Manchester City`s previous Champions League campaign was not a "failure" despite their loss to Chelsea in the final, manager Pep Guardiola said ahead of their Group A opener against RB Leipzig on Wednesday. 
 
City were denied their first Champions League title after Chelsea`s 1-0 win in Porto in May, after which Guardiola was criticised for his team selection. 
 
The 50-year-old said City used the disappointment of their quarter-final exit to Olympique Lyonnais in 2019-20 as a catalyst to reach the final last season, and he hopes that the result against Chelsea will similarly aid their progress. 
 
"Man City made a step forward last season, we improved a lot," Guardiola told a news conference before Wednesday`s game at the Etihad. "We had 13 games and we won 11. We played incredibly well in Porto when we drew and deserved to win. 
 
"People can say Man City was a failure but it was an incredible achievement last season playing really well in many of the games and losing against a big contender. The players have feelings and soul and it hurts when you cannot achieve something. For them, it`s a new challenge to try. These guys win three of last four Premier League (titles) and we always have the feeling we can do better." 
 
City are in a tricky Group A alongside Paris St Germain, Belgian side Club Brugge and Leipzig, and Guardiola emphasised the need for his team to get off to a good start at home. Guardiola, who won the Champions League twice as Barcelona manager, added that the competition is now without a clear favourite owing to its unpredictability. 
 
"There are many strong teams. It is completely different to when I started with Barcelona. The group stage is difficult. Leipzig are always complicated," he said. 
 
"It is so important to start well, especially at home. When you have such a tough schedule, people go with national teams and come back with injury, and have to recover for a long time, you have to think about it day by day."

Manchester City`s previous Champions League campaign was not a "failure" despite their loss to Chelsea in the final, manager Pep Guardiola said ahead of their Group A opener against RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Manchester City`s previous Champions League campaign was not a "failure" despite their loss to Chelsea in the final, manager Pep Guardiola said ahead of their Group A opener against RB Leipzig on Wednesday. City were denied their first Champions League title after Chelsea`s 1-0 win in Porto in May, after which Guardiola was criticised for his team selection. The 50-year-old said City used the disappointment of their quarter-final exit to Olympique Lyonnais in 2019-20 as a catalyst to reach the final last season, and he hopes that the result against Chelsea will similarly aid their progress. "Man City made a step forward last season, we improved a lot," Guardiola told a news conference before Wednesday`s game at the Etihad. "We had 13 games and we won 11. We played incredibly well in Porto when we drew and deserved to win. "People can say Man City was a failure but it was an incredible achievement last season playing really well in many of the games and losing against a big contender. The players have feelings and soul and it hurts when you cannot achieve something. For them, it`s a new challenge to try. These guys win three of last four Premier League (titles) and we always have the feeling we can do better." City are in a tricky Group A alongside Paris St Germain, Belgian side Club Brugge and Leipzig, and Guardiola emphasised the need for his team to get off to a good start at home. Guardiola, who won the Champions League twice as Barcelona manager, added that the competition is now without a clear favourite owing to its unpredictability. "There are many strong teams. It is completely different to when I started with Barcelona. The group stage is difficult. Leipzig are always complicated," he said. "It is so important to start well, especially at home. When you have such a tough schedule, people go with national teams and come back with injury, and have to recover for a long time, you have to think about it day by day."

Pep Guardiola denies Manchester City were Champions League failures last season

Emma Raducanu has spent her time hopping from one media interview to another since her fairytale U.S. Open triumph and how she deals with her new-found fame could be as important as her tennis skills for her long-term success. 
 
The 18-year-old Briton stunned the world with her improbable run to the title last week, triggering comparisons with some of the greatest achievements in sport. 
 
Her innocence, youthful exuberance and contagious smile have made Raducanu an instant hit with fans and the media and sports marketing experts believe she could become one of the world`s most marketable athletes. 
 
Raducanu is not the first teenager to win a Grand Slam title, of course, and the experiences of other women who have made their breakthroughs on the game`s biggest stage in recent years illustrate that sudden fame can be a mixed blessing. 
 
"I often say that we prepare how to deal with a loss but we often don`t prepare for success," Daria Abramowicz, a sports psychologist who works with Pole Iga Swiatek who won the French Open at the age of 19 last year, told Reuters. 
 
"The biggest challenge from psychological perspective as we consider high performance sports is to adapt and adjust to this new reality ... in terms of partnership, sponsorship, business side of things." 
 
Swiatek`s French Open triumph was almost as stunning as Raducanu`s and she said it changed her life overnight, leaving her struggling to adjust to her celebrity status and keep up with the financial and media demands. 
 
The most graphic example is that of Japan`s Naomi Osaka, who has been marked as the next dominant player in women`s sport since she announced herself on the big stage with her U.S. Open triumph in 2018. 
 
