#cricket world cup 2021

[tiredgayloser]

a Jos Buttler masterclass in curb stomping

[theinfinitedivides]

watching a movie about a sport you know nothing about can be the definition of vibing without comprehension and i experienced that today

[governmentjobsworld]

அபுதாபி டி 10 லீக்: ஐக்கிய அரபு எமிரேட்ஸில் நடைபெறும் 10 ஓவர் போட்டியில் எந்த இந்திய வீரர்கள் இடம்பெறுவார்கள்?

அபுதாபி டி 10 லீக்: ஐக்கிய அரபு எமிரேட்ஸில் நடைபெறும் 10 ஓவர் போட்டியில் எந்த இந்திய வீரர்கள் இடம்பெறுவார்கள்? #t20 #cricket

அவர் அபுதாபி டி 10 லீக் 2022 இல் அதன் 6 வது பதிப்புடன் மீண்டும் வருகிறது. பார்வையாளர்களுக்கு ஒரு டி 20 விளையாட்டின் விரைவான மற்றும் குறுகிய பதிப்பை வழங்க 10 ஓவர்-ஏ-சைடு போட்டி 2017 இல் தொடங்கியது. தூய்மைவாதிகள் நீண்ட காலமாக அதிலிருந்து விலகியிருந்தாலும், இந்த போட்டி பல ஆண்டுகளாகவும் மெதுவாகவும் படிப்படியாகவும் அதன் பார்வையாளர்களைக் கண்டுள்ளது, மேலும் மேலும் இந்திய வீரர்கள் லீக்கில் பங்கேற்று…

[killeroos]

MEG LANNING: 7 January 2011 - Became Australia's youngest centurion at 18 years 288 days old 19 January 2014 - Became Australia's youngest-ever captain at just 21 years old, standing in for Jodie Fields during the Ashes 13 June 2014 - Was confirmed as Australia's captain across all three formats 4 April 2021 - Set a new world record after winning 22 consecutive ODI's 26 February 2023 - After winning the 2023 T20 World Cup she overtook Ricky Ponting to become Australia's most successful cricket captain of all time

[mohabbaat]

top 5 moments in cricket history

ahhhhh. best question, anon. 😭

india vs pakistan match during the 2022 t20 world cup. those last few overs, especially that no ball and that last wide live rent free in my head.

the semi final of world cup 2023 where maxwell played the greatest innings i have ever seen while having cramps. insane batting.

2011 world cup final!!!! ICONIC.

that one india vs australia test match at gabba in 2021 where pant went insane.

2019 world cup final. that super over. england winning by boundary count. it was so insane. 😭

[beardedmrbean]

The future of the French international women’s cricket team is in doubt after 17 players called for an investigation into allegations that its governing body staged fake matches to secure funding from the International Cricket Council. With cricket set to become an Olympic sport after the 2024 Paris Games, FRANCE 24 looked at the reasons behind the team's collapse.

Tara Britton turned up to training, held every Thursday for the men’s and women’s French national cricket teams, last November 16 as scheduled. It wasn’t a big turnout for the women’s side, as she was one of only two who showed.

A day earlier, she had joined 16 of her national side teammates in signing an open letter calling for an official investigation into France Cricket following allegations published by FRANCE 24 in November, including that the governing body was staging fake women’s matches to access more funding from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“If the allegations are true, we condemn the actions as outrageous and, as players of the national Women’s team, we wish to strongly and firmly dissociate ourselves from the behaviour and actions of France Cricket,” the letter read.

France Cricket’s sporting director Saravana Durairaj arrived at the track in the 15th arrondissement (district) of Paris as they finished their session, Britton recounted.

Durairaj, who was recently made CEO of the association, had coached the women through the highs and lows of international tournaments since 2019. Their greatest success: promotion to Division One of the ICC 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, beating Sweden, Turkey, Jersey and Germany along the way.  

That was the pinnacle of French women’s cricket, which has now arrived at its nadir. 

“He told us, ‘You’re not welcome anymore’ – that we’re suspended,” said Britton, a wicket-keeper and right-handed batter who has played 29 matches for France. “He was visibly quite angry. He wouldn't let us say anything, wouldn’t let us explain our side. He was basically saying he was disappointed in us. He felt let down that – after all the time and effort he put into us – that we have treated him like this.”

It is against France Cricket rules for national team players to criticise the governing body publicly at risk of being “excluded from the French national team”, reads a code of conduct signed by players.

“We dared to say that we knew there were some problems within the federation,” said Lara Armas, a left-handed batter who, like Britton, debuted in 2021. “Can you really say that that is criticism? It’s factual.”

From 2019 to 2023, Armas was on France Cricket’s committee and was appointed head of their commission for the women’s game.

“We didn’t accuse anyone in particular. We didn’t name anyone, we simply asked for clarifications,” said Magali Marchello-Nizia, a right-arm bowler who made her debut in 2019.

The team made France Cricket aware they were going to publish the letter before they did so. “Some of us were even pressured by France Cricket not to publish anything. You could even qualify some of these as threats,” said Alix Brodin, a left-handed batter who debuted after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Asked what exactly was threatened, Armas recalled that Durairaj told one of the players, “If you do that, I can’t protect you anymore.”

Contacted by FRANCE 24, Durairaj said that a decision about the women’s team would be published in May. He did not respond to more detailed allegations.

‘No communication’

Without any further communication from their governing body, players were removed from WhatsApp groups involving them. On November 19, they found out – via social media – that they would no longer be participating in the inaugural Women’s European Cricket Championship, scheduled to begin less than a month later on December 17.

The organisers, the European Cricket Network (ECN), announced that a team from England would be replacing France at the tournament in Malaga involving the national sides of Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and Austria.

“In a recent development, the French Cricket Federation, Association Française de Cricket, has unfortunately withdrawn their team’s participation,” read a press release. ECN declined to comment further.

“I’ve received no email, no communication from France Cricket explaining anything at all,” said Brodin.

Word spread in January that the women could only apply to be part of the national team this year if they apologised.

“We’ve done nothing wrong,” said Armas. “I’m not apologising for saying, ‘There’s an investigation going on, I want the truth’.”

To this day, the only written communication the women’s national team has received from France Cricket was an email sent on March 1 asking each of them to return their uniforms “for logistical reasons”.

Shut up and play cricket

FRANCE 24’s investigation last November raised questions over whether France was eligible to participate in ICC tournaments as it has done since 2021, given the difficulty of proving that the country has the requisite minimum of eight domestic women’s teams “competing in a minimum of five hard-ball matches for the previous two years”, as per ICC rules.

Players acknowledged having their suspicions.

