<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4504a203-793d-422f-95d4-f33ee223a6bb}{178}" paraid="1827885030" >The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to commence from April 9 with eight teams gearing up to battle it out for the coveted trophy. Punjab Kings are one of the outfits&nbsp;who are yet to win IPL but would be raring to go and end the trophy drought.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{917b5556-3d09-4f27-b40d-1bceb7b9bd76}{71}" paraid="1673214427" >A revamped Punjab Kings, with a refreshed brand presence, would be itching to do well in the 14th&nbsp;edition of the IPL after years of disappointments and heartbreaks. Punjab Kings batting coach and one of the legendary names in Indian cricket, Wasim Jaffer, in interaction&nbsp;with WION,&nbsp;talked about the new additions in the squad, the talk around tactics and 'match-ups', and workload management.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5d6ac5f9-e974-4b6c-9a9b-28ddd17114d6}{141}" paraid="619122145" >Since the introduction of T20 cricket, the term ‘match-up’ has been used far more than it was used before. The shortest format of the game and arguably the most&nbsp;challenging for players when it comes to making instant impact and decisions.&nbsp;While some pundits have, in past, said that teams and players sometimes dwell too much on tactical decisions and match-ups, Jaffer is of the view that it is one of the crucial aspects of the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5d6ac5f9-e974-4b6c-9a9b-28ddd17114d6}{141}" paraid="619122145" ><img alt="Wasim Jaffer Punjab Kings" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c37bd5ea-c005-4277-9b26-afeeda43ae46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1P9fjbYEBd.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4df0c4ea-cb2b-40c3-9c86-b4d6d3702046}{97}" paraid="402298399" >“It has become important because it is such as short format. If a batsman is facing trouble against one particular type of bowler, then you would want to exploit that weakness. The batsmen don't have too much time to settle down so those match-ups really matter in the shortest format. If it’s the longer format say 50 overs then the batsmen have a little bit of breathing space. So, in T20 format it matters a lot,” Jaffer told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dee2b170-f753-4e83-937a-3c0b7e74e8f3}{67}" paraid="730897763" >“Don't get me wrong. you need to have variety. If an off-spinner is bowling then it does look like that the right-hand batsman will take him on. The ball going away from you will obviously be difficult to hit. That's why as soon as a left-hander comes you bring a right-arm off-spinner. When two left-handers are batting, you don't see a captain opting for two left-arm spinners. It is something captains fear that he might go for runs. But at the same time, some quality bowlers will bowl in every situation. Bowlers like Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar&nbsp;who have got quality and variety will always survive. But as I said, in the shorter format you don't have the breathing space to settle down and that goes for a bowler as well so that is where match-ups become important,” Jaffer, who is also the highest run-scorer&nbsp;in Ranji Trophy history, explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dee2b170-f753-4e83-937a-3c0b7e74e8f3}{67}" paraid="730897763" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-waited-for-this-opportunity-shahrukh-khan-aims-to-make-it-big-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2021-374299" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d5fe663f-b08e-4454-8752-62d23ffaf72b}{47}" paraid="629444800" >Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul roared back to form for Team India in the recently concluded ODI series against England. However, he faced criticism during the T20I series where he struggled to get it going with the willow with terms such as 'poor form’ and 'rough patch' being thrown around by fans and experts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d5fe663f-b08e-4454-8752-62d23ffaf72b}{50}" paraid="456448225" >“I think those terms are bound to come your way in today's world. Such is this sport. But with so many matches being played, the quicker players lose form, the quicker they can get back to the rhythm. Recently, KL Rahul was going through a dry run in the T20I series but he got the ODI series to gain his confidence back. I think it is natural that players won't be able to perform in every match and it is important to not lose focus when you are not scoring big runs or getting wickets,” Jaffer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d5fe663f-b08e-4454-8752-62d23ffaf72b}{50}" paraid="456448225" ><img alt="Jaffer Punjab" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c41249f-1962-4017-8344-705360a235a1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/XFxNUPcvQw.jpg" /></p>

<p>In the IPL 2021 auction, Punjab Kings went with the biggest purse and ended up signing some big-name players such as Dawid Malan,&nbsp;Jhye&nbsp;Richardson, Fabian Allen among others. With a static core, Punjab bolstered their squad by adding match-winners and it would be interesting to see how they fare&nbsp;in the tournament. Jaffer is excited by the new additions and looking forward to working with them during the season.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>List of players bought by Punjab Kings: Dawid Malan (INR 1.5 crore),&nbsp;Jhye&nbsp;Richardson (INR 14 crore), Riley Meredith (INR 8 crore), Moises Henriques (INR 4.2 crore), Jalaj Saxena (INR 30 lakh), Shahrukh Khan (INR 5.25 crore), Utkarsh Singh (INR 20 lakh), Saurabh Kumar (INR 20 lakh)&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p>“It has got much more balance as compared to last season. We were lacking bowlers who would back Mohammed Shami. We had Chris Jordan but we needed somebody who can bowl at 145kph&nbsp;in the death overs, where we leaked a lot of runs before. With their additions, it is going to be a bit different this season. Both of them,&nbsp;Jhye&nbsp;and Meredith have got pace. Dawid Malan is the number one T20I batsman. Fabian Allen is another guy who can make a lot of impact down the order and with the ball. So yes, the additions are looking good. ” Jaffer said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/very-humbling-experience-dawid-malan-sam-billings-on-interaction-with-blind-cricketers-in-india-369777" hreflang="en">Very humbling experience: Dawid Malan, Sam Billings on interaction with blind cricketers in India</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And the hustle begins... 🏃‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/TV0JcrX8N2">pic.twitter.com/TV0JcrX8N2</a></p>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1375814732037283851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>With the ICC World Test Championship final and T20 World Cup around the corner, players would want to keep themselves fresh for the showpiece events. With Punjab Kings having key players from the Indian team in their set-up, all eyes would be on them as to how they manage the workload&nbsp;of vital players. Jaffer said that Punjab Kings looked after workload management of key players last season and are looking to do the same this season in a bid to avoid burnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{42895a3f-da2d-44ea-a595-198c5c91a1b0}{12}" paraid="1230016756" >“We have always looked after our players. Anil bhai (Anil Kumble),&nbsp;Andrew (Andrew&nbsp;Leipus)&nbsp;and the medical staff&nbsp;are there to look after the workload management aspect of the game.&nbsp;We don't our players to suffer from burnout. And even last season, we took care of the workload of our players.&nbsp;It is important to keep the players fresh to get the best out of them,” Jaffer&nbsp;concluded.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to commence from April 9 with eight teams gearing up to battle it out for the coveted trophy. Punjab Kings are one of the outfits who are yet to win IPL but would be raring to go and end the trophy drought.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is set to commence from April 9 with eight teams gearing up to battle it out for the coveted trophy. Punjab Kings are one of the outfits who are yet to win IPL but would be raring to go and end the trophy drought. A revamped Punjab Kings, with a refreshed brand presence, would be itching to do well in the 14th edition of the IPL after years of disappointments and heartbreaks. Punjab Kings batting coach and one of the legendary names in Indian cricket, Wasim Jaffer, in interaction with WION, talked about the new additions in the squad, the talk around tactics and 'match-ups', and workload management. Since the introduction of T20 cricket, the term ‘match-up’ has been used far more than it was used before. The shortest format of the game and arguably the most challenging for players when it comes to making instant impact and decisions. While some pundits have, in past, said that teams and players sometimes dwell too much on tactical decisions and match-ups, Jaffer is of the view that it is one of the crucial aspects of the shortest format of the game. “It has become important because it is such as short format. If a batsman is facing trouble against one particular type of bowler, then you would want to exploit that weakness. The batsmen don't have too much time to settle down so those match-ups really matter in the shortest format. If it’s the longer format say 50 overs then the batsmen have a little bit of breathing space. So, in T20 format it matters a lot,” Jaffer told WION. “Don't get me wrong. you need to have variety. If an off-spinner is bowling then it does look like that the right-hand batsman will take him on. The ball going away from you will obviously be difficult to hit. That's why as soon as a left-hander comes you bring a right-arm off-spinner. When two left-handers are batting, you don't see a captain opting for two left-arm spinners. It is something captains fear that he might go for runs. But at the same time, some quality bowlers will bowl in every situation. Bowlers like Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar who have got quality and variety will always survive. But as I said, in the shorter format you don't have the breathing space to settle down and that goes for a bowler as well so that is where match-ups become important,” Jaffer, who is also the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy history, explained. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul roared back to form for Team India in the recently concluded ODI series against England. However, he faced criticism during the T20I series where he struggled to get it going with the willow with terms such as 'poor form’ and 'rough patch' being thrown around by fans and experts. “I think those terms are bound to come your way in today's world. Such is this sport. But with so many matches being played, the quicker players lose form, the quicker they can get back to the rhythm. Recently, KL Rahul was going through a dry run in the T20I series but he got the ODI series to gain his confidence back. I think it is natural that players won't be able to perform in every match and it is important to not lose focus when you are not scoring big runs or getting wickets,” Jaffer said. In the IPL 2021 auction, Punjab Kings went with the biggest purse and ended up signing some big-name players such as Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Fabian Allen among others. With a static core, Punjab bolstered their squad by adding match-winners and it would be interesting to see how they fare in the tournament. Jaffer is excited by the new additions and looking forward to working with them during the season. List of players bought by Punjab Kings: Dawid Malan (INR 1.5 crore), Jhye Richardson (INR 14 crore), Riley Meredith (INR 8 crore), Moises Henriques (INR 4.2 crore), Jalaj Saxena (INR 30 lakh), Shahrukh Khan (INR 5.25 crore), Utkarsh Singh (INR 20 lakh), Saurabh Kumar (INR 20 lakh) “It has got much more balance as compared to last season. We were lacking bowlers who would back Mohammed Shami. We had Chris Jordan but we needed somebody who can bowl at 145kph in the death overs, where we leaked a lot of runs before. With their additions, it is going to be a bit different this season. Both of them, Jhye and Meredith have got pace. Dawid Malan is the number one T20I batsman. Fabian Allen is another guy who can make a lot of impact down the order and with the ball. So yes, the additions are looking good. ” Jaffer said. ALSO READ: Very humbling experience: Dawid Malan, Sam Billings on interaction with blind cricketers in India And the hustle begins... 🏃‍♂️#SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/TV0JcrX8N2 — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 27, 2021 × With the ICC World Test Championship final and T20 World Cup around the corner, players would want to keep themselves fresh for the showpiece events. With Punjab Kings having key players from the Indian team in their set-up, all eyes would be on them as to how they manage the workload of vital players. Jaffer said that Punjab Kings looked after workload management of key players last season and are looking to do the same this season in a bid to avoid burnout. “We have always looked after our players. Anil bhai (Anil Kumble), Andrew (Andrew Leipus) and the medical staff are there to look after the workload management aspect of the game. We don't our players to suffer from burnout. And even last season, we took care of the workload of our players. It is important to keep the players fresh to get the best out of them,” Jaffer concluded.