Still only 23, four-times major champion has struggled with mental health issues she thinks were triggered by the massive burden of expectation on her. 
 
Raducanu has experienced help at hand as she is managed by super-agent Max Eisenbud, who turned Maria Sharapova into the highest-earning female athlete after the Russian won Wimbledon aged 18. 
 
Katie Spellman, who represents multiple major winners Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova, said her advice to Raducanu`s team would be to focus on quality over quantity in terms of media commitments. 
 
Spellman also suggested professional media training for her and addition of someone to Raducanu`s team who could help the teenager manage her social media accounts, which have seen the number of followers rocket in last few days. 
 
MORE SUCCESS 
 
It is not just the higher profile that will change things for Raducanu going forward, however, but also the attitude and approach of her opponents on court. 
 
"The other players will be preparing for her game, will try to find her weakness on court, won`t be surprised with the level or tactics for example, that`s the work that people are doing right now in tennis on a daily basis," Abramowicz added. 
 
That means that achieving more success after the initial breakthrough can take time, if it comes at all. Swiatek has reached one Grand Slam quarter-final since her Roland Garros triumph, while Jelena Ostapenko has not come anywhere near matching her 2017 French Open success. 
 
Bianca Andreescu`s win over Serena Williams in the 2019 U.S. Open final was considered a seismic event in women`s tennis, but the Canadian has not won a WTA title since, although injury did wipe out her entire 2020 season. Even Williams, widely regarded as the greatest women`s player ever, took three years to win her second Grand Slam after her first as a 17-year-old at the 1999 U.S. Open. 
 
"The organisation (WTA) has a lot of experience with a lot of players that have been in similar situation (to Raducanu)," said Abramowicz. "We should remember that for every single one of them, it`s their first time. So if we can share experience and help to educate that probably will be the best."

Emma Raducanu has spent her time hopping from one media interview to another since her fairytale U.S. Open triumph and how she deals with her new-found fame could be as important as her tennis skills for her long-term success.

Emma Raducanu has spent her time hopping from one media interview to another since her fairytale U.S. Open triumph and how she deals with her new-found fame could be as important as her tennis skills for her long-term success. The 18-year-old Briton stunned the world with her improbable run to the title last week, triggering comparisons with some of the greatest achievements in sport. Her innocence, youthful exuberance and contagious smile have made Raducanu an instant hit with fans and the media and sports marketing experts believe she could become one of the world`s most marketable athletes. Raducanu is not the first teenager to win a Grand Slam title, of course, and the experiences of other women who have made their breakthroughs on the game`s biggest stage in recent years illustrate that sudden fame can be a mixed blessing. "I often say that we prepare how to deal with a loss but we often don`t prepare for success," Daria Abramowicz, a sports psychologist who works with Pole Iga Swiatek who won the French Open at the age of 19 last year, told Reuters. "The biggest challenge from psychological perspective as we consider high performance sports is to adapt and adjust to this new reality ... in terms of partnership, sponsorship, business side of things." Swiatek`s French Open triumph was almost as stunning as Raducanu`s and she said it changed her life overnight, leaving her struggling to adjust to her celebrity status and keep up with the financial and media demands. The most graphic example is that of Japan`s Naomi Osaka, who has been marked as the next dominant player in women`s sport since she announced herself on the big stage with her U.S. Open triumph in 2018. Still only 23, four-times major champion has struggled with mental health issues she thinks were triggered by the massive burden of expectation on her. Raducanu has experienced help at hand as she is managed by super-agent Max Eisenbud, who turned Maria Sharapova into the highest-earning female athlete after the Russian won Wimbledon aged 18. Katie Spellman, who represents multiple major winners Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova, said her advice to Raducanu`s team would be to focus on quality over quantity in terms of media commitments. Spellman also suggested professional media training for her and addition of someone to Raducanu`s team who could help the teenager manage her social media accounts, which have seen the number of followers rocket in last few days. MORE SUCCESS It is not just the higher profile that will change things for Raducanu going forward, however, but also the attitude and approach of her opponents on court. "The other players will be preparing for her game, will try to find her weakness on court, won`t be surprised with the level or tactics for example, that`s the work that people are doing right now in tennis on a daily basis," Abramowicz added. That means that achieving more success after the initial breakthrough can take time, if it comes at all. Swiatek has reached one Grand Slam quarter-final since her Roland Garros triumph, while Jelena Ostapenko has not come anywhere near matching her 2017 French Open success. Bianca Andreescu`s win over Serena Williams in the 2019 U.S. Open final was considered a seismic event in women`s tennis, but the Canadian has not won a WTA title since, although injury did wipe out her entire 2020 season. Even Williams, widely regarded as the greatest women`s player ever, took three years to win her second Grand Slam after her first as a 17-year-old at the 1999 U.S. Open. "The organisation (WTA) has a lot of experience with a lot of players that have been in similar situation (to Raducanu)," said Abramowicz. "We should remember that for every single one of them, it`s their first time. So if we can share experience and help to educate that probably will be the best."

