Cricket’s international integrity is under severe pressure

India's Arundhati Reddy (C) and teammates arrive on the ground before the start of the Tri-Nation one-day international (ODI) final cricket match between India and Sri Lanka. (File/AFP)
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Updated 15 May 2025
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Cricket’s international integrity is under severe pressure

  • The Pakistan Super League and Indian Premier League were recently suspended as geopolitical tensions hung over the region

At times of political turbulence between nations that involves loss of life and suffering, it seems inappropriate to talk about sport, despite its capacity to build bridges between peoples.

Yet, during the recent outbreak of hostilities between India and Pakistan, it has been impossible to ignore the effect that the escalating crisis has had on the sport.

In part, this was because both the Pakistan Super League and the Indian Premier League were suspended. In part, it was because cricket has been swept up inexorably as an actor in the unfolding geopolitical drama.  

The flashpoint for the IPL occurred in Dharamsala during a match on Thursday May 8. A blackout in the stadium occurred after 10.1 overs had been bowled, later attributed to power failure caused by air raid sirens warning of possible strikes in neighboring Jammu.

Evacuation of the estimated 17,500 crowd was ordered because of security concerns. I can testify that this is a ground with difficult access and egress. It must have been a terrifying experience and many have wondered why the match was allowed to start, given that one at the same location the following day had already been rescheduled.

Suspension of the league was announced on May 9.

The PSL’s flashpoint was on Wednesday May 7 following reports of Indian drones entering Pakistan airspace. One of them was shot down at the food street adjacent to the Rawalpindi stadium, where a match was due to take place.

This was rescheduled, but widespread reservations were expressed by the 37 foreign players involved in the PSL. Most of them were not happy to stay in Pakistan, a sentiment sufficient to persuade the Pakistan Cricket Board that suspension was necessary.

On May 8, Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chair announced that the remainder of the tournament would be shifted to the UAE, so “the domestic, as well as foreign cricketers, who are our precious guests, can be saved from the possible reckless targeting by India.”

In his view, India’s actions were “manifestly done to disrupt the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League X.” This may be stretching the point but what happened next is a source of conjecture.

The Emirates Cricket Board seemed to have been prepared to host the remainder of the PSL, with some players quickly transferring to Dubai. However, the next day, this plan was shelved. Various explanations have been advanced.

One is that, since the UAE has almost four million Indians, who account for 35 percent of the population, there was no appetite to run the risk of transferring tensions or stirring unrest. Another is that pressure was exerted by a combination of the International Cricket Council and the Board for Control of Cricket in India.

As is well known, the ICC’s chair is the former secretary of the BCCI and son of India’s interior minister. Together, the ICC and BCCI form the powerbase of international cricket, with access to the top of the Indian political process.

Quite frequently, announcements by the BCCI are openly predicated on the basis of having taken advice from the government. Whether this linkage assisted in being able to swiftly communicate to franchises the announcement of a ceasefire effective from 5 p.m. Indian Standard Time on May 10 is unknown.

Although a number of foreign players and coaches had left India, following the announcement of suspension on May 9, others were at airports or aboard planes standing on tarmacs. The whole suspension process was turbo-thrust into reverse, even to the extent of individuals leaving tarmac-bound planes.

From a distance, it may seem difficult to comprehend what appears to be the unseemly haste with which the BCCI sought to restart the IPL on May 17. Some Australian players and coaches had only just reached their homes when messages were received to turn around and resume their IPL obligations.

Quite what this whole imbroglio has done to trust levels between foreign players/coaches and the IPL remains unsaid, for contractual reasons.

The same may apply to the PSL, which has announced resumption, also on May 17, with or without its foreign players, although the PCB seems to be taking a more emollient line.

Both the IPL and PSL are symbols of national pride, their resumptions an indicator of resilience and unity. Ironically, this situation would not have existed had the two leagues not been played simultaneously this year for the first time.   

The ongoing fractious relations between Indian and Pakistan cast a long shadow over cricket, not just now, but for the foreseeable future. Cricket does not cause these tensions but, increasingly, finds itself caught in the crossfire.

However, it is also perfectly capable of creating troubles in its own right. A prime example occurred in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifying 2025 tournament in Bangkok last week.

Teams from nine countries are competing to land one of two qualifying spots to progress to the next stage of the tournament, due to be held in England in 2026. 