“It’s always the same three or four clubs that provide women’s national team players,” said Brodin. “We know very well that what’s been written is true, we just never went looking for proof.”

Several said their decision to take part regardless came down to the lack of other opportunities to play cricket. Even for the women’s first division, for instance, only three match days were organised last season.

“The dilemma we’re faced with is absolutely unjust,” said all-rounder Poppy McGeown, who played 27 matches for France. “In France there are very few opportunities to play … either you shut your mouth and play cricket, or you decide to take a more ethical approach and speak up to condemn things that you find unfair or illegal, and that comes with being kicked out of the team.”

“You have to choose between the sport you love and the values you hold dear. So for two years I closed my eyes, and I’m not particularly proud of it,” she said.

Armas said she also turned a blind eye.

“I was egotistical,” she said. “I wanted to play, so yes, I did close my eyes on some things. I have to say thank you to all those girls who didn’t.”

More evidence of ‘ghost matches’ 

The women’s first- and second-division tournaments have disappeared from France Cricket’s plans for this year, replaced by a “France Women’s Cup” featuring 10 teams due to kick off this Saturday, April 13.

Out of the four first-division teams from last year, only Lille Cricket Club and Paris Université Club are slated to participate, with Nantes Cricket Club not renewing its affiliation with France Cricket in the wake of the scandal and Lisses Cricket Club planning to do the same for its women’s team.

The other eight clubs include seven from last year’s Division Two, which was the subject of November’s FRANCE 24 report.

Since its publication, more evidence of irregularities in this division has come to light.

On April 16, six Division Two matches were scheduled to take place on Chantilly cricket ground. All six were subsequently rubber-stamped as having taken place by France Cricket’s sporting commission.

Edward Hoyle, captain of Chantilly Cricket Club, said he arrived just before 2pm to renovate the wicket, only to be told a women’s match was about to start.

“That match did take place, but it was all over in 20 minutes. That’s 10 minutes an innings,” recalled Hoyle. “Whether that constitutes a match or not, I don’t know.”

Once the short match was over, Hoyle proceeded to strip and relay the wicket, a process that took several hours.

It is clear that the fourth, fifth and sixth matches did not happen at the time and place for which they were certified.

In its response to FRANCE 24’s November report on women’s ghost matches, France Cricket said “the results shown on its website are those communicated via the match reports handed in by the umpires at the end of each match”.

The chair of one of the clubs that was responsible for umpiring on April 16 denied his club was involved in matches that did not actually take place. He said he had delegated responsibility for the women’s team to the club captain and wasn’t aware of specific events that day.

When asked how his club planned to field a women's team this year, he acknowledged it would be a challenge. “We have women’s teams, but they’re students – you have to organise it during school holidays. It’s a bit difficult.”

France Cricket did not respond to a request for comment.

On November 16, Nantes Cricket Club sent a request to state prosecutors and police asking for an investigation into alleged fraudulent activity by the association.

In April 2022, the Versailles public prosecutor dismissed defamation charges brought by France Cricket against Hoyle, which he said were brought after he wrote a letter to clubs criticising the organisation.

“The ICC has investigated the allegations in relation to France Cricket and are satisfied that the issue is now closed,” a spokesperson for the sport's global administrator told Alison Mitchell of the BBC’s "Stumped" podcast. “Each Member is wholly responsible for the participation data that is submitted per the census and accuracy of these records remains of utmost importance and are audited by the ICC.”

From New Caledonia with cricketers

During a meeting with the France Cricket board while she was head of the women’s commission, Armas recalled pushing for a recognition of the reality on the ground. “Come on, among us we can admit it,” she said. “There are only four women’s teams in cricket. We know there are only four teams in Division One, and Division Two is fake.”

In response, she recalled, “I was almost insulted. Like, ‘How can you say this?’ I got shut down badly.”

She also remembered conversations with Durairaj in which he shared his conviction that the way to develop women’s cricket in France was not via domestic competitions, but “to have a strong national team”.

But now, France Cricket must assemble an entirely new one – notably ahead of another ECN tournament in December to which France has been invited, according to one source, but not confirmed by ECN.

The governing body emailed clubs on January 16 asking for candidates for both national teams, but none of the previous women’s squad who spoke to FRANCE 24 have put their names forward.

One avenue that France Cricket is exploring to bolster its women’s team lies far from the French mainland, in New Caledonia. A traditional form of cricket, played mostly by indigenous Kanak women, has been popular in the French overseas territory since the sport was introduced by English missionaries.

France Cricket chairman Prebagarane Balane visited the southwest Pacific islands in March, accompanied by Durairaj, where he signed an agreement with New Caledonia’s sports minister Mickaël Forrest and cricket committee head Jean-Marc Ihily. The deal obliges the committee to register all of its players with France Cricket by August 31, which could add some 3,000 to the 1,800 players that the association currently claims are on its books.

It also grants France Cricket the right to call up players in New Caledonia for the French national team, but not if they play the non-standard form of the game.

On March 30, at France Cricket’s annual general meeting at their office in Saint-Maurice near Paris, Balane was joined by Ihily in person to announce plans for a women’s tournament in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, this September. Balane stressed the importance of recruitment ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India.

Marchello-Nizia said that two years ago, Durairaj told her about looking to New Caledonia for potential women’s national team players. “Things might have accelerated, given recent developments,” she said.

Death of a national team?

Asked if the current national team was dead, Britton was equivocal. “The team obviously doesn't stop with us. But as far as the players are concerned, I feel like we've been asked not to come back.”

McGeown lamented the state of French cricket. “When you have the honour and pride of playing for your country, no matter what the sport, it’s a huge motivator. And now we’ve lost it because we’re not ready to play as part of this system.”

[sportwizbynavneetoberoi]

BCCI’s Lollipop to the IOC - Turning Cricket into a Global Sport

Cricket, a sport with a staggering fan base of 2.5 billion people worldwide (According to Sport Pledge) is making significant strides towards Olympic inclusion. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been actively pushing for cricket's inclusion in the Olympic Games, with the ambition to debut at the LA28 Games. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), led by Jay Shah, has played a pivotal role in this endeavor. The Sportwiz explores the journey of cricket towards becoming a global sport, driven by the aspirations of the ICC and the strategic efforts of the BCCI.

source - IOC

Cricket has been making notable appearances in various multi-sport events, such as the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the Asian Games in 2010, 2014, and the upcoming 2023 edition in Hangzhou, Even this years African Games hosted in Ghana will consist of cricket where it will be played in the T20 format. These inclusions highlight the growing recognition and acceptance of cricket as a global sport.

source - ICC

The question arises: Does the Olympics need cricket, or does cricket need the Olympics? Cricket's immense popularity, with a fan base of 2.5 billion people and its status as the second most-watched sport globally, demonstrates the sport's strength and appeal. However, Olympic inclusion would provide an unparalleled platform for cricket to reach new audiences and further boost its global recognition.

source - business today

The ICC's bid for Olympic inclusion emphasized the massive viewership cricket attracts. The 2022 T20 World Cup garnered a staggering 1.2 billion unique viewers globally. Additionally, the 2020 Women's World Cup saw 89 million viewers tuning in, showcasing the increasing popularity of women's cricket. These statistics exemplify cricket's potential as a major draw for broadcasters, sponsors, and fans alike.