Emma Raducanu's toughest challenge is coping with the fame game post US Open triumph

From Emma Raducanu to Lewis Hamilton: Sports celebs who graced their presence at Met Gala 2021

Lasith Malinga has announced his retirement from cricket on Tuesday (September 14). The veteran pacer announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game and can easily be regarded as one of the finest death-bowlers in world cricket.&nbsp;

For the unversed, Malinga had called it quits from Test cricket in 2011. He was never that effective in whites but remained an integral part of the limited-overs squad for Sri Lanka and Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI), in the IPL, with his consistent and significant performances. The Islander had also retired from ODI cricket after the Islanders' campaign ended in the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales.&nbsp;

Confirming his decision through his official YouTube channel, the 38-year-old expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and also thanked his franchise teams including the likes of&nbsp;Mumbai Indians, Melbourne&nbsp;Stars, and Kent Cricket Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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"The experience that I have gained through the past 17 years will no longer be needed in the field since I have decided to retire from T20I Cricket marking my retirement from all formats of cricket.&nbsp;

But I will be continuously supporting the younger generations who thrives to uplift the spirit of the game and I will always be there with all who love the game," Malinga wrote.&nbsp;

Malinga's career was filled with several high-points, including a plethora of hat-tricks in shorter formats.&nbsp;In 30 Tests, he accounted for 101 wickets whereas picked up 338 and 107 scalps in ODIs and T20Is, respectively.

Lasith Malinga has announced his retirement from cricket on Tuesday (September 14). The veteran pacer announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game and can easily be regarded as one of the finest death-bowlers in world cricket.

Lasith Malinga has announced his retirement from cricket on Tuesday (September 14). The veteran pacer announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game and can easily be regarded as one of the finest death-bowlers in world cricket. For the unversed, Malinga had called it quits from Test cricket in 2011. He was never that effective in whites but remained an integral part of the limited-overs squad for Sri Lanka and Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI), in the IPL, with his consistent and significant performances. The Islander had also retired from ODI cricket after the Islanders' campaign ended in the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales. Confirming his decision through his official YouTube channel, the 38-year-old expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and also thanked his franchise teams including the likes of Mumbai Indians, Melbourne Stars, and Kent Cricket Club. × "The experience that I have gained through the past 17 years will no longer be needed in the field since I have decided to retire from T20I Cricket marking my retirement from all formats of cricket. But I will be continuously supporting the younger generations who thrives to uplift the spirit of the game and I will always be there with all who love the game," Malinga wrote. Malinga's career was filled with several high-points, including a plethora of hat-tricks in shorter formats. In 30 Tests, he accounted for 101 wickets whereas picked up 338 and 107 scalps in ODIs and T20Is, respectively.

Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga calls it quits from cricket, pays gratitude to SLC and Mumbai Indians - Watch

The India-England Test series ended on a sad note as the fifth and final Test couldn't take place after Covid-19 crisis took over in the Virat Kohli-led Indian camp. It all started with head coach Ravi Shastri testing positive for Covid-19 during the fourth and penultimate Test, followed by the bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar testing being detected by the virus.

Before the start of the fifth and final Test match, at Manchester, India's head physio Nitin Patel and&nbsp;Yogesh Parmar (who replaced Nitin after his positive report) also tested positive for the virus; forcing the Indian players to request the tour to be cancelled.

After the tour has been cancelled, many have lashed out at Shastri for spreading the virus, especially after his book launch event in London -- where Covid-19 protocols were followed. The event, thus, is being labelled as the major source behind the spread of the deadly virus within Team India camp.

However, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has defended Shastri and said, "Both the teams were existing inside a high-protection zone. As far as the rest of England is concerned, we saw that nobody was wearing a mask in the crowd. Everyone was seated next to each other without any social distancing. Everything is open there and, on that front, he (Shastri) is right."

Butt further pointed out how Jarvo (or Jarvo 69) invaded the pitch on as many as three occasions during the India-England Tests and, hence, having no Covid-19 protocols made it easier for the virus to spread in the Indian camp. "Even when Jarvo intruded onto the pitch and collided with [Jonny] Bairstow who batting at the time, apart from him being apprehended, nothing else was said or done. So, it didn’t look like a strict bio-bubble at all. If such a thing happened in an Asian country, England would have caused problems and other countries would have talked about it too. Because it happened in England, then it’s not a problem.