IPL 2021: Punjab Kings more balanced squad than last season - Wasim Jaffer to WION

<p>New Zealand batsman Devon Conway has attained a career-best fourth position in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, thanks to his match-winning knock in the series opener against Bangladesh in Hamilton on Sunday.</p>

<p>The left-hander, who has been keeping wickets in the series, smashed a superb 92 not out off 52 balls as New Zealand posted a massive 210 for three and won that match by 66 runs. He has advanced five positions and finds himself in the top five after only 13 matches, on the back of consistent performances against the West Indies, Pakistan, and Australia since his debut in November 2020.</p>

<p>Glenn Philips, who has unbeaten knocks of 24 and 58 to show and won the player of the match award in the second T20I in Napier as New Zealand took a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series, has also attained a career-best status. He has moved up 32 places to 26th in the weekly update to the men’s rankings, carried out on Wednesdays.</p>

<p>Fast bowler Tim Southee has advanced two places to seventh, only one shy of his career-best sixth position attained in February this year, after taking three wickets in the first two matches. Lockie Ferguson has moved up 16 places to 42nd in what is another piece of good news for New Zealand, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held later this year in India.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A sizzling 52-ball 92* in the first T20I against Bangladesh has helped Devon Conway continue his rise up the rankings!<br />
<br />
He's now No.4 in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Rankings for Men's T20I batting! 🌟 <a href="https://t.co/G66FWmuFX0">pic.twitter.com/G66FWmuFX0</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1377177618529705984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>For Bangladesh, 21-year-old left-handed opener Mohammad Naim has progressed 13 places to reach 28th position after scoring 27 and 38 while Soumya Sarkar has moved up five places to 41st after notching a half-century in Napier.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-lucky-that-i-will-be-playing-under-mahi-bhai-cheteshwar-pujara-ahead-of-ipl-2021-374456" hreflang="en">'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>There are quite a few changes in the&nbsp;ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings that considered performances from the last match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series between New Zealand and Bangladesh and the last two of the series between India and England.</p>

<p>England all-rounder Ben Stokes has advanced four places to 24th scoring 99 off 52 balls in the second ODI and is up to second among all-rounders, while Jonny Bairstow has retained seventh place after touching a career-high 796 rating points with his player of the match effort of 124 in the same match. Moeen Ali is up nine places to 46th among bowlers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For India, Lokesh Rahul has moved up from 31st to 27th, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has achieved a career-best 42nd position among batsmen after scores of 35 and 64, and Rishabh Pant has entered the top 100.</p>

<p>Seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took three for 42 in the final match, has gained nine slots to reach the 11th position, which is his best since being 10th in September 2017. Shardul Thakur’s haul of four for 67 in the same match sees him force his way up to 80th from 93rd.</p>

<p>Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah is up seven places to joint-40th among batsmen after an unbeaten 76 while for New Zealand, Matt Henry has moved up five slots to a career-best third position among bowlers after a haul of four for 27. Jimmy Neesham has gained 16 places to reach 62nd among bowlers.</p>

<p>In the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings, Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella and West Indies’ Nkrumah Bonner have gained big after the drawn opening match of their two-Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-will-be-a-talismanic-leader-suresh-raina-on-rishabh-pant-leading-delhi-capitals-374423" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- 'Will be a talismanic leader': Suresh Raina on Rishabh Pant leading Delhi Capitals</a></strong></p>

<p>Dickwella, who notched his 17th Test half-century – a record for a player without a century – has gained 10 places to reach a career-best 29th position. Bonner’s maiden Test century, in only his third match, has lifted him into the top 50 for the first time.</p>

<p>Oshada Fernando (up 10 places to 72nd), Joshua da Silva (up four places to 77th), and Lahiru Thirmanne (up 14 places to 78th) are other Sri Lanka players to move up the list for batsmen while Suranga Lakmal (up five places to a career-best 22nd), Lasith Embuldeniya (up three places to 38th), Vishwa Fernando (up five places to 47th) and Dushmantha Chameera (up three places to 86th) have advanced among bowlers.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
For the West Indies, all-rounder Jason Holder has moved up three places to eighth among bowlers after a haul of five for 27 in Sri Lanka’s first innings while Kemar Roach is up from 14th to 12th. Kyle Mayers has moved up 12 places to 53rd among batsmen.</p>


New Zealand batsman Devon Conway has attained a career-best fourth position in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, thanks to his match-winning knock in the series opener against Bangladesh in Hamilton on Sunday.

New Zealand batsman Devon Conway has attained a career-best fourth position in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings, thanks to his match-winning knock in the series opener against Bangladesh in Hamilton on Sunday. The left-hander, who has been keeping wickets in the series, smashed a superb 92 not out off 52 balls as New Zealand posted a massive 210 for three and won that match by 66 runs. He has advanced five positions and finds himself in the top five after only 13 matches, on the back of consistent performances against the West Indies, Pakistan, and Australia since his debut in November 2020. Glenn Philips, who has unbeaten knocks of 24 and 58 to show and won the player of the match award in the second T20I in Napier as New Zealand took a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series, has also attained a career-best status. He has moved up 32 places to 26th in the weekly update to the men’s rankings, carried out on Wednesdays. Fast bowler Tim Southee has advanced two places to seventh, only one shy of his career-best sixth position attained in February this year, after taking three wickets in the first two matches. Lockie Ferguson has moved up 16 places to 42nd in what is another piece of good news for New Zealand, with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be held later this year in India. A sizzling 52-ball 92* in the first T20I against Bangladesh has helped Devon Conway continue his rise up the rankings! He's now No.4 in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Rankings for Men's T20I batting! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/G66FWmuFX0 — ICC (@ICC) March 31, 2021 × For Bangladesh, 21-year-old left-handed opener Mohammad Naim has progressed 13 places to reach 28th position after scoring 27 and 38 while Soumya Sarkar has moved up five places to 41st after notching a half-century in Napier. ALSO READ: 'I am lucky that I will be playing under Mahi bhai': Cheteshwar Pujara ahead of IPL 2021 There are quite a few changes in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings that considered performances from the last match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series between New Zealand and Bangladesh and the last two of the series between India and England. England all-rounder Ben Stokes has advanced four places to 24th scoring 99 off 52 balls in the second ODI and is up to second among all-rounders, while Jonny Bairstow has retained seventh place after touching a career-high 796 rating points with his player of the match effort of 124 in the same match. Moeen Ali is up nine places to 46th among bowlers. For India, Lokesh Rahul has moved up from 31st to 27th, all-rounder Hardik Pandya has achieved a career-best 42nd position among batsmen after scores of 35 and 64, and Rishabh Pant has entered the top 100. Seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took three for 42 in the final match, has gained nine slots to reach the 11th position, which is his best since being 10th in September 2017. Shardul Thakur’s haul of four for 67 in the same match sees him force his way up to 80th from 93rd. Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah is up seven places to joint-40th among batsmen after an unbeaten 76 while for New Zealand, Matt Henry has moved up five slots to a career-best third position among bowlers after a haul of four for 27. Jimmy Neesham has gained 16 places to reach 62nd among bowlers. In the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings, Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella and West Indies’ Nkrumah Bonner have gained big after the drawn opening match of their two-Test series. ALSO READ: IPL 2021- 'Will be a talismanic leader': Suresh Raina on Rishabh Pant leading Delhi Capitals Dickwella, who notched his 17th Test half-century – a record for a player without a century – has gained 10 places to reach a career-best 29th position. Bonner’s maiden Test century, in only his third match, has lifted him into the top 50 for the first time. Oshada Fernando (up 10 places to 72nd), Joshua da Silva (up four places to 77th), and Lahiru Thirmanne (up 14 places to 78th) are other Sri Lanka players to move up the list for batsmen while Suranga Lakmal (up five places to a career-best 22nd), Lasith Embuldeniya (up three places to 38th), Vishwa Fernando (up five places to 47th) and Dushmantha Chameera (up three places to 86th) have advanced among bowlers. For the West Indies, all-rounder Jason Holder has moved up three places to eighth among bowlers after a haul of five for 27 in Sri Lanka’s first innings while Kemar Roach is up from 14th to 12th. Kyle Mayers has moved up 12 places to 53rd among batsmen.