India's significance as a cricket powerhouse cannot be overlooked. The country accounts for a substantial portion of cricket's global viewership, with 76% of the 113.5 million viewing hours recorded during major tournaments coming from India. The BCCI, backed by India's massive cricket market, has offered the International Olympic Committee (IOC) a chance to tap into this unique viewership, potentially elevating the Olympic Games' viewership in the Indian subcontinent.

source - InsideSport.in

The BCCI's main revenue stream, broadcasting rights, presents a compelling proposition for the IOC. Currently held by JIO and Viacom 18 for $31 million, these rights contribute to the ongoing profits of the Olympics. If cricket is included in the Olympics, the ICC estimates potential revenue of $130-260 million. These figures highlight the financial gains that could be achieved through cricket's Olympic participation.

The number $31 million USD is larger than the previous years in terms of Olympics in India but if we compare it to a similar number showcasing the money that’s involved in cricket, in the next financial cycle of the BCCI the Pakistan Cricket board ( PCB ) who hold a share of 5.75% is approximately valued at $34.5 million USD.

PCB Chairperson Mr Najam Sethi

source - The Express Tribune

Cricket's economic value has witnessed a remarkable surge, as evidenced by the 300% increase in media rights value for ICC and IPL. The media rights for ICC and IPL soared from ₹16,347 crores to a staggering ₹48,390 crores. This exponential growth further solidifies cricket's position as a lucrative sporting asset.

source - Sportskeeda

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) now ranked as the second most valued sporting league globally, cricket's future looks promising. The IPL's substantial viewership of 380 million domestic TV viewers in the 2021 season and cumulative viewership of 383 billion minutes for the 2020 campaign across TV and digital platforms indicate cricket's enormous potential according to Jay Shah. As cricket continues to captivate audiences, its inclusion in the Olympics could propel the sport to new heights.

The bid to include cricket in the Olympics is anticipated to be decided in the final session of the IOC, scheduled to take place in Mumbai in October. Brisbane 2032 Olympics presents a realistic opportunity for cricket's inclusion, given Australia's cricketing heritage. Surprisingly, Los Angeles may also be a potential host, thanks to the approval of the bid by former Mayor Eric Garcetti, now the US Ambassador to India, fostering stronger relations between India and the USA.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah ( left ) with US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti ( right )

Source - @USAmbIndia/Twitter

Cricket's journey towards becoming a global sport is gaining momentum, with the ICC and BCCI leading the way. The sport's immense viewership, economic value, and potential for growth make it an attractive addition to the Olympic Games. As the IOC contemplates cricket's inclusion, the world awaits a decision that could redefine the sport and pave the way for a future where cricket becomes truly global.

By Navneet Oberoi

Sources -

ICC

The Economic Times

Espncricinfo

Sports Pro Media

The Guardian

Crictracker

Sawera Pasha

[mohammad74nayeem]

An Innocent Cricket Player

Kane Stuart Williamson, is a great cricketer from New Zealand. He was born on August 8, 1990. Now he serves as captain of the country's limited-overs squad. Kane is most run scorer for New Zealand in a test match on February 27, 2023. He is a right handed batsman and per time right arm off spinner. 

In the year of December 2007, Williamson made his first-class cricket debut.That same year, he visited Indian U-19 squad in his U-19 debut, and he was selected as the team's captain for the 2008 U-19 Cricket World Cup. He made his debut in abroad in 2010. At the 2011, 2015, and 2019 Cricket World Cups as well as the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2021 ICC World Twenty20s, Williamson has highlighted New Zealand.

In ICC World Twenty20,2016 he led New Zealand on a full-time basis for the first time. At the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he led New Zealand as their captain, guiding them to the championship game and earning Player of the Tournament honors. He top up Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to become the top-ranked Test batsman in the world on December 31, 2020, when he attained a Test batting rating of 890.[3][4] Both the accolade for Test cricketer of the decade and the Sir Garfield Sobers accolade for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade were nominated for him.Along with Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Virat Kohli, Ian Chappell and Martin Crowe place Williamson among the best four or five Test cricket batters of the present. 5,6,7.

[redeyedroid]

Scots generally don't go much for cricket. Which I find odd, considering how consistently terrible England have been for most of my life. If there's one thing that brings the people of Scotland together, it's England losing at sport.

Cricket's eccentric as hell; the objectives often incomprehensible and bizarre, even to people who follow the game; it's impenetrable terminology has multiple ways of labeling the same things; the simple idea of who is winning and who is losing may be undiscernable for days; it can go on for five days and still end in a draw and they only decided to end matches like that because once, decades ago, a test match went on so long one team risked missing their boat back home; a series of five or more matches can go on for months; people are forced to keep playing long after the result has been decided; bowling and batting require completely different skills and techniques, yet some players master both; it's greatest trophy, The Ashes, is only contested by two nations and is, essentially, a self-deprecating shitpost; and one of the greatest memes of all time originates from a dropped catch in 2019.

But, because the people of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka love it like nothing else, it is the second most popular sport in the world. And I love it, too. Be it Mitchell Starc clean bowling Rory Burns with the first ball of the 2021/22 Ashes, beginning a series of quite staggering English ineptitude; or Virat Kohli, the greatest batter of this generation, hitting back-to-back sixes off Haris Rauf in front of 95,000 people at the Melbourne Cricket Ground while leading India to an extraordinary win against Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup, cricket offers dramatic moments of brilliance with a regularity other sports struggle to match.

If you want an idea of exactly how popular cricket is in India, Kohli has 60 million more instagram followers than Brady, Serena and LeBron combined. His is the 16th most followed account in the world. The only sports stars with larger followings are Messi and Ronaldo. Like the greatest players in any sport, time appears to slow down around him when he's at his best, his balance and timing perfect as he makes an almost impossible task look like the easiest thing in the world (batters have a fraction of a second to react to a ball being bowled at them. Against the fastest bowlers, they might not even be able to see the ball at all, instead relying on triggers and clues and experience to hit it.)

