2-0 lead "Wouldn't it be great that it wasn't just Australia-centric and Victoria-centric, that we're catering for all the countries and filling the stadium all the time. So we have asked. "Hopefully, Cricket Australia keep taking it up with the ICC and keep pushing for it. When you do see some of the stadiums around the world unoccupied, I think it would be much better to have a full house and that atmosphere and celebrating the game with full houses," Fox further added. India and Pakistan last played a Test series in 2007 when Anil Kumble-led India won 1-0. The two nations nowadays only meet in multi-nation or ICC events and their last face-off came during the 2022 T20 WC, in Australia, where Rohit Sharma & Co. beat Babar Azam-led Men in Green by four wickets in a last-ball thriller at a jam-packed MCG, Melbourne. In the ongoing second cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, India and Australia have a strong chance of meeting in the final in June 2023. Pakistan, after their home series defeat versus England, have been out of contention. Currently, there is nothing scheduled between India-Pakistan for any bilateral cricket on the Future Tours Program (FTP) between 2023-2027, and, hence, if MCG manages to host even a Test, it will be a sellout in no time.

After T20 World Cup success, MCC keen on hosting India-Pakistan Test at the MCG

<p>The year 2022 has seen quite a few marquee tournaments taking place, such as the T20 World Cup and FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The new year is set to start in a few days and it will begin with a bang for all sports lovers. The forthcoming Hockey WC will take place from January 13-29 in the cities of Bhubaneshwar and Rourkela in Odisha as all the top teams will fight it out for the coveted title. Belgium is the defending champions, having beaten the Netherlands in the 2018 finale by 3-2 in the penalty shootout (after the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate).</p>

<p>Ahead of the showpiece event's commencement, here are the four groups comprising four sides each. <strong>The groups are as follows.</strong></p>

<p>Pool A:- Australia, South Africa, France, Argentina<br />
Pool B:- Belgium, Japan, Korea, Germany<br />
Pool C:- Netherlands, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand<br />
<strong>Pool D:- India, Wales, Spain, England</strong></p>

<p>Thus, Harmanpreet Singh-led India is in a tricky group D, also comprising England, Spain and Wales. It is to be noted that the top four teams from each group will progress to the next stage and&nbsp;occupy the first four places in the quarter-final. However, the next four sides&nbsp;who will feature in the last eight will be determined by crossover matches between the second and third-placed teams from every group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-is-looking-very-seriously-at-bidding-for-2036-olympics-reveals-sports-minister-anurag-thakur-547430">India is looking very seriously at bidding for 2036 Olympics, reveals Sports Minister Anurag Thakur</a></strong></p>

<p>A win in the pool stage will give every side two points whereas they will settle for a point in case of a draw. If two sides find themselves tied on multiple counts, then the scenario is very interesting. In this case, a tie-breaker rule will come into play to reveal the team ranking on the group stage.</p>

<p>For instance, if two teams are tied on equal points, then the team with more victories in the group stage will achieve the higher rank. In case if that doesn't help, then&nbsp;the goal difference -- i.e. the difference between the number of goals scored and the number of goals conceded -- will be taken into consideration. If that also doesn't lead to a result,&nbsp;then the team with the most number of goals scored will gain a higher rank. If that too doesn't separate the two sides tied, then the head-to-head result between them will achieve the higher rank.</p>

<p>In the last edition, in 2018, India ended their run in the quarter-finals. After Tokyo 2020 success, where they finished with a bronze medal, the Men in Blue will be confident to go the distance and end with the coveted title.</p>


The year 2022 has seen quite a few marquee tournaments taking place, such as the T20 World Cup and FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The new year is set to start in a few days and it will begin with a bang for all sports lovers.