ICC Men's T20I Rankings: Devon Conway attains career-best fourth place as Kohli, Rahul slip

<p>An official announcement on planned radical changes to the format of the UEFA Champions League from 2024 onwards is set to be made on April 19, European football's governing body said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Last week European Leagues, a body representing the interests of clubs and leagues in 30 countries across the continent, said UEFA would make a decision on the expected changes at a meeting this Wednesday.</p>

<p>UEFA confirmed it will discuss plans at this week's meeting of its executive committee but will wait for the next one before finalising the changes.</p>

<p>"The future of club competitions post-2024 will be one of the topics discussed," UEFA said in a statement.</p>

<p>"However, any official decision in this respect will only be made at the next UEFA executive committee meeting on April 19, in order to finalise ongoing discussions."</p>

<p>The April 19 meeting is also set to see UEFA confirm how it will organise the delayed Euro 2020, which is due to go ahead in 12 cities spread across the continent but could be modified depending on what venues allow spectators to attend games during the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>However, the Champions League changes -- which are expected to be radical -- will dominate discussions.</p>

<p>The changes are expected to increase the number of clubs involved in the group stage from the current 32 to 36.</p>

<p>The existing group-stage format, consisting of eight groups of four teams, will be completely shaken up.</p>

<p>In its place, UEFA is expected to introduce a single pool and a format known as the 'Swiss system', which will see teams playing 10 games instead of the current six.</p>

<p>No team will face anyone else more than once in a system more commonly used in chess.</p>

<p>The teams finishing in the top eight positions of the single pool will advance to the last 16, with the bottom 12 eliminated.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the sides finishing between ninth and 24th place will go on to play two-legged play-off ties to decide the final eight slots in the knockout phase.</p>

<p>The knock-out stages will then proceed in the same manner as now, but the changes will mean a large increase in the number of matches played, with a team reaching the final playing a minimum of 17 matches compared to 13 in the present format.</p>

<p>The consequences are a huge increase in the overall number of games played, from 125 to 225, with the total number of group-stage matches jumping from 96 to 180.</p>


An official announcement on planned radical changes to the format of the UEFA Champions League from 2024 onwards is set to be made on April 19, European football's governing body said on Tuesday.

An official announcement on planned radical changes to the format of the UEFA Champions League from 2024 onwards is set to be made on April 19, European football's governing body said on Tuesday. Last week European Leagues, a body representing the interests of clubs and leagues in 30 countries across the continent, said UEFA would make a decision on the expected changes at a meeting this Wednesday. UEFA confirmed it will discuss plans at this week's meeting of its executive committee but will wait for the next one before finalising the changes. "The future of club competitions post-2024 will be one of the topics discussed," UEFA said in a statement. "However, any official decision in this respect will only be made at the next UEFA executive committee meeting on April 19, in order to finalise ongoing discussions." The April 19 meeting is also set to see UEFA confirm how it will organise the delayed Euro 2020, which is due to go ahead in 12 cities spread across the continent but could be modified depending on what venues allow spectators to attend games during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Champions League changes -- which are expected to be radical -- will dominate discussions. The changes are expected to increase the number of clubs involved in the group stage from the current 32 to 36. The existing group-stage format, consisting of eight groups of four teams, will be completely shaken up. In its place, UEFA is expected to introduce a single pool and a format known as the 'Swiss system', which will see teams playing 10 games instead of the current six. No team will face anyone else more than once in a system more commonly used in chess. The teams finishing in the top eight positions of the single pool will advance to the last 16, with the bottom 12 eliminated. Meanwhile, the sides finishing between ninth and 24th place will go on to play two-legged play-off ties to decide the final eight slots in the knockout phase. The knock-out stages will then proceed in the same manner as now, but the changes will mean a large increase in the number of matches played, with a team reaching the final playing a minimum of 17 matches compared to 13 in the present format. The consequences are a huge increase in the overall number of games played, from 125 to 225, with the total number of group-stage matches jumping from 96 to 180.

UEFA set to approve new Champions League format at April meeting

<p>Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's trial for "complicity in attempted blackmail" over a sex tape involving former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena will be held in October, a court official told AFP on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Benzema will be tried in Versailles from October 20-22, the court said.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old striker faces up to five years in prison and a 75,000-euro fine in the case in which four other men are being prosecuted for attempted blackmail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Benzema made 81 international appearances but has not been selected for his country since the affair came to light in 2015. He has scored 22 goals for Real Madrid this season and is the third top scorer in La Liga with 17.</p>

<p>The October 20 start of the trial coincides with one of the dates UEFA has provisionally set for the third round of matches in next season's Champions League group stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is accused of involvement in a plot to extort money from Valbuena by threatening to make the video public.</p>

<p>Valbuena, who was selected 52 times for France, received a call from a blackmailer who threatened to release the video, and contacted the police.</p>

<p>The case centres on a conversation between the two men in Clairefontaine, the France team's training centre, in October 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Benzema told Valbuena that he could "introduce someone he trusted" to Valbuena, according to the latter, to help him "manage" the possible publication of this compromising video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Be careful Math, they're big, big thugs," Benzema reportedly said.</p>

<p>It was a way of "helping" his teammate, Benzema later explained.</p>

<p>Valbuena said he had "the impression of being taken for a fool".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be up to the courts to determine whether this exchange was friendly advice or criminal pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Benzema has described the trial as a "farce" in an Instagram post. Real refused to comment on the decision to go to trial.</p>

<p>The footballer has argued during the long investigation into the accusations that a police officer used dishonest methods to draw him into the affair.</p>

<p>The former Liverpool and France forward Djibril Cisse, who had spoken to Valbuena about the sex tape in May 2015, was initially targeted by prosecutors but they decided in January to take no further action against him.</p>

<p>When Benzema was referred to the Versailles criminal court in January, his lawyer Sylvain Cormier said the &nbsp;decision "was as absurd as it was predictable".</p>

<p>Valbuena's lawyer,&nbsp;Paul-Albert Iweins, said it was "the logical next step in an investigation that has perfectly established the participation of different people".&nbsp;</p>


Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's trial for "complicity in attempted blackmail" over a sex tape involving former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena will be held in October, a court official told AFP on Tuesday.

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema's trial for "complicity in attempted blackmail" over a sex tape involving former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena will be held in October, a court official told AFP on Tuesday. Benzema will be tried in Versailles from October 20-22, the court said. The 33-year-old striker faces up to five years in prison and a 75,000-euro fine in the case in which four other men are being prosecuted for attempted blackmail. Benzema made 81 international appearances but has not been selected for his country since the affair came to light in 2015. He has scored 22 goals for Real Madrid this season and is the third top scorer in La Liga with 17. The October 20 start of the trial coincides with one of the dates UEFA has provisionally set for the third round of matches in next season's Champions League group stage. He is accused of involvement in a plot to extort money from Valbuena by threatening to make the video public. Valbuena, who was selected 52 times for France, received a call from a blackmailer who threatened to release the video, and contacted the police. The case centres on a conversation between the two men in Clairefontaine, the France team's training centre, in October 2015. Benzema told Valbuena that he could "introduce someone he trusted" to Valbuena, according to the latter, to help him "manage" the possible publication of this compromising video. "Be careful Math, they're big, big thugs," Benzema reportedly said. It was a way of "helping" his teammate, Benzema later explained. Valbuena said he had "the impression of being taken for a fool". It will be up to the courts to determine whether this exchange was friendly advice or criminal pressure. Benzema has described the trial as a "farce" in an Instagram post. Real refused to comment on the decision to go to trial. The footballer has argued during the long investigation into the accusations that a police officer used dishonest methods to draw him into the affair. The former Liverpool and France forward Djibril Cisse, who had spoken to Valbuena about the sex tape in May 2015, was initially targeted by prosecutors but they decided in January to take no further action against him. When Benzema was referred to the Versailles criminal court in January, his lawyer Sylvain Cormier said the decision "was as absurd as it was predictable". Valbuena's lawyer, Paul-Albert Iweins, said it was "the logical next step in an investigation that has perfectly established the participation of different people".

