FIFA considering lifting ban on Russia competing in international football- report

Indian cricket team star batter Virat Kohli achieved an impossible feat by helping India score 14 runs in just one legal delivery during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh on Thursday. The feat was achieved against Hasan Mahmud during the 13th over of the India innings when Kohli took advantage of the bowler's lack of discipline. Kohli came out to bat after the dismissal of India skipper Rohit Sharma and scored two runs off his very first ball. However, the umpire adjudged it a no-ball and the veteran batter slammed the resultant free-hit for a boundary through mid-on. Unfortunately, it was a no-ball once again and Kohli was awarded another free-hit which he heaved over the long-on fielder for a massive six.

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia’s FIFA-favored bid to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 passed on Wednesday one of the few barriers left in what seems an inevitable win. One week after revealing talks with Australia about bidding to co-host the 2034 World Cup, Indonesian soccer leader Erick Thohir said his federation is now with Saudi Arabia. Thohir’s change of plan was detailed in a statement on the Indonesian soccer federation website hours before an online meeting of the Asian Football Confederation, whose 47 members include Australia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged AFC members to “be united for the 2034 World Cup.” Infantino has long been a close ally of Saudi soccer and the kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and FIFA’s surprise decision two weeks ago to fast-track bidding for the 2034 men’s tournament was seen as favorable for them. AFC members responded quickly to Infantino’s urging and the Japan federation proposed united support behind the Saudi bid backed by Uzbekistan, Lebanon and India. “Japan has a plan to host the FIFA World Cup by 2050 but now it’s time for Asia to get united and make a single bid (for 2034),” Japanese federation official Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said, praising Saudi Arabia for a “long football history, massive passion and a wonderful vision for 2034.” Australian officials did not take part in the online discussion. After an initial technical problem connecting to the meeting, Saudi federation president Yasser al Misehal said: “It’s always known that Asia is always united.” “We have been overwhelmed by a huge number of supporting letters, announcements from all over the world.

Bangladesh star Litton Das found himself in the line of fire over his inappropriate behaviour with a few journalists. Unhappy over the presence of media persons in the hotel lobby during the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023, Litton even complained to the security guard, triggering a controversy. After facing flak on social media over his behaviour, Litton issued an apology, saying he wasn't aware of the journalists' presence in the team hotel. Litton's clarification came in after some senior journalists expressed displeasure at his behaviour.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said on Tuesday it has ratified an independent committee's recommendation to lift a ban imposed on batter Danushka Gunathilaka, who was cleared of a sexual assault charge last month.

When Pakistan face Cambodia in the second leg of their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday in Islamabad, the memories will come flooding back for Adnan Ahmed. It is almost 16 years since the Burnley-born former Huddersfield and Tranmere winger, who came through Manchester United’s academy, made his international debut in a 7-0 defeat by Iraq in Lahore.

MUMBAI: World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said Saturday (Oct 14) the International Olympic Committee had made the "only decision left open to them" in suspending Russia's national Olympic body for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine's membership.