“If Ravi Shastri did step out, where were the concerned authorities? Why wasn’t he told that he can’t break the bubble? There are people who are present to assure and maintain the bubble and they stop people from going out. They stop people from going too close to each other and make sure there is enough distance. Nothing of this sort was there,” added Butt.

The India-England Tests ended with Kohli &amp; Co. having a 2-1 lead in the five Tests. The ICC is yet to&nbsp;adjudicate upon the status of the final Test, which was to be held at Old Trafford, Manchester.

The India-England Test series ended on a sad note as the fifth and final Test couldn't take place after Covid-19 crisis took over in the Virat Kohli-led Indian camp.

The India-England Test series ended on a sad note as the fifth and final Test couldn't take place after Covid-19 crisis took over in the Virat Kohli-led Indian camp. It all started with head coach Ravi Shastri testing positive for Covid-19 during the fourth and penultimate Test, followed by the bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar testing being detected by the virus. Before the start of the fifth and final Test match, at Manchester, India's head physio Nitin Patel and Yogesh Parmar (who replaced Nitin after his positive report) also tested positive for the virus; forcing the Indian players to request the tour to be cancelled. After the tour has been cancelled, many have lashed out at Shastri for spreading the virus, especially after his book launch event in London -- where Covid-19 protocols were followed. The event, thus, is being labelled as the major source behind the spread of the deadly virus within Team India camp. However, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has defended Shastri and said, "Both the teams were existing inside a high-protection zone. As far as the rest of England is concerned, we saw that nobody was wearing a mask in the crowd. Everyone was seated next to each other without any social distancing. Everything is open there and, on that front, he (Shastri) is right." Butt further pointed out how Jarvo (or Jarvo 69) invaded the pitch on as many as three occasions during the India-England Tests and, hence, having no Covid-19 protocols made it easier for the virus to spread in the Indian camp. "Even when Jarvo intruded onto the pitch and collided with [Jonny] Bairstow who batting at the time, apart from him being apprehended, nothing else was said or done. So, it didn’t look like a strict bio-bubble at all. If such a thing happened in an Asian country, England would have caused problems and other countries would have talked about it too. Because it happened in England, then it’s not a problem. “If Ravi Shastri did step out, where were the concerned authorities? Why wasn’t he told that he can’t break the bubble? There are people who are present to assure and maintain the bubble and they stop people from going out. They stop people from going too close to each other and make sure there is enough distance. Nothing of this sort was there,” added Butt. The India-England Tests ended with Kohli & Co. having a 2-1 lead in the five Tests. The ICC is yet to adjudicate upon the status of the final Test, which was to be held at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Salman Butt defends Ravi Shastri for criticism over his book launch event, cites Jarvo's example for no strict protocols in England

Ahead of the T20 World Cup and IPL 14's final leg, South Africa and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the third and final T20I, at Colombo, on Tuesday evening (September 14). For the unversed, hosts Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka have already conceded the series with a 9-wicket loss in the second and penultimate tie to give Keshav Maharaj &amp; Co. an unassailable 2-0 lead.&nbsp;

Second T20I

Riding on Tabraiz Shamsi's match-winning spell, of 3 for 20, South Africa bundled out the hosts for a paltry 103 in 18.1 overs and chased down the target without dropping any sweat, with 9 wickets and 35 balls to spare courtesy Quinton de Kock's 58&nbsp;not out. Earlier, the visitors had attained a 28-run win in the series opener and will now press hard to complete a clean sweep before the T20 World Cup, which starts from October 19 in the UAE.

Here's all you need to know about the third and final T20I between Sri Lanka and South Africa:

Where will Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I be played?

The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I will be played at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

When will Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I be played?

The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I match will be played on September 14.

What time will Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I begin?

The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I will begin at 7:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will broadcast Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I?

The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I will have live telecast on Sony Ten/ Ten 2 HD.

Where to watch live streaming of Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I&nbsp;match?

The live streaming for Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I&nbsp;will be available on Sony Liv.

Ahead of the T20 World Cup and IPL 14's final leg, South Africa and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the third and final T20I, at Colombo, on Tuesday evening (September 14).

Ahead of the T20 World Cup and IPL 14's final leg, South Africa and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the third and final T20I, at Colombo, on Tuesday evening (September 14). For the unversed, hosts Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka have already conceded the series with a 9-wicket loss in the second and penultimate tie to give Keshav Maharaj & Co. an unassailable 2-0 lead. Second T20I Riding on Tabraiz Shamsi's match-winning spell, of 3 for 20, South Africa bundled out the hosts for a paltry 103 in 18.1 overs and chased down the target without dropping any sweat, with 9 wickets and 35 balls to spare courtesy Quinton de Kock's 58 not out. Earlier, the visitors had attained a 28-run win in the series opener and will now press hard to complete a clean sweep before the T20 World Cup, which starts from October 19 in the UAE. Here's all you need to know about the third and final T20I between Sri Lanka and South Africa: Where will Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I be played? The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I will be played at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. When will Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I be played? The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I match will be played on September 14. What time will Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I begin? The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I will begin at 7:00 PM IST. Which TV channels will broadcast Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I? The Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I will have live telecast on Sony Ten/ Ten 2 HD. Where to watch live streaming of Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I match? The live streaming for Sri Lanka vs South Africa 3rd T20I will be available on Sony Liv.