The year 2022 has seen quite a few marquee tournaments taking place, such as the T20 World Cup and FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The new year is set to start in a few days and it will begin with a bang for all sports lovers. The forthcoming Hockey WC will take place from January 13-29 in the cities of Bhubaneshwar and Rourkela in Odisha as all the top teams will fight it out for the coveted title. Belgium is the defending champions, having beaten the Netherlands in the 2018 finale by 3-2 in the penalty shootout (after the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate). Ahead of the showpiece event's commencement, here are the four groups comprising four sides each. The groups are as follows. Pool A:- Australia, South Africa, France, Argentina Pool B:- Belgium, Japan, Korea, Germany Pool C:- Netherlands, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand Pool D:- India, Wales, Spain, England Thus, Harmanpreet Singh-led India is in a tricky group D, also comprising England, Spain and Wales. It is to be noted that the top four teams from each group will progress to the next stage and occupy the first four places in the quarter-final. However, the next four sides who will feature in the last eight will be determined by crossover matches between the second and third-placed teams from every group. Also read: India is looking very seriously at bidding for 2036 Olympics, reveals Sports Minister Anurag Thakur A win in the pool stage will give every side two points whereas they will settle for a point in case of a draw. If two sides find themselves tied on multiple counts, then the scenario is very interesting. In this case, a tie-breaker rule will come into play to reveal the team ranking on the group stage. For instance, if two teams are tied on equal points, then the team with more victories in the group stage will achieve the higher rank. In case if that doesn't help, then the goal difference -- i.e. the difference between the number of goals scored and the number of goals conceded -- will be taken into consideration. If that also doesn't lead to a result, then the team with the most number of goals scored will gain a higher rank. If that too doesn't separate the two sides tied, then the head-to-head result between them will achieve the higher rank. In the last edition, in 2018, India ended their run in the quarter-finals. After Tokyo 2020 success, where they finished with a bronze medal, the Men in Blue will be confident to go the distance and end with the coveted title.

Hockey WC: EXPLAINED! What is the tie-breaker rule that will come into play in group stage

<p>Paris St Germain captain Marquinhos scored at both ends against Racing Strasbourg before a last-gasp Kylian Mbappe penalty secured the Ligue 1 leaders a 2-1 victory on Wednesday even though they were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half after Neymar was sent off.</p>

<p>Marquinhos opened the scoring by breaking free from his marker and headed in Neymar's cross after 14 minutes. The Brazilian defender, however, deflected Adrien Thomasson's cross into his own net in the 51st minute to leave the scores level. Neymar received his marching orders in the 62nd minute at Parc des Princes after picking up two bookings in two minutes, the first for a foul and then a second for diving a minute later.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-never-get-over-world-cup-heartbreak-says-mbappe-547513">'Will never get over World Cup heartbreak', says Mbappe</a></strong></p>

<p>Ten days after Mbappe's hopes of becoming a two-time World Cup winner were dashed after 2018 champions France were beaten by Argentina in the Qatar final, the 24-year-old was on target again as he converted a penalty six minutes into stoppage time after being pulled inside the box.</p>

<p>PSG&nbsp;top the standings with 44 points, eight ahead of RC Lens, who have a game in hand. but with one more game played. Strasbourg are in 19th place.</p>


Paris St Germain captain Marquinhos scored at both ends against Racing Strasbourg before a last-gasp Kylian Mbappe penalty secured the Ligue 1 leaders a 2-1 victory on Wednesday even though they were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half after Neymar was sent off.

Paris St Germain captain Marquinhos scored at both ends against Racing Strasbourg before a last-gasp Kylian Mbappe penalty secured the Ligue 1 leaders a 2-1 victory on Wednesday even though they were reduced to 10 men midway through the second half after Neymar was sent off. Marquinhos opened the scoring by breaking free from his marker and headed in Neymar's cross after 14 minutes. The Brazilian defender, however, deflected Adrien Thomasson's cross into his own net in the 51st minute to leave the scores level. Neymar received his marching orders in the 62nd minute at Parc des Princes after picking up two bookings in two minutes, the first for a foul and then a second for diving a minute later. Also read: 'Will never get over World Cup heartbreak', says Mbappe Ten days after Mbappe's hopes of becoming a two-time World Cup winner were dashed after 2018 champions France were beaten by Argentina in the Qatar final, the 24-year-old was on target again as he converted a penalty six minutes into stoppage time after being pulled inside the box. PSG top the standings with 44 points, eight ahead of RC Lens, who have a game in hand. but with one more game played. Strasbourg are in 19th place.

Kylian Mbappe scores late penalty to help PSG beat Strasbourg 2-1

<p>2023 is set to begin in style with the Australian Open commencing on January 16. The mega event at Melbourne Park, Melbourne will see some big players rub shoulders against each other in what will be the first Grand Slam of the year. Ahead of the marquee tournament Down Under, the organisers on Thursday (December 29) confirmed that there is a hike in prize money.</p>

<p>The season's first Grand Slam&nbsp;will see a prize pool of USD 76.5 million, a 3.4 per cent jump from last edition. Not only this, the players will also be able to make the most of the&nbsp;new services, experiences, and facilities in Melbourne when the tournament kicks off&nbsp;on January 16.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>A lot to play for Rafa, Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and more</strong></p>