The teams are divided into three groups: A comprises Bhutan, Kuwait and Thailand; B has Malaysia, Qatar and the UAE; and C consists of Nepal, Hong Kong (China) and Bahrain. Each team plays the other teams in their group twice.

The pressure to progress from the event was illustrated vividly by the UAE against Qatar. In 16 overs the UAE scored 192 for no wickets. Then, with sounds of thunder and threats of rain, the team’s management became concerned that the match might not be completed. In that case the two points on offer would be shared.

Two weeks ago, I wondered in my column if the modern generation of cricketers, brought up on short formats, which do not allow declarations of innings, knew the meaning and origins of declaration cricket.

The UAE coach enquired if a declaration was possible and when informed that it was not, hatched an alternative strategy. This was to instruct his batters to retire out, according to Law 25.4, which states that a batter may retire at any time during his or her innings when the ball is dead.

The umpires need be informed of the reason. Normally, that is because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause. In these cases, a batter is entitled to resume his or her innings. If for any reason this does not happen, that batter is to be recorded as “Retired — not out.”

If a batter retires for any other reason, the innings of that batter may be resumed only with the consent of the opposing captain. If for any reason his or her innings is not resumed, that batter is recorded as “Retired — out.”

This was the strategy adopted by the UAE, leading to the farcical sight of a succession of batters, some without equipment, rushing to the pitch to inform the umpires of their decision. The resultant scorecard displayed nine batters as “Retired Out, 0” in a score of 192 all out.

One cricket website suggested this is a world record number of ducks in a single innings. This rather facile statement is unlikely to be shared by others more concerned with the game’s integrity.

The rain and thunder relented sufficiently for Qatar to start its innings which lasted only 11.1 overs, the team bowled out for a paltry 29. The UAE’s strategy has been variously described as clever, shocking and surprising. Others may see it as being against the spirit of the game, however that is defined.

The original purpose of the law was to allow batters to retire out in practice matches. More recently, it has crept into T20 cricket when a batter has been deemed to be scoring too slowly and the coach wishes to introduce a replacement capable of scoring more quickly.

No doubt, consequent on the UAE’s action, there will be calls for a revision of the law relating to retired out. Traditionalists regard the act as taking away the essence of the game, the battle between bowler and batter.

Revision is within the control of cricket’s administrators. Resolving the conflict between India and Pakistan is not. However, making decisions of integrity for the management of the game are, or should be, paramount.

It is hard to resist a sense that neither mass retired outs nor the incorporation of cricket into the conduct of national conflicts will assist in enhancing perceptions of the game’s integrity.


CONMEBOL eases Copa America warm-up rules after Brazil’s complaints

Updated 3 sec ago
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CONMEBOL eases Copa America warm-up rules after Brazil’s complaints

“This decision was made after a detailed assessment of the condition,” said CONMEBOL
Tournament organizers had barred outfield players from warming up on the pitch

BUENOS AIRES: CONMEBOL announced on Friday that it has adjusted pre-match procedures at the Women’s Copa America in Ecuador to allow players to warm up on the pitch, following criticism from Brazilian players and coaching staff.

“From now on, in addition to goalkeepers who already had a 15-minute warm-up period on the field, outfield players will also be allowed to warm up on the pitch for the same duration,” the South American soccer governing body told Reuters.

“This decision was made after a detailed assessment of the condition of the playing surfaces at the competition’s stadiums to date, and after taking into account feedback from some participating teams.”

Tournament organizers had barred outfield players from warming up on the pitch to preserve the playing surface, with each stadium hosting two matches in a day during the group stage.

Brazil captain Marta, midfielder Ary Borges, and head coach Arthur Elias voiced their frustration after their dominant group-stage win over Bolivia, as both teams had been forced to warm-up in a shared room of about 15 square meters that smelled of paint.

They also criticized the restrictions after their tournament opener against Venezuela, saying they were unable to properly assess Kerolin’s fitness, which ultimately led to the Manchester City striker being sidelined.

Defending champions Brazil top Group B with two wins and will face Paraguay on Tuesday.