Sri Lanka vs South Africa 2021, 3rd T20I , Live Streaming: When and where to watch SA vs SL?

The bidding for the two new Indian Premier League teams is set to take place on October 17. Interestingly, while the last day for queries in regards to bidding for the teams is September 21, the bids can be picked till October 5. Speaking to ANI, sources in the know of developments confirmed the same. "The bidding is set to take place on October 17 while queries regarding the same can be made till September 21," the source said.

The Governing Council of the Indian Premier League (IPL) had on August 31 invited bids to acquire the right to own and operate 1 (one) of the 2 (two) new teams proposed to be introduced to take part in the tournament from the 2022 season, through a tender process. "The detailed terms and conditions governing the submission and evaluation of bids including eligibility requirements, process for submissions of bids, proposed new teams` rights, and obligations, etc. are contained in the `Invitation to Tender` ("ITT") which will be made available on receipt of payment of non-refundable fee of INR 10,00,000 (Rupees Ten Lakhs Only) plus any applicable Goods and Services Tax," the BCCI had said in an official release.

The ITT is available for purchase till October 5. Interested parties have been requested to send an email at ittipl2021@bcci.tv to get further details for purchasing the ITT. The email requesting the ITT should have the subject line "ITT for the Right to Own and Operate One of Two Proposed New IPL Teams". Any interested party wishing to submit a bid is required to purchase the ITT.

However, only those satisfying the eligibility criteria set out in the ITT and subject to the other terms and conditions set out therein, shall be eligible to bid. It is clarified that merely purchasing this ITT does not entitle any person to bid. BCCI reserves the right to cancel or amend the bidding process at any stage in any manner without providing any reason.&nbsp;

The bidding for the two new Indian Premier League teams is set to take place on October 17. Interestingly, while the last day for queries in regards to bidding for the teams is September 21, the bids can be picked till October 5.

The bidding for the two new Indian Premier League teams is set to take place on October 17. Interestingly, while the last day for queries in regards to bidding for the teams is September 21, the bids can be picked till October 5. Speaking to ANI, sources in the know of developments confirmed the same. "The bidding is set to take place on October 17 while queries regarding the same can be made till September 21," the source said. The Governing Council of the Indian Premier League (IPL) had on August 31 invited bids to acquire the right to own and operate 1 (one) of the 2 (two) new teams proposed to be introduced to take part in the tournament from the 2022 season, through a tender process. "The detailed terms and conditions governing the submission and evaluation of bids including eligibility requirements, process for submissions of bids, proposed new teams` rights, and obligations, etc. are contained in the `Invitation to Tender` ("ITT") which will be made available on receipt of payment of non-refundable fee of INR 10,00,000 (Rupees Ten Lakhs Only) plus any applicable Goods and Services Tax," the BCCI had said in an official release. The ITT is available for purchase till October 5. Interested parties have been requested to send an email at ittipl2021@bcci.tv to get further details for purchasing the ITT. The email requesting the ITT should have the subject line "ITT for the Right to Own and Operate One of Two Proposed New IPL Teams". Any interested party wishing to submit a bid is required to purchase the ITT. However, only those satisfying the eligibility criteria set out in the ITT and subject to the other terms and conditions set out therein, shall be eligible to bid. It is clarified that merely purchasing this ITT does not entitle any person to bid. BCCI reserves the right to cancel or amend the bidding process at any stage in any manner without providing any reason.

New IPL team auction to take place on October 17

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. 
 
The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. 
 
The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. 
 
"We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. 
 
The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. 
 
"The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." 
 
When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. 
 
The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. 
 
Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. 
 
Fazli ruled out such a prospect.&nbsp; "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." 
 
The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. 
 
Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is committed to promoting women`s game in the country and is optimistic their one-off test against Australia in November will go ahead, new chairman Azizullah Fazli has told Reuters. The ACB fears being isolated after Cricket Australia (CA) threatened to scrap a test match against the men`s team if Afghanistan`s new Taliban government did not allow women to play the sport. The Australian board said driving the growth of women`s cricket was "incredibly important" to it but Fazli said the CA communication was result of a "misunderstanding" which was being cleared up. "We officially talked with them and the issue regarding the test match will be resolved," Fazli said. A Cricket Australia spokesman confirmed they were in "regular dialogue with the ACB" but said that, as things stand, the board`s position on the Hobart test had not changed from last week. The row was sparked when a Taliban representative last week told Australian broadcaster SBS that he did not think women would be allowed to play cricket because it was "not necessary" and would be against Islam. Fazli, who returned as the ACB chairman last month in the first major cricket development in the country since the Taliban took control, said he was still awaiting instructions from the government on the future of women`s cricket. "The new government of Afghanistan is focusing on its priority programmes," the administrator said. "They haven`t told us anything regarding women cricket (but) we are committed to maintaining and supporting women cricket." When the Taliban last ruled Afghanistan two decades ago, girls were not allowed to attend school and women were banned from work and education. The governing International Cricket Council (ICC) will discuss the issue at its next board meeting in November. Australia test captain Tim Paine said last week that other countries might refuse to play Afghanistan in the men`s Twenty20 World Cup, which begins next month, because of the issue. Fazli ruled out such a prospect. "There`s no threat to Afghanistan`s participation in the T20 World Cup," he said. "We are already beginning our camp preparation. As a full-member team, our international relation with other full-member countries is very good." The ACB also found themselves in an awkward situation last week when Rashid Khan stepped down as captain of the Twenty20 World Cup squad, saying the selectors had not consulted him before picking the team. Fazli said fellow all-rounder Mohammad Nabi would now lead the side in the showpiece tournament in the United Arab Emirates. "Mohammad Nabi is a senior team player, and now he is the captain," he added. "He knows his team members very well."

Afghanistan board committed to women's cricket, optimistic on Hobart Test vs Australia

Many former cricketers have lashed out at India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for his struggles and inconsistency. For the unversed, Rahane averages only 19.86&nbsp;since his Melbourne Test ton, in late 2020. In addition, the 33-year-old has only one fifty-plus score in the last ten innings and was woefully out of form in the England Tests in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

With India set to play the T20 World Cup, soon after IPL 14's second and final leg, and then to host New Zealand in two Tests in November, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has backed Rahane to feature in the home assignments, but has set an ultimatum for the senior batsman.

Bold claim by Virender Sehwag

Speaking on a discussion on Sony Sports Network, Sehwag said, "Everyone goes through a bad phase. The question is how you behave with your player in a bad phase, whether you back him or leave him. According to me, Ajinkya Rahane should get a chance when the next series happens in India. If he doesn't perform there, you can say - thank you very much for your contribution."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/if-i-wasnt-dropped-rahul-dravid-and-others-wouldnt-have-come-in-sanjay-manjrekar-calls-for-ajinkya-rahanes-omission-411307">If I wasn't dropped, Rahul Dravid and others wouldn't have come in: Sanjay Manjrekar calls for Ajinkya Rahane's omission</a>

"I feel when your overseas tour goes bad, you should get a chance in India as well because this comes once every four years but, you will play a series in India every year. If the series goes badly in India, then I will understand that the form which was bad overseas is there as well, then he deserves it now. I have seen many great players who have not done anything for 8 or 9 Tests, not even a fifty, and they persisted with, and the result was that they performed going ahead and scored 1200-1500 runs in a year in Test cricket," he added.

With India having plenty of options to choose from with the likes of Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Rahane is running against time to save his Test spot. The veteran batsman will hope to return to form at the earliest when India host New Zealand later this year, which will be followed by the South Africa tour.

Many former cricketers have lashed out at India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for his struggles and inconsistency. For the unversed, Rahane averages only 19.

Many former cricketers have lashed out at India's Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for his struggles and inconsistency. For the unversed, Rahane averages only 19.86 since his Melbourne Test ton, in late 2020. In addition, the 33-year-old has only one fifty-plus score in the last ten innings and was woefully out of form in the England Tests in the United Kingdom. With India set to play the T20 World Cup, soon after IPL 14's second and final leg, and then to host New Zealand in two Tests in November, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has backed Rahane to feature in the home assignments, but has set an ultimatum for the senior batsman. Bold claim by Virender Sehwag Speaking on a discussion on Sony Sports Network, Sehwag said, "Everyone goes through a bad phase. The question is how you behave with your player in a bad phase, whether you back him or leave him. According to me, Ajinkya Rahane should get a chance when the next series happens in India. If he doesn't perform there, you can say - thank you very much for your contribution." ALSO READ | If I wasn't dropped, Rahul Dravid and others wouldn't have come in: Sanjay Manjrekar calls for Ajinkya Rahane's omission "I feel when your overseas tour goes bad, you should get a chance in India as well because this comes once every four years but, you will play a series in India every year. If the series goes badly in India, then I will understand that the form which was bad overseas is there as well, then he deserves it now. I have seen many great players who have not done anything for 8 or 9 Tests, not even a fifty, and they persisted with, and the result was that they performed going ahead and scored 1200-1500 runs in a year in Test cricket," he added. With India having plenty of options to choose from with the likes of Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Rahane is running against time to save his Test spot. The veteran batsman will hope to return to form at the earliest when India host New Zealand later this year, which will be followed by the South Africa tour.