I picked up a love for cricket from my dad, who himself picked it up one rainy summer afternoon (what do you think happens in summer in Scotland?) when he was young and there were only two TV channels. He loves the great West Indian team of the 1970s and 80s like no other. They're probably his favourite thing in sporting history. A found love, rather than the familial support for Hibs he inherited from his father.

(For that, I'd recommend the excellent documentary, Fire In Babylon. No knowledge is needed, beyond that in cricket, unlike baseball, there is no restriction against a bowler aiming at the batter's body. And the West Indian team had a succession of players who bowled at the speed of light and terrorised batters across the world. They also had, in Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards, the two great batters of the - possibly any - era).

I missed much of their quarter century of dominance, being too young or not actually alive, but I do remember their last great bowlers, Courtney Walsh and Curtley Ambrose, while the great Trinidadian, Brian Lara, twice set records for the highest individual score in test cricket, first scoring 375, then an unbeaten 400, a record that still stands today and which may now never be bettered. Of course, both those scores came against England.

There was a lot of listening to cricket on the radio, driving places when we were on holiday in the summer. It was a summer sport then, coverage only following teams when they came to England. In the winter, when England went away, we got little, for this was the age before wall-to-wall sports TV.

For instance, I remember bits of Australia's 1993 Ashes rampage coinciding with daytrips along Hadrian's Wall, among other places, but I have no memory of the following, equally one-sided series in Australia in 1994/95.

Not that test cricket is at all rampageous, containing, as it does, breaks for lunch and tea, and even at it's most fast paced only has a ball bowled every 45 seconds or so, this being repeated about 500 times a day, with maybe 1 in 4 actually being scored from. You can miss great chunks of matches only to find nothing has fundamentally changed when you return. One man dressed in white hurls a small red ball at another, who most often declines the opportunity to hit it as it whizzes past. It is often as close to being a day-long nap as any sport can be.

Today, like football, the sport is played everywhere, all the time. The South Asian nations have spread it across the world, far beyond the borders of the British imperial possessions where the colonial administrators introduced it. Wherever there is a strong community of people from the subcontinent, cricket will be found and while there are less than a dozen full members of the ICC, there are now lots of associate members all competing against each other (the USA is the 18th-ranked men's ODI team, for example). There's almost always something to watch somewhere.

Powered by TV money (rights for the Indian Premier league are, on a per-game basis, now the second most expensive sporting event in the world, after the NFL) the compressed, high-scoring excitement of T20 has become the most popular format of cricket, which is bad for me. Because my preference is for the full-fat, slow-motion weirdness of a test match. It's what I grew up with and in my mind, the game is not for the swift. There's a reason they're called tests. The game should be an examination of technique and concentration and endurance that lasts for ages and ends with two poor bastards trying to scratch out a draw by batting for a day and a half because their side trails by 450 runs and the other 9 players on their team are idiots who got out in ridiculous ways. And then, after they inevitably fail, they do it again a week later. And maybe they lose horribly two more times and their team finds itself 3-0 down with two matches to play, but those matches still get played, even though they won't change the result of the series, because that's also part of the test. Or maybe it rains all summer and no matches are played, because the English, with maniac optimism, like to invent games that cannot be played if it's raining (see also: tennis).

I recognise that this is churlish of me. The women's game, like in so many other sports a niche afterthought, is being supercharged by an influx of cash from India, as the men's IPL has this year expanded into a women's tournament. The TV rights for this sold for £95m, the 5 franchises sold for half a billion. The top players - most players, probably - will make more from it than they do for the rest of the year. T20 is an extraordinary boost for the women's game, where tests are rarely played.

This is A Very Good Thing, but I'll always prefer tests.

Only three nations now have the economic power and talent pool to devote equal attention to all three formats of the game. Only England, India and Australia still play full test series against each other. The rest now play two- or maybe three-match series and only occasionally. The form the future of the game will take is in doubt. The West Indies might fracture amidst a proliferation of T20 franchise leagues, their players - naturally and understandably - touring the world and playing in half-a-dozen dozen leagues, their talents auctioned and drafted and paid far more than they get from tests.

But today I'm going to ignore the question marks about cricket's future and the maybe slow death of anything other than T20. Because today, one of the last remaining marquee matchups begins. Tomorrow, the women's T20 World Cup starts in South Africa. In a couple of months I will consume as much of the two IPLs as I can. In the summer, England will host Ashes series for both men and women that promise much. Australia's men currently holds the ridiculous little urn and are the top ranked side. England's men are actually very good right now and have many fine and likeable players, and a part of me finds that very irritating. Either or neither could win. For the other, England's women are also good, but Australia's are much gooder (for real. Ellyse Perry should be counted among the greatest female sports stars of all time. A world class bowler and batter, she has represented Australia at World Cups in both cricket and football).

All that is for tomorrow and beyond. Today, Australia's men begin a 4-match test series in India. India will probably win. It is incredibly hard to win anywhere as a touring team because weather and pitches vary a great deal from country to country and strongly favour the home team, no matter how lowly they are ranked. The West Indies comfortably beat England last year, and Australia struggled to a draw in Sri Lanka. And of all the places to tour, India is the hardest place to win of all. A series win in India is a rare and treasured thing.

The problem with touring India are the pitches. They are slow and dusty and - like most subcontinental tracks - favour the arcane arts of spin bowling, where a bowler uses his fingers or wrist to put spin on the ball in the hope that when it hits the pitch it grips and it's trajectory changes, deceiving the batter. Pitches are prepared to take advantage of this and push India's home field advantage as much as possible. Teams who play warm-up matches before tests in the hope of acclimatising will find placid, grassy pitches that offer not a hint of the demonic conditions the test series will likely bring. Cricket has never been a gentleman's game.

Australia have one, very very good spin bowler in Nathan Lyon and a number who are either untested or not good. They are likely to suffer against Indian batters who have known how to play spin since picking up a bat. India have Ravichandran Ashwin, also a very very good spinner, but in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav they have several who are merely very good and likely to prosper against Australian batters who are less good away from Australia (Jadeja, injured for most of the last 6 months is arguably the best all-rounder in men's cricket today. A prodigiously talented bowler and batter, he is also among the best fielders in the men's game).

Australia have barely toured anywhere since the pandemic began, but their team has played very well at home and their glitchy batting goblins Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are incredibly good. I have hope they make the series competitive (though for me, their approaches to batting are too angularly idiosyncratic compared to the gloriously pure techniques of Kohli and Babar Azam of Pakistan). But I also hope that Kohli finds form and has a series for the ages.