October date set for Benzema's trial in sex tape case

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e3b0ae87-de5b-4c8b-9504-54cb37db19bb}{157}" paraid="687542785" >Delhi Capitals on Tuesday announced Rishabh Pant as the captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season while ruling out Shreyas Iyer for the entire tournament due to shoulder injury. After being appointed the captain of Delhi Capitals, Rishabh Pant said that&nbsp;he always dreamt about leading Delhi and the dream has now come true.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{26b92ded-f372-48cb-a3b4-77900af91995}{11}" paraid="1874335945" >Pant, who made his IPL debut in 2016, has come a long way. From being a hard-hitting batsman to become a match-winner for DC and Team India, the youngster has exponentially grown as a player over the years. In the 2018 edition of IPL, Pant hammered an impressive&nbsp;684 runs before being named the vice-captain of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cdc97e26-3b33-46c7-b934-13de8f876201}{233}" paraid="800930820" >Pant said that with a top coaching staff and a plethora of experienced players around him, he can't wait to give his best for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cdc97e26-3b33-46c7-b934-13de8f876201}{233}" paraid="800930820" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/delhi-capitals-name-rishabh-pant-as-captain-for-ipl-2021-374326" hreflang="en">Delhi Capitals name Rishabh Pant as captain for IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cdc97e26-3b33-46c7-b934-13de8f876201}{221}" paraid="1735793906" >"Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always&nbsp;harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals,” Pant said after being appointed DC captain for IPL 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e0d956d-9d09-4e01-b146-2f1425a27f38}{153}" paraid="283355764" >Whereas Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting said that this is a tremendous opportunity for Pant while adding successful series against Australia and England will give him the confidence to succeed in the new role.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e0d956d-9d09-4e01-b146-2f1425a27f38}{153}" paraid="283355764" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-waited-for-this-opportunity-shahrukh-khan-aims-to-make-it-big-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2021-374299" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7e0d956d-9d09-4e01-b146-2f1425a27f38}{182}" paraid="1519979173" >Ricky Ponting said, “The previous two seasons under Shreyas’ leadership have been incredible, and the results speak for themselves. This is a tremendous opportunity for young Rishabh, who is coming off successful stints against Australia and England which will no doubt give him the confidence needed to take on a new role that comes with a lot more responsibility. The coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can’t wait for the season to get started.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e368abbf-9251-4d49-90e4-f47f103edd51}{166}" paraid="1945842894" >Rishabh&nbsp;Pant's&nbsp;first match as Delhi Capitals captain will be against MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings on April 10.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi Capitals on Tuesday announced Rishabh Pant as the captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season while ruling out Shreyas Iyer for the entire tournament due to shoulder injury.

Delhi Capitals on Tuesday announced Rishabh Pant as the captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season while ruling out Shreyas Iyer for the entire tournament due to shoulder injury. After being appointed the captain of Delhi Capitals, Rishabh Pant said that he always dreamt about leading Delhi and the dream has now come true. Pant, who made his IPL debut in 2016, has come a long way. From being a hard-hitting batsman to become a match-winner for DC and Team India, the youngster has exponentially grown as a player over the years. In the 2018 edition of IPL, Pant hammered an impressive 684 runs before being named the vice-captain of Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. Pant said that with a top coaching staff and a plethora of experienced players around him, he can't wait to give his best for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021. ALSO READ: Delhi Capitals name Rishabh Pant as captain for IPL 2021 "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals,” Pant said after being appointed DC captain for IPL 2021. Whereas Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting said that this is a tremendous opportunity for Pant while adding successful series against Australia and England will give him the confidence to succeed in the new role. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 Ricky Ponting said, “The previous two seasons under Shreyas’ leadership have been incredible, and the results speak for themselves. This is a tremendous opportunity for young Rishabh, who is coming off successful stints against Australia and England which will no doubt give him the confidence needed to take on a new role that comes with a lot more responsibility. The coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can’t wait for the season to get started.” Rishabh Pant's first match as Delhi Capitals captain will be against MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings on April 10.

'To lead this team one day...': Rishabh Pant reacts as Delhi Capitals announce him as captain for IPL 2021

<p>Delhi Capitals on Tuesday announced Rishabh Pant as captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9. Pant will take the leadership duties from Shreyas Iyer, who will miss the 14th edition of the T20 tournament due to left shoulder injury.</p>

<p>“I would like to wish Shreyas a speedy recovery,” said DC Chairman &amp; Co-owner Mr Kiran Kumar Grandhi on the occasion, “Under Shreyas’ captaincy, our team reached newer heights, and he is going to be missed immensely. In his absence, the franchise has collectively picked Rishabh to lead the team this year. While it has come under unfortunate circumstances, it is a tremendous opportunity for him to grow further. I wish him all the best in his new role.”</p>

<p>“There is no doubt that Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting will be missed this year, and we hope to see him back on the field soon,” said team co-owner Mr Parth Jindal, “Delhi Capitals as a team plays a passionate and fearless brand of cricket, and Rishabh Pant embodies that best. The Delhi team has played an important role in his growth as a cricketer, just like he has played an equally important role in the growth of the Delhi team. I wish Rishabh and the team good luck.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-waited-for-this-opportunity-shahrukh-khan-aims-to-make-it-big-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2021-374299" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking on the latest development, Shreyas Iyer said, “When I sustained the shoulder injury, and Delhi Capitals needed a leader for this edition of the IPL, I had no doubt that Rishabh would be the best man for the job. He has all my good wishes to make amazing things happen with our absolutely incredible team. I’m going to miss the team tremendously, and will be cheering for them throughout.”</p>

<p>On his new role, Rishabh Pant said, "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting said, “The previous two seasons under Shreyas’ leadership have been incredible, and the results speak for themselves. This is a tremendous opportunity for young Rishabh, who is coming off successful stints against Australia and England which will no doubt give him the confidence needed to take on a new role that comes with a lot more responsibility. The coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can’t wait for the season to get started.”</p>

<p>This will be Rishabh Pant’s debut as IPL captain. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has captained Delhi’s state team in the past.</p>


Delhi Capitals on Tuesday announced Rishabh Pant as captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9. Pant will take the leadership duties from Shreyas Iyer, who will miss the 14th edition of the T20 tournament due to left shoulder injury.

Delhi Capitals on Tuesday announced Rishabh Pant as captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, scheduled to start on April 9. Pant will take the leadership duties from Shreyas Iyer, who will miss the 14th edition of the T20 tournament due to left shoulder injury. “I would like to wish Shreyas a speedy recovery,” said DC Chairman & Co-owner Mr Kiran Kumar Grandhi on the occasion, “Under Shreyas’ captaincy, our team reached newer heights, and he is going to be missed immensely. In his absence, the franchise has collectively picked Rishabh to lead the team this year. While it has come under unfortunate circumstances, it is a tremendous opportunity for him to grow further. I wish him all the best in his new role.” “There is no doubt that Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting will be missed this year, and we hope to see him back on the field soon,” said team co-owner Mr Parth Jindal, “Delhi Capitals as a team plays a passionate and fearless brand of cricket, and Rishabh Pant embodies that best. The Delhi team has played an important role in his growth as a cricketer, just like he has played an equally important role in the growth of the Delhi team. I wish Rishabh and the team good luck.” ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 Speaking on the latest development, Shreyas Iyer said, “When I sustained the shoulder injury, and Delhi Capitals needed a leader for this edition of the IPL, I had no doubt that Rishabh would be the best man for the job. He has all my good wishes to make amazing things happen with our absolutely incredible team. I’m going to miss the team tremendously, and will be cheering for them throughout.” On his new role, Rishabh Pant said, "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals." Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting said, “The previous two seasons under Shreyas’ leadership have been incredible, and the results speak for themselves. This is a tremendous opportunity for young Rishabh, who is coming off successful stints against Australia and England which will no doubt give him the confidence needed to take on a new role that comes with a lot more responsibility. The coaching group is excited to work with him, and we can’t wait for the season to get started.” This will be Rishabh Pant’s debut as IPL captain. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has captained Delhi’s state team in the past.

Delhi Capitals name Rishabh Pant as captain for IPL 2021

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5e0cd972-e0dc-4b9c-897a-fe78f4af5533}{60}" paraid="8230030" >With cases rising in the India Legends team, who participated in the recently concluded Road Safety World Series, all the players from the Sri Lanka Legends team have been directed to undergo self-quarantine till next Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{74118a0e-b866-4d26-8689-bf8266669aa1}{210}" paraid="1618318211" >The likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath among other prominent names from Sri Lankan cricket had participated in the Road Safety World Series which was played in front of a packed crowd in Raipur.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5e0cd972-e0dc-4b9c-897a-fe78f4af5533}{69}" paraid="816118643" >While other tournaments and series are mostly being played behind closed doors, Road Safety World Series persisted with having fans inside the stadiums. The move has backfired as four India Legends players have returned positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5e0cd972-e0dc-4b9c-897a-fe78f4af5533}{69}" paraid="816118643" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-waited-for-this-opportunity-shahrukh-khan-aims-to-make-it-big-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2021-374299" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0d3f1a4b-4537-48ee-8439-09d8e19748e3}{17}" paraid="40250681" >India Legends captain&nbsp;Sachin&nbsp;Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, S Badrinath have so far tested positive for coronavirus after participating in the Road Safety World Series.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0e63671c-8103-4fe3-818e-1663a9adb919}{243}" paraid="428162050" >Given the rise in cases within the India Legends team, Sri Lanka Legends have been instructed by the health officials to self-quarantine till next Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0e63671c-8103-4fe3-818e-1663a9adb919}{243}" paraid="428162050" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/baffling-bangladesh-witness-dls-target-blunder-in-2nd-t20i-vs-new-zealand-374279" hreflang="en">Baffling! Bangladesh witness DLS target blunder in 2nd T20I vs New Zealand</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b25828ac-6b3f-4754-b6a2-c9fce11a5172}{75}" paraid="1660546589" >Sri Lanka Legends had locked horns with India Legends in the final of the Road Safety World Series in which the Tendulkar-led outfit ended up being victorious.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7aa5199d-6279-4058-8119-9fcaa2d71cc8}{242}" paraid="1319278200" >At the end of the Sri Lanka Legends’ quarantine phase, the players will be subject to RT-PCR tests again.&nbsp;</p>


With cases rising in the India Legends team, who participated in the recently concluded Road Safety World Series, all the players from the Sri Lanka Legends team have been directed to undergo self-quarantine till next Saturday.