Tickets for Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford super middleweight title clash go on sale

Updated 54 min 42 sec ago
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Tickets for Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford super middleweight title clash go on sale

  • Blockbuster Riyadh Season showdown will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sept. 13.
  • ‘Fight is about legacy,’ says Alvarez ahead of bout with undefeated rival

RIYADH/LAS VEGAS: Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will face undefeated four-division world champion Terence Crawford in a blockbuster Riyadh Season showdown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Tickets for the clash are now available via Ticketmaster.com, with a purchase limit of eight per person, it was announced on Friday.

VIP packages from On Location, the event’s official experience provider, are also on sale, offering fans ringside photo access, all-inclusive hospitality, the official fight poster, an afterparty, and more.

The high-stakes bout will be promoted in collaboration between Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, UFC President Dana White, and Saudi events company Sela.

The event will be streamed live globally on Netflix, available to all 300 million subscribers at no additional cost.

Fans can visit tudum.com/cvc to set a reminder to watch. New users can sign up at netflix.com/signup.

Alvarez (63-2-2, 39 KOs), a legend of the sport and native of Guadalajara, Mexico, has captured titles across multiple weight classes and defeated elite names, including Shane Mosley, Gennady Golovkin, and Miguel Cotto.

He is now turning his attention to Crawford.

“This fight is about legacy. I’ve faced the best, and now it’s time to show the world why I’m still at the top. Crawford is a great fighter, but on Sept. 13, I will remind everyone who Canelo is,” he said.

Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), from Omaha, Nebraska, is the current WBA and interim WBO middleweight champion.

He recently made a dominant debut at 154 pounds, defeating Israil Madrimov, and is aiming to secure the defining win of his career.

“I’ve always said I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” he said. “Beating Canelo, on the biggest stage, under the brightest lights, that’s how I prove it. I respect him, but I’m coming to make history.”


Usyk at career heaviest for title fight with Dubois

Updated 18 July 2025
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Usyk at career heaviest for title fight with Dubois

  • Dubois was only 16st 9lbs for his 2023 defeat by Usyk, a ninth-round stoppage loss, in Poland
  • Usyk said: “For me it is a great opportunity for my people and for my country“

LONDON: Multiple world champion Oleksandr Usyk will head into his undisputed heavyweight title bout with Daniel Dubois in London on Saturday in arguably the strongest shape of his career.

Friday’s weigh-in for the Wembley clash saw reigning WBA, WBO and WBC champion Usyk tip the scales at a career-heaviest weight of 16st 3lbs (102.97 kg), a pound more than the Ukrainian weighed for his second win over Tyson Fury in December.

IBF belt-holder Dubois, meanwhile, was more trim than for his victory over British rival Anthony Joshua after he came in 17st 6lbs (110.67 kg) in comparison to 17st 10lbs (112.49 kg) back in September.

Dubois was only 16st 9lbs for his 2023 defeat by Usyk, a ninth-round stoppage loss, in Poland.

He promised a largely pro-Usyk crowd on Friday he would win by any means necessary before one final stare-down, to a background of music from the film Rocky Balboa.

“I’m locked in, I’m focused and I can’t wait,” Dubois said.

“I am going to win by any means necessary.”

Usyk said: “For me it is a great opportunity for my people and for my country.”

Yet to lose in 23 professional fights, Usyk is hoping to become an undisputed champion for the third time.

Dubois has won his three fights since losing to Usyk, including a victory over Joshua and at 27 is 11 years younger than the 38-year-old Ukrainian.

But, on Thursday, Usyk dismissed suggestions his age would count against him at Wembley this weekend.

“Listen, I respect this guy (Dubois), this young guy. This guy is motivated but I am too. I am not an old guy. 38 is not old, you know? We will see on Saturday.”

Lennox Lewis was the last Briton to hold undisputed status in the heavyweight division in 1999.


Charging Scheffler closes on British Open lead

Updated 18 July 2025
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Charging Scheffler closes on British Open lead

  • The world number one brushed aside a brief heavy rain shower to pour in four birdies
  • Matthew Fitzpatrick was also four-under on the day through 11 holes

PORTRUSH, UK: Scottie Scheffler ignited his bid for a maiden British Open title by surging to within one shot of the clubhouse lead held by 2023 champion Brian Harman and China’s Li Haotong at Royal Portrush on Friday.

The world number one brushed aside a brief heavy rain shower to pour in four birdies on the front nine of his second round and reach seven-under for the tournament.

Matthew Fitzpatrick was also four-under on the day through 11 holes and tied at the top of the leaderboard alongside Harman and China’s Li.