The man's due.

PS Old Deadspin did a decent primer on cricket years ago and you can still read it, if you don't mind giving the site clicks...

[myrefersofficial]

KL Rahul Weds Athiya Shetty: Another Bolly-Cricket Love Story 

People in India are obsessed with Bollywood and cricket, having a high degree of glitz and glamor. Fans will go to any lengths to take a picture with their favorite cricketer or Bollywood star, and they will do anything to have a sight of them or to take a picture with them. 

Bollywood and cricket are linked because the celebrities who work in both fields enjoy a strong connection with one another. There have been many affairs between Bollywood stars and cricketers, and most of those couples have gone on to get married after a romantic relationship. 

Some examples of these couples include Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, Geeta Basra and Harbhajan Singh, and many others. Most of these couples are enjoying a happy married life and the freshers to join the gang are the newly wed Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul. 

Read our blog on "Stunning Wives of Cricketers From the Bollywood & Entertainment Industry" to learn about such sassy couples. 

The Beginning Of Athiya And KL Rahul's Romance 

Reportedly beginning their relationship in 2019, cricketer KL Rahul and actor Athiya Shetty were introduced to one another by a mutual acquaintance. In December 2019, the pair shared their first Instagram post, which quickly garnered much attention. 

It was stated that the pair celebrated the arrival of the year 2020 in Thailand with some of their close friends. Fans kept wondering about the couple's relationship because they celebrated birthdays and vacations together. 

After that, Athiya and Rahul shared images of themselves on their social media accounts, which led to speculation that the two were dating. Although the pair never acknowledged their relationship in public, they also never denied that it existed.

As fresh photographs of the couple circulated on social media, speculation about their relationship intensified. After that, Athiya started traveling with Rahul on the international tours of Team India. In 2021, Rahul and Athiya collaborated for an endorsement. 

They were spotted advertising the luxury eyewear brand NUMI Paris. In December 2021, Rahul and Athiya made their first appearance in public during the film "Tadap" screening the following year. On the red carpet, they were seen walking hand in hand with one another.

When it was Athiya's 29th birthday, the couple made their relationship public when Rahul uploaded a post on social media that was specifically devoted to Athiya. Afterward, the couple can be seen posting their emotional images together on their respective social media accounts.

Shetty Anna's Reviews Regarding Daughter's Choice

Both Bollywood starlet Athiya Shetty, the daughter of actor Sunil Shetty, and cricketer K.L. Rahul have been dating for over three years. There have been multiple reports regarding the pair's wedding over the past few days, and it was reported that their wedding would take place soon.

Although the speculation about the wedding has been circulating on social media for the past few months, neither she nor Rahul has spoken. On the other hand, the actress's father, Sunil Shetty, has recently disclosed the actress's engagement to K.L. Rahul. 

He went on to say that at the moment, Rahul is scheduled to play in several tournaments, including the World Cup, the Asia Cup, the South African Tour, and the Australian Tour, and that the couple plans to be married as soon as they have a break from their responsibilities.

When rumors began to spread about the marriage, Athiya responded to them via her Instagram story by writing, "I hope I'm invited to this wedding that's taking place in three months, lol." However, her father recently disclosed that he approves of their intentions to wed.

Celebration Of KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty's Wedding

On January 21, the festivities surrounding KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty's wedding got underway. The wedding festivities were held with a low profile to protect the privacy of the newlyweds. Though, immediate family members and close friends attended the functions. 

Athiya and KL Rahul invited their guests for a sangeet the night before the wedding. During the celebrations, Suniel and his wife Mana, with Athiya's best friends Krishna Shroff and Akansha Ranjan, lit the dance floor on fire.

On the wedding day i.e. January 23, it was seen that the pair was color-coding their wedding attire. Anamika Khanna, a well-known Indian fashion designer, was responsible for the bridal attire of the couple. Athiya adored a chickankari lehenga in pink tones with embellishments.

She matched it with a full-sleeved blouse with a sweetheart neckline and an uneven hemline, and she topped it off with a semi-translucent dupatta. The actress finished off her ensemble with a maang tikka, a delicate kaleerey, and a hefty stone-studded choker with dangling earrings.

The newlyweds Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul appeared in front of the excited paparazzi waiting outside the venue. Following the conclusion of the ceremonies, the newlyweds made their way out of the restricted area to strike poses for the photographers.

KL Rahul was wearing an ivory sherwani to complement his new bride. The couple complimented each other exceptionally well and appeared to have a good time together. It has been reported that KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty will throw an extravagant after-party.

Rahul shared photos from the wedding and wrote, "'In your light, I learn how to love...' Today, with our most loved ones, we got married in the home that’s given us immense joy and serenity. With a heart full of gratitude and love, we seek your blessings on this journey of togetherness."

Kartik Aaryan, Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani, Kriti Sanon, Parineeti Chopra, Ananya Panday, and Kareena Kapoor were among the numerous Bollywood superstars who were present to offer their wishes to the newlywed pair as they exchanged their vows. 

Many famous people rushed to their social media platforms to send well wishes to a recently married pair. Anushka and Virat Kohli both congratulated the couple on their social media accounts. There are showers of blessings from both communities. 

The newlywed couple will have a reception party in Mumbai for their pals in the industry and their buddies who play cricket for the Indian national team. The reception party will be attended by numerous relatives, close friends, and acquaintances.

Wrapping Up

MyRefers wishes the couple a very delightful married life and a serene bond of togetherness. Stay connected for more such trending news and articles entertaining you to the fullest and letting people get a sneak peek into the lives of your favorite celebrities.

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Venkatesh Prasad and Rahul Dravid, former teammates for India and Karnataka, recently reconnected at Bengaluru Airport. Both have significant coaching roles for the Indian cricket team, with Dravid serving as the head coach of the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team. Prasad was the bowling coach for the 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team and has been in his current coaching role since 2021.

During his playing career, Prasad had an outstanding 1996/97 season, taking 55 wickets in 15 Tests and 48 wickets in 30 ODIs, which earned him the CEAT International Cricketer of the Year award. He received the Arjuna Award in 2000 and played his final Test match in Sri Lanka in 2001. In total, he played 39 Tests and 161 ODIs, known for his fast bowling and ability to swing the ball.

Dravid, often referred to as "The Wall," scored over 13,000 runs in ODIs and more than 5,000 runs in Tests, establishing himself as one of India's greatest batsmen.

Their reunion underscores their shared history and commitment to nurturing the next generation of Indian cricketers as they work together to build a competitive team for the future.