With cases rising in the India Legends team, who participated in the recently concluded Road Safety World Series, all the players from the Sri Lanka Legends team have been directed to undergo self-quarantine till next Saturday. The likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath among other prominent names from Sri Lankan cricket had participated in the Road Safety World Series which was played in front of a packed crowd in Raipur. While other tournaments and series are mostly being played behind closed doors, Road Safety World Series persisted with having fans inside the stadiums. The move has backfired as four India Legends players have returned positive for COVID-19. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 India Legends captain Sachin Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, S Badrinath have so far tested positive for coronavirus after participating in the Road Safety World Series. Given the rise in cases within the India Legends team, Sri Lanka Legends have been instructed by the health officials to self-quarantine till next Saturday. ALSO READ: Baffling! Bangladesh witness DLS target blunder in 2nd T20I vs New Zealand Sri Lanka Legends had locked horns with India Legends in the final of the Road Safety World Series in which the Tendulkar-led outfit ended up being victorious. At the end of the Sri Lanka Legends’ quarantine phase, the players will be subject to RT-PCR tests again.

Sri Lanka Legends under self-quarantine after 4 India Legends players test positive for COVID-19

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{efa45564-8ff6-4a95-8f32-407217160390}{73}" paraid="752250074" >The long wait to be part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended for Tamil Nadu's Shahrukh Khan in the auction ahead of the 14th&nbsp;edition of the tournament when&nbsp;Punjab Kings signed the all-rounder for a whopping INR 5.25 crore. After missing out from the lucrative tournament in the previous season, Shahrukh, standing at 6’ 4'',&nbsp;took his game a&nbsp;notch&nbsp;higher and&nbsp;made a mark as one of the meanest finishers in the Indian domestic set-up.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bee05ae2-b36e-4b8d-a820-ce12048f65cb}{204}" paraid="1681986467" >After impressing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shahrukh Khan has set his on the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he will be seen donning the Punjab Kings jersey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ff721774-fd07-4c11-ab35-68889204f754}{191}" paraid="1551660341" >“Really excited and looking forward to IPL. I have waited for this opportunity to come and now it is time to work hard and help Punjab Kings win matches. I can't wait to share the dressing room and the field with some of the biggest names in world cricket and I am sure I will learn a lot from everyone involved in the team,” Shahrukh Khan told WION in an exclusive interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How can a video featuring Shahrukh Khan not be a HIT⁉️ 😍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PunjabKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PunjabKings</a> <a href="https://t.co/ApRKAFRyiw">pic.twitter.com/ApRKAFRyiw</a></p>
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL/status/1376493149158182912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The auction table was set abuzz when Shahrukh's name popped up in the domestic all-rounder's list. The name, resembling Bollywood megastar and Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan was one of the factors&nbsp;to garner eyeballs. But those who kept a close eye on the matches in the Indian domestic circuit knew a storm was about to hit the auction in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1605ada7-8a55-4192-9003-c73f1b45a231}{25}" paraid="1267320231" >When Shahrukh's name was up in the auction, he was with his Tamil Nadu teammates on the bus for Vijay Hazare Trophy training.&nbsp;Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore were relentless in putting up their paddle up to INR 3.40 crore. After that, enter Punjab Kings who got the hard-hitting all-rounder in their squad after outbidding RCB.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When you get a certain "Shahrukh Khan" in your side 😉😉 <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabKingsIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabKingsIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Vivo_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Vivo_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/z4te9w2EIZ">pic.twitter.com/z4te9w2EIZ</a></p>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1362371926514049027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“We were in the team bus and everyone there was very excited when my name popped up in the auction. But honestly, I couldn't enjoy it much as my phone was ringing without a break. We were preparing for the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well so the focus was mainly on it. But yes, it was a very happy and proud moment for me,” Shahrukh recalled.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Turn up the volume and listen to the team's happiness for our bright ⭐<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/wkDfFbqGGP">pic.twitter.com/wkDfFbqGGP</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1362405593491804161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the 2019-20 domestic season, Shahrukh Khan was given the role of a finisher by Tamil Nadu. The hunky all-rounder feels it is a role that changed his career graph. But how tough was it to get into the finisher mode?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/to-officiate-in-t20-world-cup-and-ashes-is-my-next-target-nitin-menon-to-wion-369471" hreflang="en">To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{38d9977d-c9f5-4784-9efd-71d5c032bf05}{177}" paraid="693539799" >“I had opened the innings in Tamil Nadu Premier League and for Tamil Nadu as well because we didn't have an opener in our team and I did well. But I feel my physique, power and&nbsp;strength suit the role of a finisher more.&nbsp;I have worked hard to get into the finisher mode and still learning to master the craft. My game has developed more from&nbsp;the time I was given the role of a finisher. I enjoy the role and to win matches for my team thrills me,” the 25-year-old said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b3d2224d-c056-4f9d-9071-2e74b97a8298}{244}" paraid="533953324" >“I have worked hard to get new strokes in my book. To play wide&nbsp;yorkers, hitting length deliveries, to play out of your skin. These are something you need to have as a modern-day batsman. It is not easy at all and requires plenty of hard work and patience,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d5b01e72-dd86-4fae-8c24-4167a6933667}{196}" paraid="1448131824" >Before the cricketing world could witness what Shahrukh Khan – the finisher – could do down the order with the willow, there were blood, sweat and tears to reach the place. While Tamil Nadu captain Dinesh Karthik and assistant coach&nbsp;R Prasanna ensured Shahrukh leaves no stone unturned to learn his new role in the team, it was&nbsp;Azhariah&nbsp;Prabhakar who&nbsp;kept the youngster on track since he was 15 years old.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d5b01e72-dd86-4fae-8c24-4167a6933667}{196}" paraid="1448131824" ><img alt="Shahrukh Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19b8bb1c-48e4-4ec5-9e09-cb1961b30667" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1612420944_shahrukh-khan.jpg" /></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d5b01e72-dd86-4fae-8c24-4167a6933667}{176}" paraid="698362329" >"I have been training under&nbsp;Azhariah&nbsp;Prabhakar since I was 15. I can talk to him about anything, he is like a guardian to me. He has been with me in every failure and success, and I can say I wouldn't have been here without him. He made sure I never diverted from my target.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a62beefa-785a-4999-bb7b-d93a30f4bc47}{59}" paraid="40929943" >“R Prasanna and I have had hours of discussions around my game. He made me the fearless cricketer I am at the moment.&nbsp;And Dinesh Karthik is like a father-figure to everyone in the Tamil Nadu squad. He has guided me in every situation and turned me into a finisher.&nbsp;One of the most important aspects he taught me was how to use the crease when you are in that hitting-mode. He gave me the confidence and trust to finish matches. I can't thank Dinesh enough for what he has done for me,” the all-rounder explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a62beefa-785a-4999-bb7b-d93a30f4bc47}{59}" paraid="40929943" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-punjab-kings-squad-built-keeping-every-challenge-in-mind-ceo-satish-menon-to-wion-367171" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Punjab Kings squad built keeping every challenge in mind: CEO Satish Menon to WION</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to Tamil Nadu boys Shahrukh Khan, Hari Nishanth &amp; Siddharth Manimaran!<br />
<br />
Will be great to see these young guns setting the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> on 🔥... hopefully not against KKR 😜<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLAuction</a> <a href="https://t.co/hbbQIkXa1G">pic.twitter.com/hbbQIkXa1G</a></p>
— DK (@DineshKarthik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik/status/1362439213518516225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shahrukh's off-spin has also caught the eyes of many cricket fans and pundits. In the world of T20 cricket, it is a bonus to have a player with multiple skill-sets.&nbsp;While he is not a polished bowler yet, Sharukh is keen to learn more about bowling from Punjab Kings’&nbsp;Director&nbsp;of Cricket Operations Anil Kumble.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3951186d-3b38-4324-b55d-27530a9720a2}{186}" paraid="986200084" >“I was bowling medium pace when at Red Bull Campus Cricket but then switched to off-spin. Bowling is something I really want to improve as I gain experience at the top level. I feel it is important to have good skills in all three departments of the game. Anil sir (Anil Kumble) has told me that we will work on my bowling and I am looking forward to picking his brain and learn as much as I can,” Shahrukh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7352737e-1cce-41fd-89ee-df2b913a7930}{245}" paraid="1166954099" >With quarantine over and Punjab Kings taking the field for practice and preparations for IPL 2021, Shahrukh Khan is excited about playing under the leadership of KL Rahul as he said the calm&nbsp;demeanour of the Punjab Kings skipper impresses him the most. He is also looking forward to sharing the dressing room and field with some of the biggest names in world cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7352737e-1cce-41fd-89ee-df2b913a7930}{245}" paraid="1166954099" >“The squad looks great. KL Rahul comes across as a very calm and composed guy and that is something I really like about him when I watch him play. He was superb as a captain last season in how he handled different situations. Punjab Kings have some big-name players and I am looking forward to learning from them. Being with them will definitely help me to improve my game,” Shahrukh said.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7352737e-1cce-41fd-89ee-df2b913a7930}{245}" paraid="1166954099" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{7352737e-1cce-41fd-89ee-df2b913a7930}{226}" paraid="219440218" >When asked what is his favourite format of the game, Shahrukh quipped: "Currently, I am enjoying T20 cricket but Test cricket has always been my favourite."</p>

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<p>IPL 20201 commences from April 9 with Punjab Kings playing their season opener against Rajasthan Royals on April 12 in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>


The long wait to be part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended for Tamil Nadu's Shahrukh Khan in the auction ahead of the 14th edition of the tournament when Punjab Kings signed the all-rounder for a whopping INR 5.

