England's Wood optimistic about fitness for Ashes opener
England fast bowler Mark Wood is "quietly confident" he will be fit for the Ashes opener against Australia next month after being sidelined since February due to a knee injury.
Cricket Sport News
Saudi’s Al-Dawsari, Takahashi from Japan win Asian player awards
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari has been named Asian Player of the Year for the second time, with Japan’s Hana Takahashi claiming the women’s award at a gala ceremony in Riyadh on Thursday. Al-Dawsari, who helped his nation secure qualification for a third consecutive World Cup on Tuesday, reclaimed the award he previously won in 2022 ahead of fellow nominees Akram Afif of Qatar and Malaysia’s Arif Aiman. “I’m grateful to win this award,” said the Al-Hilal playmaker. Winning it for a second time is special because it came after a huge effort.
Van der Flier: 'Farrell was honest about leaving me out of Lions Tests'
Josh Van Der Flier may have the number seven jersey nailed to his back for Ireland and Leinster over the past few years, but he found himself out of the test side for the British and Irish Lions in Australia.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans barred from Europa League game at Aston Villa for security reasons
BIRMINGHAM: Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans won’t be allowed to attend a Europa League game at Aston Villa next month because of security concerns, the English club said Thursday. Villa said in a statement that their local police force advised “they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night.” “The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process,” Villa said, “with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision.” Maccabi Tel Aviv visit Villa Park on Nov. 6.
Juventus under investigation by UEFA over financial fair play
ROME: Serie A club Juventus said on Thursday it was under investigation by the European governing body UEFA for possible breaches of its financial rules. The Turin-based club made the announcement in its financial statements to be presented at its annual shareholders’ meeting on November 7. Juventus said that UEFA had informed the club on September 18 that proceedings had been opened to investigate possible breaches of the governing body’s football earnings rule between 2022 and 2025, with a verdict expected in the spring of next year. The club said this could result in “a possible economic sanction ... and possible sporting restrictions.” UEFA’s football earnings rule limits clubs to 60 million euros ($70.14 million) in losses over a three-year period. This can be raised by 10 million euros per year if clubs meet four conditions that UEFA considers representative of “good financial health.” Juventus, fifth in the Serie A standings with 12 points from six matches, made a modest start to the season with three wins and three draws.
Unbeaten Dortmund confident ahead of trip to ‘unique’ Bayern, says Kovac
BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund’s undefeated run has filled the team with confidence ahead of Der Klassiker at champions Bayern Munich on Saturday despite the hosts’ impressive 10-match winning streak in all competitions, coach Niko Kovac said on Thursday. Kovac, who took over in the middle of last season, has seen Dortmund go unbeaten in Germany and Europe this term. They sit second in the Bundesliga, four points behind Bayern. “We are solid at the moment and that is the basis if you want to have any success. Of course we know the form of Bayern — 10 wins from 10 games (across all competitions),” Kovac told a press conference in Dortmund. “We are on 2.3 points per game (on average) which is pretty good but they are on three points.
Relocating World Cup matches unlikely despite Trump rhetoric, current and former officials say
NEW YORK: Senior figures behind the 2026 World Cup dismissed concerns that US president Donald Trump could move matches from cities he does not deem “safe.” Republican president Trump said last month that he would consider moving games from Democrat-controlled San Francisco and Seattle if they did not cooperate with his immigration and crime initiatives. He raised the issue again this week, this time targeting Boston and its Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu, suggesting he could appeal directly to FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. John Kristick, who led Canada, Mexico and the United States’ successful bid to jointly host the 2026 finals, emphasized that planning has been underway for nearly a decade and remains unaffected by political rhetoric. “From what I’m seeing, there’s been zero distraction in terms of the preparedness,” Kristick, co-head of global events at Playfly Sports Consulting, told Reuters. “Tickets are already being sold.
Former giants West Indies reeling after five straight defeats
NEW DELHI :West Indies have suffered back-to-back series whitewashes by Australia and India in a run of five straight losses that has exposed not just technical and structural gaps but a deeper erosion of the pride that once defined the famous maroon cap.