If he doesn't perform vs NZ, you can say 'thank you very much': Virender Sehwag sets ultimatum for struggling Ajinkya Rahane

BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with MS Dhoni being named as the team mentor for the marquee tournament in the UAE. The showpiece event will kick off in the UAE soon after IPL 14's conclusion, on October 17.&nbsp;

As India remain without an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue will be desperate to win their second T20 World Cup title. Under Kohli, India have remained a powerhouse across formats and even performed well in the last three ICC tournaments. However, they haven't returned as champions. Hence, the Indian cricket board has once again relied on Dhoni to work closely with the team as a mentor and help them end their ICC-title drought.

While many of the former cricketers have reacted to Dhoni's appointment as the team mentor, Ajay Jadeja also joined the bandwagon. However, he is surprised by the decision of Dhoni's addition and told during a discussion on Sony Sports, "It is impossible for me to understand. I am thinking for two days about what could be the thinking. I am not talking of MS Dhoni, the understanding he has or how useful he can be, I am not going towards that. It was like you sent Ravindra ahead of Ajinkya, the person thinks why it has been done. I am surprised. There is no fan bigger than me of MS Dhoni. I believe MS Dhoni was the first captain who made the next captain before leaving or they used to always keep changing whenever they wanted."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ms-dhonis-inclusion-as-mentor-is-huge-boost-to-virat-kohli-and-finishers-in-t20-world-cup-squad-manoj-tiwary-412018">EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary</a>

"When you made and left and that player has taken that team to a different level, there is a coach who has taken the team to World No.1, what happened overnight that a mentor was required? That thinking is surprising me a little," he questioned the decision-making.

For the unversed, Dhoni has accepted to play the role of a mentor for Team India only for the upcoming ICC event. Currently, he is gearing up for the second and final leg of IPL 14, to kick off from September 19. 
&nbsp;

BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with MS Dhoni being named as the team mentor for the marquee tournament in the UAE.

BCCI announced a 15-man squad for Virat Kohli-led Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, with MS Dhoni being named as the team mentor for the marquee tournament in the UAE. The showpiece event will kick off in the UAE soon after IPL 14's conclusion, on October 17. As India remain without an ICC trophy since the 2013 Champions Trophy, the Men in Blue will be desperate to win their second T20 World Cup title. Under Kohli, India have remained a powerhouse across formats and even performed well in the last three ICC tournaments. However, they haven't returned as champions. Hence, the Indian cricket board has once again relied on Dhoni to work closely with the team as a mentor and help them end their ICC-title drought. While many of the former cricketers have reacted to Dhoni's appointment as the team mentor, Ajay Jadeja also joined the bandwagon. However, he is surprised by the decision of Dhoni's addition and told during a discussion on Sony Sports, "It is impossible for me to understand. I am thinking for two days about what could be the thinking. I am not talking of MS Dhoni, the understanding he has or how useful he can be, I am not going towards that. It was like you sent Ravindra ahead of Ajinkya, the person thinks why it has been done. I am surprised. There is no fan bigger than me of MS Dhoni. I believe MS Dhoni was the first captain who made the next captain before leaving or they used to always keep changing whenever they wanted." ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | MS Dhoni's inclusion as mentor is huge boost to Virat Kohli and finishers in T20 World Cup squad: Manoj Tiwary "When you made and left and that player has taken that team to a different level, there is a coach who has taken the team to World No.1, what happened overnight that a mentor was required? That thinking is surprising me a little," he questioned the decision-making. For the unversed, Dhoni has accepted to play the role of a mentor for Team India only for the upcoming ICC event. Currently, he is gearing up for the second and final leg of IPL 14, to kick off from September 19.

What happened overnight that a mentor was required? Ajay Jadeja on MS Dhoni's new role in Team India for T20 World Cup

India and Pakistan's cricketing ties are now limited to ICC or multi-nation events. It has been the case ever since the political relationship between the two neighbouring countries went downhill. With Ramiz Raja taking over as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s chairman, one of the first questions he was asked post his joining was whether there is a possibility to resume Indo-Pak bilateral cricketing ties.

Ramiz said in a press conference, "Impossible right now. The sporting model has been spoiled by politics and right now it is a status quo and we are not in a hurry on this issue because we have to focus on our domestic and local cricket."

India and Pakistan's senior men's cricket team last locked horns with each other during the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales. Back then, Virat Kohli-led India thrashed Pakistan by 89 runs (DLS method) and haven't met each other since then. Both teams will, however, square off in the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE, as they are placed in the same group (Group 2).