The long wait to be part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ended for Tamil Nadu's Shahrukh Khan in the auction ahead of the 14th edition of the tournament when Punjab Kings signed the all-rounder for a whopping INR 5.25 crore. After missing out from the lucrative tournament in the previous season, Shahrukh, standing at 6’ 4'', took his game a notch higher and made a mark as one of the meanest finishers in the Indian domestic set-up. After impressing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shahrukh Khan has set his on the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he will be seen donning the Punjab Kings jersey. “Really excited and looking forward to IPL. I have waited for this opportunity to come and now it is time to work hard and help Punjab Kings win matches. I can't wait to share the dressing room and the field with some of the biggest names in world cricket and I am sure I will learn a lot from everyone involved in the team,” Shahrukh Khan told WION in an exclusive interview. How can a video featuring Shahrukh Khan not be a HIT⁉️ 😍#IPL2020 #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/ApRKAFRyiw — Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 29, 2021 × The auction table was set abuzz when Shahrukh's name popped up in the domestic all-rounder's list. The name, resembling Bollywood megastar and Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan was one of the factors to garner eyeballs. But those who kept a close eye on the matches in the Indian domestic circuit knew a storm was about to hit the auction in Chennai. When Shahrukh's name was up in the auction, he was with his Tamil Nadu teammates on the bus for Vijay Hazare Trophy training. Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore were relentless in putting up their paddle up to INR 3.40 crore. After that, enter Punjab Kings who got the hard-hitting all-rounder in their squad after outbidding RCB. When you get a certain "Shahrukh Khan" in your side 😉😉 @PunjabKingsIPL @Vivo_India #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/z4te9w2EIZ — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) February 18, 2021 × “We were in the team bus and everyone there was very excited when my name popped up in the auction. But honestly, I couldn't enjoy it much as my phone was ringing without a break. We were preparing for the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well so the focus was mainly on it. But yes, it was a very happy and proud moment for me,” Shahrukh recalled. Turn up the volume and listen to the team's happiness for our bright ⭐#IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/wkDfFbqGGP — DK (@DineshKarthik) February 18, 2021 × In the 2019-20 domestic season, Shahrukh Khan was given the role of a finisher by Tamil Nadu. The hunky all-rounder feels it is a role that changed his career graph. But how tough was it to get into the finisher mode? ALSO READ: To officiate in T20 World Cup and Ashes is my next target: Nitin Menon to WION “I had opened the innings in Tamil Nadu Premier League and for Tamil Nadu as well because we didn't have an opener in our team and I did well. But I feel my physique, power and strength suit the role of a finisher more. I have worked hard to get into the finisher mode and still learning to master the craft. My game has developed more from the time I was given the role of a finisher. I enjoy the role and to win matches for my team thrills me,” the 25-year-old said. “I have worked hard to get new strokes in my book. To play wide yorkers, hitting length deliveries, to play out of your skin. These are something you need to have as a modern-day batsman. It is not easy at all and requires plenty of hard work and patience,” he added. Before the cricketing world could witness what Shahrukh Khan – the finisher – could do down the order with the willow, there were blood, sweat and tears to reach the place. While Tamil Nadu captain Dinesh Karthik and assistant coach R Prasanna ensured Shahrukh leaves no stone unturned to learn his new role in the team, it was Azhariah Prabhakar who kept the youngster on track since he was 15 years old. "I have been training under Azhariah Prabhakar since I was 15. I can talk to him about anything, he is like a guardian to me. He has been with me in every failure and success, and I can say I wouldn't have been here without him. He made sure I never diverted from my target. “R Prasanna and I have had hours of discussions around my game. He made me the fearless cricketer I am at the moment. And Dinesh Karthik is like a father-figure to everyone in the Tamil Nadu squad. He has guided me in every situation and turned me into a finisher. One of the most important aspects he taught me was how to use the crease when you are in that hitting-mode. He gave me the confidence and trust to finish matches. I can't thank Dinesh enough for what he has done for me,” the all-rounder explained. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Punjab Kings squad built keeping every challenge in mind: CEO Satish Menon to WION Congratulations to Tamil Nadu boys Shahrukh Khan, Hari Nishanth & Siddharth Manimaran! Will be great to see these young guns setting the #IPL2021 on 🔥... hopefully not against KKR 😜#IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/hbbQIkXa1G — DK (@DineshKarthik) February 18, 2021 × Shahrukh's off-spin has also caught the eyes of many cricket fans and pundits. In the world of T20 cricket, it is a bonus to have a player with multiple skill-sets. While he is not a polished bowler yet, Sharukh is keen to learn more about bowling from Punjab Kings’ Director of Cricket Operations Anil Kumble. “I was bowling medium pace when at Red Bull Campus Cricket but then switched to off-spin. Bowling is something I really want to improve as I gain experience at the top level. I feel it is important to have good skills in all three departments of the game. Anil sir (Anil Kumble) has told me that we will work on my bowling and I am looking forward to picking his brain and learn as much as I can,” Shahrukh said. With quarantine over and Punjab Kings taking the field for practice and preparations for IPL 2021, Shahrukh Khan is excited about playing under the leadership of KL Rahul as he said the calm demeanour of the Punjab Kings skipper impresses him the most. He is also looking forward to sharing the dressing room and field with some of the biggest names in world cricket. “The squad looks great. KL Rahul comes across as a very calm and composed guy and that is something I really like about him when I watch him play. He was superb as a captain last season in how he handled different situations. Punjab Kings have some big-name players and I am looking forward to learning from them. Being with them will definitely help me to improve my game,” Shahrukh said. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom When asked what is his favourite format of the game, Shahrukh quipped: "Currently, I am enjoying T20 cricket but Test cricket has always been my favourite." View this post on Instagram A post shared by sharukhKhan🏏 (@shahrukhkhan.35) × IPL 20201 commences from April 9 with Punjab Kings playing their season opener against Rajasthan Royals on April 12 in Chennai.

Exclusive: 'Waited for this opportunity' - Shahrukh Khan aims to make it big for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021

<p>Sergio Aguero's departure from Manchester City looks set to kick-start a "derby" between City and Manchester United for the signature of Europe's hottest striking talent - Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland.</p>

<p>City announced on Monday that their all-time top scorer Aguero would leave the club at the end of the season, leaving manager Pep Guardiola, who has only one other central striker in Gabriel Jesus, badly in need of a top-quality striker.</p>

<p>The 20-year-old Haaland, widely reported to be City's number one choice, was close to joining local rivals Manchester United last January before moving to Dortmund.</p>

<p>United remain firmly interested in signing the prolific forward who worked under their Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as an emerging talent with Molde.</p>

<p>Haaland's goalscoring record is extraordinary: Since joining Dortmund from RB Salzburg he has scored 49 goals in 49 games in all competitions. At the highest level, in the Champions League, Haaland has scored 12 goals in eight games.</p>

<p>The blond-haired striker made his mark with eight goals in six Champions League games with Salzburg along with 29 in 27 appearances in the Austrian league.</p>

<p>Last year he was available for just 20 million euros based on a buyout clause in his deal with Salzburg, and given Solskjaer's relationship with Haaland, United were confident of signing the continent's most exciting goalscorer at a bargain price.</p>

<p>But Haaland's agent Mino Raiola, who is also Paul Pogba's representative, has had a turbulent relationship with the Old Trafford hierarchy, whom he has publicly criticised.</p>

<p>The forward opted to join Dortmund, but Raiola suggested on Tuesday that may have been a mistake.</p>

<p>"With Haaland, everybody was wrong. He did things much quicker than everybody imagined," the Dutch-Italian agent told The Athletic website.</p>

<p>"Haaland is in front of his own development. He is ahead of his own schedule. Maybe I was too careful when I said, 'Oh no, let's move to Dortmund instead of I-don't-know-where'," he said.</p>

<p>"I'm 100% convinced and everybody's convinced — (he) can move to any club, wherever he wants, already on this level. And he could have done that last year," he said.</p>

<p>United recently promoted John Murtough to be their Football Director, effectively heading the club's transfer strategy, and he will quickly be under pressure to deliver some major upgrades for Solskjaer ahead of next season.</p>

<p>United have struggled to land high-profile targets in recent years, and as well as missing out on Haaland, failed to reach agreement with Dortmund on England winger Jadon Sancho last year.</p>

<p>City have a much better record in signing their top targets, and adding to the mix, Haaland's father Alf-Inge also played for the club.</p>

<p>United and City each have the resources to make the right offer to both Dortmund and the player, but it would be no surprise if other top European clubs were to join the race in what could become a record-breaking deal.</p>


Sergio Aguero's departure from Manchester City looks set to kick-start a "derby" between City and Manchester United for the signature of Europe's hottest striking talent - Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland.