#RahulDravid #VenkVenkatesh #bcci #bcciofficial #bcciindiancricket #bccicontract #BCCIIndia #cricket #Sports #worldchampion #T20WorldCup2024 #t20cricket

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'Doesn't Make Sense To Me': Pakistan Star Reveals He Rejected PCB Selector Job

Pakistan cricket team in action© AFP Veteran Pakistan cricket team star Shoaib Malik revealed that he rejected an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to become a selector ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Malik last played for Pakistan back in 2021 but he has not retired from international cricket till now. Pakistan had a disappointing run in the T20 World Cup 2024 as they were eliminated…

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Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan

Exclusive: Pakistani Leader Imran Khan Says Taliban Can Be America's Partner For Peace

— Published: September 24, 2021 | By Tom O'Connor (Senior Writer, Foreign Policy & Deputy Editor, National Security and Foreign Policy)

In a candid and wide-ranging interview, Newsweek Senior Foreign Policy Writer Tom O'Connor conversed with Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan, a nation that straddles Afghanistan and China both geographically and strategically. Khan discussed his goals and fears for his country and the region, and explained why he believes America must remain engaged in Afghanistan.

This conversation, conducted via email, offers a rare glimpse into one of the world's most troubled regions through the eyes of the leader of one of its most important and influential countries.

Khan rose to fame as a cricket star who led Pakistan's national team to its first World Cup victory in 1992. After his sporting career, he began philanthropic work raising funds for medical facilities and research, and established the populist Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice) in 1996. Through this party, he capitalized on popular dissatisfaction over corruption, religious discrimination and economic stagnation over the course of the next two decades to rise to the forefront of national politics, securing positions in parliament and rising to prime minister in 2018.

For Americans, the leading concern in the region is that the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August could empower militant groups seeking to lash out abroad. Khan says he shares those anxieties. But his greatest worry doesn't stem from the Taliban, with which Islamabad has fostered close ties. Rather, it's a slew of other outlawed organizations whose aims are more immediately focused on wreaking havoc in the region.

When it comes to China, the Pakistani leader rejects President Joe Biden's hard line as "unnecessary." Khan sees not a rival but a partner, both for his nation and potentially for the U.S. as well. And at a time when the U.S. is increasingly embracing Pakistan's top rival, India, he emphasizes that Pakistan remains a ready and willing companion in counterterrorism and other endeavors.

Cooperation between the U.S. and all major powers in the region is the only way to avoid catastrophe, Khan says.

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

U.S. troops sit on a wall as Afghans gather on a roadside near the military part of the airport in Kabul on August 20, 2021, hoping to flee from the country after the Taliban's military takeover of Afghanistan. Wakil Kohsar/AFP Via Getty Images

Newsweek: What do you feel will be the immediate impact for both Pakistan and the region as a result of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan?

Khan: Following the U.S. withdrawal, Afghanistan faces a difficult transition from the past 20 years of a US-NATO supported governance structure. The Taliban appear to have gained control over the entire country, for the first time in 40 years. There is, therefore, a hope that security can be established throughout Afghanistan. A peaceful Afghanistan will be beneficial for Pakistan, opening up possibilities for trade and development projects.

However, Afghanistan faces a humanitarian crisis due to the Covid pandemic, conflict, and the failures of the previous governments. This must be addressed as a priority. Also, we need to work with the authorities in Kabul to neutralize terrorists' groups present in Afghanistan, particularly the TTP [Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, the country's largest armed opposition group], which has been responsible for thousands of terrorist attacks against Pakistan.

Do you think U.S. credibility and influence in Asia will be affected by the move? Are countries looking to alternative security partners such as China, or might countries seek to cling to a U.S. presence, given the chaos that resulted amid the withdrawal?

For its part, the United States has divested a liability—its costly military intervention—which, as the U.S. President has himself admitted, was not a strategic priority for the United States. Both Pakistan and the United States need to prevent terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. To this end, we should cooperate to help in stabilizing Afghanistan by addressing the humanitarian crisis in that country and supporting its economic recovery. Of course, there may be an immediate negative impact in the U.S. due to the chaotic nature of its evacuation from Kabul. The U.S. has withdrawn voluntarily from Afghanistan. Therefore, I don't think that the U.S. withdrawal will erode U.S. credibility globally in the long term.

As for China, if China offers economic support to Afghanistan, it's natural that the Afghans will accept it. The Taliban have welcomed the prospects of being incorporated in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and establishing close relations with China.

However, the U.S. too can play an important and positive role in Afghanistan by providing humanitarian assistance, contributing to Afghanistan's recovery and reconstruction, and cooperating in containing terrorism from Afghanistan. During the Doha peace process, the U.S. established a working relationship with the Taliban. There was direct cooperation between the U.S. and the Taliban during the evacuation process. I believe that the U.S. can work with a new government in Afghanistan to promote common interests and regional stability.

The Taliban on Tuesday announced a caretaker Cabinet stacked with veterans of their harsh rule in the late 1990s and subsequent 20-year battle against the U.S.-led coalition and its Afghan government allies. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. Muhammad Farooq/AP Photo

Does Pakistan intend to recognize the new Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as it did during the previous Taliban takeover, and what kind of developments would you like to see in Afghanistan before establishing such formal diplomatic ties?

The Taliban have established an "acting government" and will no doubt announce a more permanent governance structure later. Pakistan is obliged to engage with the de-facto authorities in Afghanistan to prevent an economic and humanitarian collapse in this neighboring country and the resurgence of terrorism.

Once a government in Kabul establishes control over the entire country, it would legally qualify for recognition. However, Pakistan would prefer to reach a decision regarding recognition of the new government together with other neighbors of Afghanistan.

Among the most pressing concerns for the international community right now is the potential for militant and separatist groups to take advantage of the unrest in Afghanistan to plot attacks against other countries. One example has been attacks against Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Does Pakistan share these concerns, and how do you plan to address them?

There is indeed a plethora of terrorist groups which, taking advantage of the conflict in Afghanistan, located themselves in that country. Pakistan is extremely concerned about the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan, particularly from the TTP, which has conducted thousands of attacks against Pakistan from the territory of Afghanistan with the sponsorship and support of certain hostile intelligence agencies.

The TTP has also been responsible for most of its attacks on Chinese citizens working in Pakistan, perhaps with the support of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). Pakistan will work with the authorities in Afghanistan to halt TTP and other terrorism from Afghanistan.

While the U.S. is withdrawing from Afghanistan, it has focused more closely on defense ties with other regional countries, especially India. Does this concern Pakistan, given the tensions that exist in Kashmir and India's membership in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue?