The high-voltage clash will be held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on October 24 (Friday). While spectators do turn up in large numbers to witness the rivalry in the stadium, with many also glued to their television sets worldwide, the whole cricket fraternity is desperately waiting for the revival of Indo-Pak cricketing ties in bilateral series as well. However, it seems as a distant&nbsp;dream at present.

India and Pakistan's cricketing ties are now limited to ICC or multi-nation events. It has been the case ever since the political relationship between the two neighbouring countries went downhill.

India and Pakistan's cricketing ties are now limited to ICC or multi-nation events. It has been the case ever since the political relationship between the two neighbouring countries went downhill. With Ramiz Raja taking over as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s chairman, one of the first questions he was asked post his joining was whether there is a possibility to resume Indo-Pak bilateral cricketing ties. Ramiz said in a press conference, "Impossible right now. The sporting model has been spoiled by politics and right now it is a status quo and we are not in a hurry on this issue because we have to focus on our domestic and local cricket." India and Pakistan's senior men's cricket team last locked horns with each other during the 2019 ODI World Cup, in England and Wales. Back then, Virat Kohli-led India thrashed Pakistan by 89 runs (DLS method) and haven't met each other since then. Both teams will, however, square off in the upcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE, as they are placed in the same group (Group 2). The high-voltage clash will be held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on October 24 (Friday). While spectators do turn up in large numbers to witness the rivalry in the stadium, with many also glued to their television sets worldwide, the whole cricket fraternity is desperately waiting for the revival of Indo-Pak cricketing ties in bilateral series as well. However, it seems as a distant dream at present.

Will bilateral cricket ties resume between India and Pakistan? PCB chairman Ramiz Raja gives big update

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, surprising many across the tennis fraternity. With the kind of form Djokovic has enjoyed in the calendar year, he was expected to win the title and also achieve the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men's tennis since 1969, however, Medvedev denied him the chance of creating history.&nbsp;

Djokovic went down to Medvedev in straight sets, losing 4-6, 4-6, 4-6, as the Serbian missed out on his 4th US Open title and remains at par with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slam titles each. During the course of the match, the 34-year-old's emotions were on display and he even smashed his racquet during his second set loss to the Russian player.

Here's the video of Djokovic who lost his cool on the court and smashed his racquet during the US Open 2021 final -

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Djokovic was noticeably frustrated during the second set at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/K2vh7mC3Lp">pic.twitter.com/K2vh7mC3Lp</a>
— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1437165033742426112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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For the unversed, this hasn't been the first time when Djokovic has displayed his frustration in an aggressive manner on the court.

Meanwhile, Medvedev also became the first Russian male player to win a Grand Slam title after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin. After the match, the two stars shared their mutual respect and admiration.&nbsp;

Medvedev said at the post-match presentation, "Sorry for your fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for. What you have accomplished in your career, for me, you are the greatest tennis player in history," he further added.

Djokovic, on the other hand,&nbsp;congratulated the 25-year-old and said, "If there's anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it's you."

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, surprising many across the tennis fraternity. With the kind of form Djokovic has enjoyed in the calendar year, he was expected to win the title and also achieve the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men's tennis since 1969, however, Medvedev denied him the chance of creating history.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic lost the US Open final to Daniil Medvedev, surprising many across the tennis fraternity. With the kind of form Djokovic has enjoyed in the calendar year, he was expected to win the title and also achieve the first calendar-year Grand Slam in men's tennis since 1969, however, Medvedev denied him the chance of creating history. Djokovic went down to Medvedev in straight sets, losing 4-6, 4-6, 4-6, as the Serbian missed out on his 4th US Open title and remains at par with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slam titles each. During the course of the match, the 34-year-old's emotions were on display and he even smashed his racquet during his second set loss to the Russian player. Here's the video of Djokovic who lost his cool on the court and smashed his racquet during the US Open 2021 final - Djokovic was noticeably frustrated during the second set at the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/K2vh7mC3Lp — ESPN (@espn) September 12, 2021 × For the unversed, this hasn't been the first time when Djokovic has displayed his frustration in an aggressive manner on the court. Meanwhile, Medvedev also became the first Russian male player to win a Grand Slam title after Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin. After the match, the two stars shared their mutual respect and admiration. Medvedev said at the post-match presentation, "Sorry for your fans and Novak because we all know what he was going for. What you have accomplished in your career, for me, you are the greatest tennis player in history," he further added. Djokovic, on the other hand, congratulated the 25-year-old and said, "If there's anyone that deserves a Grand Slam title right now, it's you."

Novak Djokovic left fuming, smashes racquet in disdain during US Open final loss to Daniil Medvedev - Watch

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