Sergio Aguero's departure from Manchester City looks set to kick-start a "derby" between City and Manchester United for the signature of Europe's hottest striking talent - Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland. City announced on Monday that their all-time top scorer Aguero would leave the club at the end of the season, leaving manager Pep Guardiola, who has only one other central striker in Gabriel Jesus, badly in need of a top-quality striker. The 20-year-old Haaland, widely reported to be City's number one choice, was close to joining local rivals Manchester United last January before moving to Dortmund. United remain firmly interested in signing the prolific forward who worked under their Norwegian manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as an emerging talent with Molde. Haaland's goalscoring record is extraordinary: Since joining Dortmund from RB Salzburg he has scored 49 goals in 49 games in all competitions. At the highest level, in the Champions League, Haaland has scored 12 goals in eight games. The blond-haired striker made his mark with eight goals in six Champions League games with Salzburg along with 29 in 27 appearances in the Austrian league. Last year he was available for just 20 million euros based on a buyout clause in his deal with Salzburg, and given Solskjaer's relationship with Haaland, United were confident of signing the continent's most exciting goalscorer at a bargain price. But Haaland's agent Mino Raiola, who is also Paul Pogba's representative, has had a turbulent relationship with the Old Trafford hierarchy, whom he has publicly criticised. The forward opted to join Dortmund, but Raiola suggested on Tuesday that may have been a mistake. "With Haaland, everybody was wrong. He did things much quicker than everybody imagined," the Dutch-Italian agent told The Athletic website. "Haaland is in front of his own development. He is ahead of his own schedule. Maybe I was too careful when I said, 'Oh no, let's move to Dortmund instead of I-don't-know-where'," he said. "I'm 100% convinced and everybody's convinced — (he) can move to any club, wherever he wants, already on this level. And he could have done that last year," he said. United recently promoted John Murtough to be their Football Director, effectively heading the club's transfer strategy, and he will quickly be under pressure to deliver some major upgrades for Solskjaer ahead of next season. United have struggled to land high-profile targets in recent years, and as well as missing out on Haaland, failed to reach agreement with Dortmund on England winger Jadon Sancho last year. City have a much better record in signing their top targets, and adding to the mix, Haaland's father Alf-Inge also played for the club. United and City each have the resources to make the right offer to both Dortmund and the player, but it would be no surprise if other top European clubs were to join the race in what could become a record-breaking deal.

Aguero's City exit kick-starts Manchester race to sign Haaland

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9bf5c853-d469-4f81-a3ff-de7f5c530bd9}{228}" paraid="895086527" >The second T20I between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Napier Park in Napier became the talk of the town for a bizarre incident on Tuesday.&nbsp;New Zealand, batting first, posted 173 runs on board in17.5 overs in what has been a rain-affected match between the two sides. However, in what can be called a strange incident, Bangladesh started their chase without knowing the official target.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b759119b-bd9b-4c98-a3b3-d4f6446d3e34}{234}" paraid="1639851693" >The cricketing world was left baffled as Bangladesh openers Liton Das and Mohammad Naim started the second innings without an official target announced by the match referee. It was only during the second over of the Bangladesh chase when the visiting dressing room saw some movement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5b7355ee-bcef-4055-8a36-0295b1683c8c}{99}" paraid="68924410" >Before the start of the second over, Bangladesh&nbsp;were&nbsp;of the view that they were chasing 148 runs from 16 overs after the target was revised in accordance with the DLS method. However, Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo was seen&nbsp;rushing to the match referee's room to check what the confusion was all about.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5b7355ee-bcef-4055-8a36-0295b1683c8c}{99}" paraid="68924410" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-position-available-justin-langer-reacts-to-steve-smiths-captaincy-comments-374268" hreflang="en">'No position available': Justin Langer reacts to Steve Smith's 'captaincy' comments</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ee673445-f9cc-4359-8371-f5e1e68bf7ce}{89}" paraid="1578968615" >After 1.3 overs, the match witnessed a delay after the confusion was conveyed to the on-field umpires. The players were seen having drinks during the break while officials including match referee Jeff Crowe in the box were involved in a discussion.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9bf5c853-d469-4f81-a3ff-de7f5c530bd9}{244}" paraid="305778463" >Bangladesh&nbsp;were&nbsp;then handed a revised target of 170 but many on social media said that: according to DLS 4.0 version, the revised target should have been 171.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9bf5c853-d469-4f81-a3ff-de7f5c530bd9}{244}" paraid="305778463" ><strong>New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham was also taken aback by the incident:&nbsp;</strong><em>How is it possible to start a run chase without knowing what you’re chasing? Crazy stuff. #NZvBAN</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How is it possible to start a run chase without knowing what you’re chasing? Crazy stuff. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvBAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvBAN</a></p>
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<p>The play continued as Bangladesh batsmen got on with their chase.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{49551ece-aad4-4b66-8e12-689670a866e3}{141}" paraid="712197166" >However, during the 14th&nbsp;over of the chase, the target was again revised back to 171, bringing more confusion into the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{49551ece-aad4-4b66-8e12-689670a866e3}{141}" paraid="712197166" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/braithwaite-defies-sri-lanka-bowling-in-second-test-374239" hreflang="en">Braithwaite defies Sri Lanka bowling in second Test</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d4b57beb-1f25-45d9-bbdb-ac092080a06d}{123}" paraid="717608640" >New Zealand went on to win the match by 28 runs (DLS) method after Bangladesh could manage just 142/7 in 16 overs.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{28f82efc-7e0e-4afa-bfe2-b394b42f4c21}{62}" paraid="952768513" >“There was some confusion, and the DLS kept changing, but that can happen in the game. First ten overs we were on track but we didn't finish well enough. I think Naim and Soumya gave us momentum, but Phillips and Sodhi were extremely good and we couldn't capitalize on their overs, and if we capitalize on those chances, we can go on to win. Taskin took a brilliant catch, and that gave us a lot of confidence, but it's important to finish well in the T20 format. Our top order has been great, and hopefully we take that positive into the next game,” said Bangladesh captain&nbsp;Mahmudullah&nbsp;after the end of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Umpires: </strong>Chris Brown (NZL), Chris Gaffaney (NZL)&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>TV Umpire</strong>: Wayne Knights (NZL)</p>

<p><strong>Match Referee:</strong> Jeff Crowe (NZL)</p>


The second T20I between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Napier Park in Napier became the talk of the town for a bizarre incident on Tuesday. New Zealand, batting first, posted 173 runs on board in17.

The second T20I between New Zealand and Bangladesh at the Napier Park in Napier became the talk of the town for a bizarre incident on Tuesday. New Zealand, batting first, posted 173 runs on board in17.5 overs in what has been a rain-affected match between the two sides. However, in what can be called a strange incident, Bangladesh started their chase without knowing the official target. The cricketing world was left baffled as Bangladesh openers Liton Das and Mohammad Naim started the second innings without an official target announced by the match referee. It was only during the second over of the Bangladesh chase when the visiting dressing room saw some movement. Before the start of the second over, Bangladesh were of the view that they were chasing 148 runs from 16 overs after the target was revised in accordance with the DLS method. However, Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo was seen rushing to the match referee's room to check what the confusion was all about. ALSO READ: 'No position available': Justin Langer reacts to Steve Smith's 'captaincy' comments After 1.3 overs, the match witnessed a delay after the confusion was conveyed to the on-field umpires. The players were seen having drinks during the break while officials including match referee Jeff Crowe in the box were involved in a discussion. Bangladesh were then handed a revised target of 170 but many on social media said that: according to DLS 4.0 version, the revised target should have been 171. New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham was also taken aback by the incident: How is it possible to start a run chase without knowing what you’re chasing? Crazy stuff. #NZvBAN How is it possible to start a run chase without knowing what you’re chasing? Crazy stuff. #NZvBAN — Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) March 30, 2021 × The play continued as Bangladesh batsmen got on with their chase. However, during the 14th over of the chase, the target was again revised back to 171, bringing more confusion into the scene. ALSO READ: Braithwaite defies Sri Lanka bowling in second Test New Zealand went on to win the match by 28 runs (DLS) method after Bangladesh could manage just 142/7 in 16 overs. “There was some confusion, and the DLS kept changing, but that can happen in the game. First ten overs we were on track but we didn't finish well enough. I think Naim and Soumya gave us momentum, but Phillips and Sodhi were extremely good and we couldn't capitalize on their overs, and if we capitalize on those chances, we can go on to win. Taskin took a brilliant catch, and that gave us a lot of confidence, but it's important to finish well in the T20 format. Our top order has been great, and hopefully we take that positive into the next game,” said Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah after the end of the match. Umpires: Chris Brown (NZL), Chris Gaffaney (NZL) TV Umpire: Wayne Knights (NZL) Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)