Pakistan desires to promote a comprehensive, not selective, approach to neutralizing terrorists' threats from Afghanistan. We will cooperate with the international community, including the U.S., in this effort.

We understand that the U.S. military support to India is designed to contain China, including through the so-called Quad. Pakistan has its own views on the credibility of this strategy. In our view, India will never confront China, especially not to serve U.S. strategic objectives. India's purpose in arming itself so massively is to establish its hegemony in South Asia and specially to threaten and coerce Pakistan. Seventy percent of all Indian military capabilities are deployed against Pakistan, not China. Therefore, Pakistan has legitimate concerns about the provision of the most advanced weapons and technology to India. Apart from increasing the likelihood of a conflict, an arms race in South Asia will divert both India and Pakistan from investing in socio-economic development and the welfare of their people.

"The current U.S.-China rivalry is unnecessary," says Prime Minister Imran Khan. China's President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Pakistani leader Khan before a meeting at the Great Hall of the People on April 28, 2019 in Beijing, China. Madoka Ikegami-Pool/Getty Images

Pakistan has built a close strategic partnership with China. Is there concern that Pakistan could be caught up in the broader U.S.-China rivalry?

Pakistan's relationship with China is 70 years old. It covers economic, technological, military and other sectors. Throughout this time, Pakistan has simultaneously maintained a close relationship with the United States as well. Indeed, it was Pakistan which first brought the U.S. and China together in 1971. We see no reason for our strategic partnership with China to erode our ability to continue a cooperative relationship with the United States. We believe that the current U.S.-China rivalry is unnecessary and contrary to the interests of both these global powers. Cooperation between them would be beneficial to both and is essential to address the myriad global problems we face—the COVID pandemic, the economic crisis in the developing world and the existential threat of climate change. We hope that both Beijing and Washington will reach the same conclusion in the near future.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of State met on September 17. What message did you have for them as it relates to the role of Pakistan and the SCO states in addressing Afghanistan and other regional issues?

We attach importance to the SCO as a regional organization grouping the countries in the Asian heartland. At the SCO Summit, I presented Pakistan's viewpoint about the situation and presented the possible way out to address the challenges posed to the region due to the current situation in Afghanistan.

If India adopts a positive position in relations with Pakistan, the SCO could serve as a useful platform to promote stability and prosperity across this vast area of the Asian Continent.

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the end of the war in Afghanistan in the State Dining Room at the White House on August 31, 2021 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

There have been concerns over the pace of progress in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. How has Pakistan's economic alignment with China benefited the country, and do you expect other countries to follow Pakistan's example, or might President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better World" prove a challenge to Belt and Road Initiative projects?

China has already invested around 25 billion dollars under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Additional projects worth 20 billion are under implementation. Projects worth a further 25 billion dollars are in the pipeline. The COVID-19 pandemic may have slowed the implementation of some projects. However, the CPEC's objectives are being achieved on schedule, and their implementation will be accelerated in the future.

The United States and G7 initiative—"Build Back Better World"—has been welcomed by Pakistan. We do not see this as being in competition with China's "Belt and Road Initiative." It is an initiative which can contribute to building the infrastructure and other projects which are so vital to enable developing countries to achieve their development objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Supporters of the pro-Taliban party shout anti-US slogans at a protest in Quetta on May 2, 2011, after the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Banaras Khan/AFP, Getty Images

This year marked the 10th anniversary of Osama bin Laden's killing on Pakistani soil, and the world just marked the 20th anniversary of 9/11. How would you evaluate the successes and failures of the United States' "War on Terror" over the course of the past two decades?

Al-Qaeda, the organization responsible for 9/11, has been decimated in Afghanistan, largely due to Pakistan-U.S. counter terrorism cooperation over the past 20 years.

However, the root causes of terrorism—the underlying conflicts and disputes, and economic and social injustice—have not been addressed. As a result, the ideology and narrative of terrorist groups have proliferated across several regions of the world, including Africa, and new terrorist organizations have emerged.

In addition, anti-Muslim extremist movements and terrorist groups have emerged in several parts of the world. We see the strongest manifestation of such Islamophobia in India's extremist Hindutva ideology, which has unleashed state-sponsored terrorism against the Muslims of occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the 200 million Indian Muslim "minority."

The world needs a new and comprehensive global counterterrorism strategy to address these new manifestations of terrorism.

Longer term, what do you think the impact of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan will be on the region? If you look out, say, five years from now, what do you think the most profound difference will be—and what wild card development might change that outlook?

Four decades of war and conflict has had a devastating impact on Afghanistan's economy, society, and polity. There is a ray of hope today to end the "long war" and bring peace, stability and development to Afghanistan and the broader region.

The last thing Pakistan wants is more conflict and turbulence in Afghanistan.

After 20 years of military intervention in Afghanistan, the international community cannot exonerate itself from its responsibilities towards the people of Afghanistan. It must stay engaged with Afghanistan.

It is our hope that Afghanistan will be stabilized, through humanitarian help, economic support, and connectivity and infrastructure projects, and that the U.S., China and Russia will all contribute to pacifying and reconstructing Afghanistan.

On the other hand, if rivalry persists within Afghanistan, and between regional states and global powers, it could lead to a new round of violence and conflict in Afghanistan. This would create new flow of refugees, escalate the threat of terrorism from Afghanistan, and destabilize the entire region.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, In An Exclusive Newsweek Interview.

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Rohit Sharma finally shares his secrets to effective leadership, emphasizing, “It’s important to…

The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, ended India’s ICC title drought last month by winning the T20 World Cup. India did win its second T20 World Cup trophy, the first having elapsed 17 years earlier.

Playing in every T20 World Cup tournament, Rohit Sharma became the first player to win the trophy both as a player and a skipper. He guided the squad to the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal when they were defeated by England.

Before experiencing his first taste of victory as the captain of the Indian cricket team with the T20 World Cup title win, he also lost the WTC 2023 final and the ODI World Cup final.

Speaking on The Aldar Experts podcast, Rohit Sharma offered some leadership advice that has enabled him to grow into the prosperous captain he is now.

Rohit Sharma highlighted the importance of leading by example, stating, “As a leader, it’s essential to set a standard for your team by leading from the front. It’s not just about performance on the field but also how you conduct yourself off it. I strive to be a role model for my colleagues in every aspect.”

He also mentioned treating the team’s members like brothers. When talking about Rohit, a lot of young players, like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, have frequently mentioned how much of a big brother he is to them. They mentioned how he is the older brother on the squad and treats everyone fairly.