<p>One of the biggest aspects is the increase in&nbsp;the prize money for players in the early rounds&nbsp;to help in their careers. The winner of the men's and women's singles will earn a whopping&nbsp;USD 2,975,000 whereas the runner-up will receive USD 1,625,000. For making it to&nbsp;the opening round, a player will get USD 106,250, meanwhile, a&nbsp;player&nbsp;entering&nbsp;the final round of qualifying will be able to take home USD 55,150.</p>

<p>The men's and women's doubles winners will get&nbsp;USD 695,000 while the mixed doubles champions will be able to return with&nbsp;USD 157,750.</p>

<p>Talking&nbsp;about the increase in the prize pool, Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, said ahead of the tournament, "At the Australian Open we’ve upped prize money for every round from qualifying, through to the finals, with the major increases in the early rounds, where these substantial rewards help players invest in their own careers and in many cases, set themselves up for success throughout the year."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-number-one-novak-djokovic-cant-forget-being-deported-but-ready-to-move-on-in-australia-547646"><strong>Former world number one Novak Djokovic can't forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia</strong></a></p>

<p>New features such as&nbsp;Player Recharge Zone -- where performance focussed activities and a nutrition bar will be available -- are also being introduced in the forthcoming Aus Open. The showpiece event will also comprise&nbsp;six themed restaurants and cafes, including two new cafes for the players. In addition, match analysis data will&nbsp;be available for them.</p>

<p><strong>HOW MUCH WILL PLAYERS EARN AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN?</strong></p>

<p>-- Australian Open total prize pool of $76.5 million, up 3.4 per cent on 2022<br />
-- Singles, doubles and qualifying hiked by 3.2 per cent<br />
-- Prize money has gone up in every round<br />
-- First-round qualifiers – $26,000 (up 3 per cent jump)<br />
-- First-round doubles teams – $30,975 (up 3.1 per cent)<br />
-- First-round main draw singles players – $106,250 (up 3.2 per cent)<br />
-- Players making it to the second round – $158,850 (up 3.1 percent)<br />
-- Semifinalists to take home&nbsp;$925,000, (up 3.4 percent)<br />
-- Singles champions to win&nbsp;$2.975 million</p>


2023 is set to begin in style with the Australian Open commencing on January 16. The mega event at Melbourne Park, Melbourne will see some big players rub shoulders against each other in what will be the first Grand Slam of the year.

2023 is set to begin in style with the Australian Open commencing on January 16. The mega event at Melbourne Park, Melbourne will see some big players rub shoulders against each other in what will be the first Grand Slam of the year. Ahead of the marquee tournament Down Under, the organisers on Thursday (December 29) confirmed that there is a hike in prize money. The season's first Grand Slam will see a prize pool of USD 76.5 million, a 3.4 per cent jump from last edition. Not only this, the players will also be able to make the most of the new services, experiences, and facilities in Melbourne when the tournament kicks off on January 16. A lot to play for Rafa, Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and more One of the biggest aspects is the increase in the prize money for players in the early rounds to help in their careers. The winner of the men's and women's singles will earn a whopping USD 2,975,000 whereas the runner-up will receive USD 1,625,000. For making it to the opening round, a player will get USD 106,250, meanwhile, a player entering the final round of qualifying will be able to take home USD 55,150. The men's and women's doubles winners will get USD 695,000 while the mixed doubles champions will be able to return with USD 157,750. Talking about the increase in the prize pool, Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, said ahead of the tournament, "At the Australian Open we’ve upped prize money for every round from qualifying, through to the finals, with the major increases in the early rounds, where these substantial rewards help players invest in their own careers and in many cases, set themselves up for success throughout the year." Also read: Former world number one Novak Djokovic can't forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia New features such as Player Recharge Zone -- where performance focussed activities and a nutrition bar will be available -- are also being introduced in the forthcoming Aus Open. The showpiece event will also comprise six themed restaurants and cafes, including two new cafes for the players. In addition, match analysis data will be available for them. HOW MUCH WILL PLAYERS EARN AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN? -- Australian Open total prize pool of $76.5 million, up 3.4 per cent on 2022 -- Singles, doubles and qualifying hiked by 3.2 per cent -- Prize money has gone up in every round -- First-round qualifiers – $26,000 (up 3 per cent jump) -- First-round doubles teams – $30,975 (up 3.1 per cent) -- First-round main draw singles players – $106,250 (up 3.2 per cent) -- Players making it to the second round – $158,850 (up 3.1 percent) -- Semifinalists to take home $925,000, (up 3.4 percent) -- Singles champions to win $2.975 million

Australian Open: 3.4 per cent increase from 2022! Organisers announce record prize pool for 2023 season-opener

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