Baffling! Bangladesh witness DLS target blunder in 2nd T20I vs New Zealand

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1cbdf596-734a-49cf-8d53-08c121e1acb2}{140}" paraid="1944183900" >Head coach Justin Langer has reacted to Steve Smith's statement on being open to captaining the Australia cricket team if the opportunity arises in the future. Hours after Smith said he would be keen to lead Australia again, Langer has said that&nbsp;the team has two very good captains in Tim Pain (Tests) and Aaron Finch (limited-overs).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1cbdf596-734a-49cf-8d53-08c121e1acb2}{149}" paraid="1458435437" >"We have two very good captains and two important competitions coming up -- an Ashes and a T20 World Cup. Our future looks good," Langer told the ABC, as reported by Fox Sports.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1cbdf596-734a-49cf-8d53-08c121e1acb2}{67}" paraid="352047587" >"Despite the media chatter there is no captaincy position available," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b37ad00f-e1fc-4ee6-8008-ba21f3871077}{91}" paraid="2083083939" >On Monday, Smith opened up about his willingness to lead Australia. He was removed from the captaincy role following the&nbsp;infamous&nbsp;Sandpaper Gate saga in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in March 2018.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b37ad00f-e1fc-4ee6-8008-ba21f3871077}{91}" paraid="2083083939" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-thisara-perera-smashes-6-sixes-becomes-first-sri-lankan-to-achieve-the-iconic-feat-374099" hreflang="en">Watch: Thisara Perera smashes 6 sixes, becomes first Sri Lankan to achieve the iconic feat</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1cbdf596-734a-49cf-8d53-08c121e1acb2}{79}" paraid="2140308141" >"I've certainly had a lot of time to think about it and I guess now I've got to a point where if the opportunity did come up again, I would be keen," Smith had told News Corp.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1cbdf596-734a-49cf-8d53-08c121e1acb2}{43}" paraid="284424769" >"If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was what was best for the team at the time, it's certainly something I would be interested in now, that's for sure," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1cbdf596-734a-49cf-8d53-08c121e1acb2}{91}" paraid="1873587529" >Smith along with David Warner was banned from international cricket by Cricket Australia for a year while Cameron Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{955d53eb-ee67-4a16-bcf9-f1e4dbc03269}{210}" paraid="1439628368" >"Time keeps moving forward, and I've learnt so much the last few years about myself and grown as a human being. I feel as though I'd be in a better place if the opportunity did come up. If it doesn't, that's fine as well and I'd support whoever is in charge the same way I've supported Tim and&nbsp;Finchy. I haven't always felt like I wanted to do it again. That's only come in the last little bit," said Smith.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{955d53eb-ee67-4a16-bcf9-f1e4dbc03269}{210}" paraid="1439628368" ><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-who-will-captain-delhi-capitals-in-absence-of-shreyas-iyer-check-the-list-of-options-372866" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{955d53eb-ee67-4a16-bcf9-f1e4dbc03269}{222}" paraid="1796972660" >However, there has been pressure on Paine since Australia's home series defeat against India and there have been calls to replace the Test captain.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d17b235a-1d2a-4a94-a2c4-c3fed14c8ff6}{248}" paraid="847035939" >Smith will be seen playing in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 starting April 9 for Delhi Capitals.&nbsp;</p>


Head coach Justin Langer has reacted to Steve Smith's statement on being open to captaining the Australia cricket team if the opportunity arises in the future. Hours after Smith said he would be keen to lead Australia again, Langer has said that the team has two very good captains in Tim Pain (Tests) and Aaron Finch (limited-overs).

Head coach Justin Langer has reacted to Steve Smith's statement on being open to captaining the Australia cricket team if the opportunity arises in the future. Hours after Smith said he would be keen to lead Australia again, Langer has said that the team has two very good captains in Tim Pain (Tests) and Aaron Finch (limited-overs). "We have two very good captains and two important competitions coming up -- an Ashes and a T20 World Cup. Our future looks good," Langer told the ABC, as reported by Fox Sports. "Despite the media chatter there is no captaincy position available," he added. On Monday, Smith opened up about his willingness to lead Australia. He was removed from the captaincy role following the infamous Sandpaper Gate saga in the Cape Town Test against South Africa in March 2018. ALSO READ: Watch: Thisara Perera smashes 6 sixes, becomes first Sri Lankan to achieve the iconic feat "I've certainly had a lot of time to think about it and I guess now I've got to a point where if the opportunity did come up again, I would be keen," Smith had told News Corp. "If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was what was best for the team at the time, it's certainly something I would be interested in now, that's for sure," he added. Smith along with David Warner was banned from international cricket by Cricket Australia for a year while Cameron Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension. "Time keeps moving forward, and I've learnt so much the last few years about myself and grown as a human being. I feel as though I'd be in a better place if the opportunity did come up. If it doesn't, that's fine as well and I'd support whoever is in charge the same way I've supported Tim and Finchy. I haven't always felt like I wanted to do it again. That's only come in the last little bit," said Smith. IN PICS | IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options However, there has been pressure on Paine since Australia's home series defeat against India and there have been calls to replace the Test captain. Smith will be seen playing in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 starting April 9 for Delhi Capitals.

'No position available': Justin Langer reacts to Steve Smith's 'captaincy' comments

<p>India opener Shafali Verma’s blistering 30-ball 60 in the final match of the home series against South Africa has helped garner 26 rating points and consolidate her position at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings.</p>

<p>Verma, who had regained the top position among batters last week, is now on 776 rating points and enjoys a 35-point lead over Australia’s Beth Mooney. Verma’s opening partner Smriti Mandhana, with whom she was associated in a decisive 96-run stand, has gained one spot and is sixth after her unbeaten 48 off 28 deliveries.</p>

<p>Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s match-winning haul of three for nine has lifted her 12 places to a career-best 13th position among bowlers and seam bowler Arundhati Reddy has gained 15 places to reach 56th position in the latest weekly update to the women’s rankings, carried out on Tuesdays and based on performances in matches completed till Monday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-indians-will-be-hard-to-beat-in-ipl-2021-says-sunil-gavaskar-374248" hreflang="en">Mumbai Indians will be hard to beat in IPL 2021, says Sunil Gavaskar</a></strong></p>

<p>For South Africa, who won the series 2-1, captain Sune Luus has gained one slot to reach 37th among batters after her knock of 28 while fast bowler Tumi Sekhukhune is in 42nd position after gaining seven slots. All-rounder Nadine de Klerk has advanced two slots to catch up with compatriot Moseline Daniels at joint-66th place.</p>

<p>In Tuesday’s update, which also considered performances in the first match between New Zealand and Australia in Hamilton on Sunday, Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner’s unbeaten 73 has helped her gain five places to reach a career-best 11th position.</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Georgia Wareham has risen back to a career best-matching 10th position after gaining two slots while Nicola Carey has moved up from 60th to 57th in what is another notable gain for Australia’s bowlers after their six-wicket victory.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-thisara-perera-smashes-6-sixes-becomes-first-sri-lankan-to-achieve-the-iconic-feat-374099" hreflang="en">Watch: Thisara Perera smashes 6 sixes, becomes first Sri Lankan to achieve the iconic feat</a></strong></p>

<p>For New Zealand, former captain Amy Satterthwaite’s knock of 40 has helped her gain one slot and reach 27th position. All-rounder Amelia Kerr has moved up 10 slots to 71st among batters and Maddy Green is up three places to 87th. Rosemary Mair (up seven places to 46th) and Jess Kerr (up 38 places to 92nd) have advanced among bowlers.</p>


India opener Shafali Verma’s blistering 30-ball 60 in the final match of the home series against South Africa has helped garner 26 rating points and consolidate her position at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings.

India opener Shafali Verma’s blistering 30-ball 60 in the final match of the home series against South Africa has helped garner 26 rating points and consolidate her position at the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings. Verma, who had regained the top position among batters last week, is now on 776 rating points and enjoys a 35-point lead over Australia’s Beth Mooney. Verma’s opening partner Smriti Mandhana, with whom she was associated in a decisive 96-run stand, has gained one spot and is sixth after her unbeaten 48 off 28 deliveries. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s match-winning haul of three for nine has lifted her 12 places to a career-best 13th position among bowlers and seam bowler Arundhati Reddy has gained 15 places to reach 56th position in the latest weekly update to the women’s rankings, carried out on Tuesdays and based on performances in matches completed till Monday. ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians will be hard to beat in IPL 2021, says Sunil Gavaskar For South Africa, who won the series 2-1, captain Sune Luus has gained one slot to reach 37th among batters after her knock of 28 while fast bowler Tumi Sekhukhune is in 42nd position after gaining seven slots. All-rounder Nadine de Klerk has advanced two slots to catch up with compatriot Moseline Daniels at joint-66th place. In Tuesday’s update, which also considered performances in the first match between New Zealand and Australia in Hamilton on Sunday, Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner’s unbeaten 73 has helped her gain five places to reach a career-best 11th position. Leg-spinner Georgia Wareham has risen back to a career best-matching 10th position after gaining two slots while Nicola Carey has moved up from 60th to 57th in what is another notable gain for Australia’s bowlers after their six-wicket victory. ALSO READ: Watch: Thisara Perera smashes 6 sixes, becomes first Sri Lankan to achieve the iconic feat For New Zealand, former captain Amy Satterthwaite’s knock of 40 has helped her gain one slot and reach 27th position. All-rounder Amelia Kerr has moved up 10 slots to 71st among batters and Maddy Green is up three places to 87th. Rosemary Mair (up seven places to 46th) and Jess Kerr (up 38 places to 92nd) have advanced among bowlers.

Shafali Verma consolidates position at top in ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings

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