“And I treat them like family, like brothers, you know, because they have the same responsibilities and shares in the team as you do, which makes them equal members of that team. Thus, you must give them a sense of belonging and make them feel as though they are wanted here, Rohit Sharma continued.

After India won the T20 World Cup, Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from the T20I format. As captain, Rohit still has goals to achieve since he is eager to win both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. At the moment, Team India is leading the WTC points standings. They have already competed in two WTC finals, losing both of them in 2021 and 2023.

“Rohit Sharma Reflects on His Strong Desire for T20 World Cup Victory”

After winning the T20 World Cup, Rohit was obviously quite emotional and expressed how much he wanted to win this championship for India.

“I really wanted this. In an emotive tone, Rohit remarked following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup, “It’s very hard to put it in words because of that moment.”

He was spotted at Wimbledon and is currently taking a sabbatical from the game. According to some speculation, he and Virat Kohli may also get a rest during the series against Sri Lanka.

READ MORE

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How to Start A Fantasy Sports Business?

Seize the golden chance in the flourishing fantasy sports industry, led by giants like Dream11. Conduct detailed research, discover your USP, and ensure full legal compliance.

Make sure to register your fantasy sports game development company and secure the necessary licenses to succeed in this lucrative field. By 2027, the fantasy sports market is projected to reach USD 44.07 billion, up from USD 21.39 billion in 2021, with a CAGR of 12.92% from 2022–2027. Keep scrolling to know more.

Top Sports to Consider for Your Fantasy Sports Business.

In India, hockey (the national sport) has a large player base. Kabaddi and football also have massive followings, especially in Kerala, Goa, West Bengal, and Manipur. Kolkata, home to Indian football, reflects the industry's national impact. Take a look at the fantasy sports business startup ideas given below.

Top Fantasy Sports Startup Ideas:

Cricket: this sport has huge fan engagement during IPL and international matches, with over 120 leagues and tournaments.

Football: This popular sport is driven by ISL, I-League, and international leagues like EPL and UEFA Champions League.

Kabaddi: Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) attracts a massive nationwide following.

Basketball: basketball has a huge base in urban areas, driven by NBA and local leagues.

Field Hockey: Rich history with rising interest in HIL and international competitions like the FIH Hockey World Cup.

What are Fantasy Sports?

Fantasy sports are online games that allow players to create virtual teams of real-world athletes. Points are scored based on the real-life performance of these athletes, which are converted into fantasy points. The better the real-life performance, the higher the fantasy points. Participants compete using the internet, assembling teams from various sports like football, cricket, and basketball. The teams' success depends on the statistical performance of the chosen athletes in actual games.

Why Start A Fantasy Sports Business?

According to the top fantasy sports app development company, starting a business in fantasy sports is indeed a profitable venture for several reasons:

Growing Market Demand: Fantasy sports are gaining global popularity, attracting millions of sports enthusiasts and gamers, reflecting strong market demand.

Engaging User Experience: The interactive gameplay and social interaction through leagues and discussions foster community building.

Monetization Opportunities: Platforms can monetize through subscription fees, premium features, advertising, and sponsorship deals.

Scalable Fantasy Sports Business Model: Its global reach and year-round engagement are enabled by internet connectivity and diverse sports seasons.

Innovation and differentiation: Incorporating features like daily fantasy sports and AI-driven recommendations helps fantasy sports software companies stand out and retain users.

How Do You Start a Fantasy Sports Business?

Here are some points you need to consider before venturing into the world of fantasy sports business. Take a look:

Concept and Niche: Decide whether to cover multiple sports such as football, cricket, basketball, and hockey, or focus on one sport to create a specialized experience for hardcore fans.

Market Research: Analyze industry reports to gauge market size and growth trends, understand regional regulations, and study top competitors like ESPN Fantasy Sports and FanDuel to gather insights and ensure legal compliance.

Choosing Your Sports: Select sports based on market demand, user preferences, and growth potential through thorough research, trend analysis, and understanding your target audience’s interests.

Developing the Concept: Every fantasy sports business plan needs a concept. Decide if your platform will be an app, a website, or both. Design the functionality and visuals of your app with a focus on usability and adaptability to changing market demands.

Technical Development: Choose a tech stack (e.g., React for frontend, Node.js for backend, PostgreSQL for databases), and prioritize intuitive UI/UX,

Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Research legal status, obtain licenses, ensure data protection compliance (e.g., GDPR), and adhere to gaming and advertising regulations.

Building Your Team: select a reputable fantasy app development company and assemble a team with a product manager, developers, designers, marketers, data analysts, and customer support staff for effective development and user engagement.

Marketing and Growth: Ensure your fantasy cricket app developers use SEO, social media, and email marketing strategies. Collaborate with influencers and offer rewards.

Launch: Create buzz with pre-launch campaigns, and media coverage, and introduce host launch events.

More things can help you to start a fantasy sports business. To know all these, keep reading the original piece of content here: https://bit.ly/3ymMUqL

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Reddy Anna Book Club: Your Ultimate Guide to the Next World Cup

Welcome to Reddy Anna Book Club, the premier virtual community for cricket enthusiasts, proudly established by Reddy Anna. As we gear up for the upcoming World Cup, our club stands ready to connect fans worldwide and provide unparalleled insights into this prestigious event.

Connecting Cricket Enthusiasts Worldwide

Since its inception in 2021, Reddy Anna Book Club has thrived as a global hub for cricket aficionados. Our diverse membership spans continents, united by a shared passion for cricket. Members enjoy real-time updates, exclusive content, and a vibrant community atmosphere dedicated to celebrating the sport we love.

Unlocking the Power of the Sky Exchange ID

Central to the Reddy Anna Book Club experience is the Sky Exchange ID, a unique identifier that opens doors to a wealth of cricket-related content and global scores. This ID ensures members stay informed with the latest news about the upcoming World Cup and facilitates collaborations with cricket clubs worldwide.

Preparing for the Next World Cup

With anticipation building for the next World Cup, Reddy Anna Book Club remains committed to preparing its members for the pinnacle of cricketing excellence. We provide comprehensive updates, valuable insights, and expert tips to enhance your World Cup experience. Engaging events like cricket trivia nights foster camaraderie and excitement among our members.

Conclusion

Join Reddy Anna Book Club today and immerse yourself in a world of cricketing excellence. With exclusive content delivered through the Sky Exchange ID, our club ensures you're always at the forefront of the action. As we eagerly await the next World Cup, count on us to keep you informed, connected, and engaged with the global cricket community.

Embrace the spirit of cricket with Reddy Anna Book Club – where passion meets expertise, and every moment counts towards the thrill of the game. Together, let's celebrate the sport and make memories that will last a lifetime.