Home favorite Rory McIlroy carded a two-under par 69 to reach three-under for the tournament, five strokes off the pace, as he continues his bid for a second Claret Jug.

Scheffler struggled off the tee on Thursday but still carded a first-round 68 to sit one stroke off the overnight lead.

He got his second round off to a flying start with a first-hole birdie in driving rain.

The PGA Championship winner then reeled off three consecutive birdies from the fifth hole, including a 34-foot putt down the hill on the par-three sixth.

Harman, who won by six shots at Hoylake two years ago, started with consecutive birdies before another on the par-five seventh hole took him into the outright lead.

The American completed a bogey-free 65, the joint-best round of the week so far, with his sixth birdie of the day on the 18th green.

“The only thing I’m really worried about is the first tee ball tomorrow, and then I’ll try to hit the next one up there close to the flag,” said Harman.

“If not, go to the second hole. It’s a very boring approach that I take. I’m not trying to be heroic or do anything crazy.”

Li is bidding to become the first Chinese man to win a major championship and he made five birdies in a second consecutive round of 67.

He came close to edging ahead of Harman, but saw a birdie putt on the 18th agonizingly slip by the hole.

McIlroy, who only made two of 14 fairways on Thursday, delighted the crowds surrounding the opening hole with a birdie to immediately move to two-under after his first-round 70.

His roller-coaster tournament continued, with bogeys on the third and fifth holes sandwiching another birdie on four, as his errant driving prevented him from taking full advantage of excellent scoring conditions.

But the Northern Irishman found his groove late in his round, making two birdies in his final seven holes to stay in touch.

“I feel like I maybe could be a couple closer to the lead, but overall in a decent position heading into the weekend,” said Masters champion McIlroy.

Robert MacIntyre, hoping to become the first Scottish major champion since Paul Lawrie in 1999, cruised into contention with a 66 to reach five-under.

MacIntire is level in the clubhouse with Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, also seeking a maiden major title, and Danish youngster Rasmus Hojgaard.

Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau bounced back from his disastrous first-round 78 by matching Harman’s second round with a spectacular 65.

DeChambeau appeared set to miss the cut for a second straight British Open when he bogeyed the 11th to slip back to five-over, with the projected cut line at plus two.

But the American found four birdies in his final seven holes.

“I wanted to go home. But I woke up this morning and I said, ‘You know what, I can’t give up’,” said DeChambeau.


Club Championship finals set for second weekend of Esports World Cup in Riyadh

Updated 18 July 2025
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Club Championship finals set for second weekend of Esports World Cup in Riyadh

  • Saudi’s Team Falcons could end the weekend in first place, with rosters competing in 4 competitions

RIYADH: As the second weekend of the Esports World Cup finals in Riyadh beckons, the Club Championship has already started to take shape.

So far Gen.G Esports, Team Heretics, DetonatioN FocusMe, BMW M Team Redline, Red Bull Sim Racing and VK GAMING are the sides out in front, each with 1,000 Club points.

However, their positions could still come under threat in the coming days. Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons might end the weekend in first place, with rosters competing in multiple games in the coming days.

But with Gen.G a firm favorite in League of Legends, they too are in a strong position to stand alone at the top of the table come Monday. With plenty more Club Championship points on offer, it is still anyone’s game.

League of Legends

One of the biggest titles to take place during the EWC is underway, and an incredible knockout competition is expected.

The first day of League of Legends action had two sides head home: North American Cloud9 and Vietnamese team GAM Esports.

While many teams have clawed their way through to the knockout stage, 2024 Esports World Cup Champions T1 will join the fray on July 18 to defend their title, and truly test the mettle of their rivals.

Aside from T1, the only side that finished in the top four in last year’s competition and is represented this year is Europe’s G2 Esports. The League of Legends EMEA Championship team secured a spot in the knockout stage after a 2-0 finish on day one.

With some exciting matchups ahead of the final this weekend, there are many upsets expected.

Dota 2

Dota 2’s epic two weeks of action finally conclude this weekend with a $3 million prize pool on the line.

Team Spirit and PVISION are locked in for the semifinals after victories in the quarterfinals, with more teams set to join them in the coming days. But some big names are already eliminated.

The 2024 champions Gaimin Gladiators have fallen in fifth to eighth place, meaning a new champion will be crowned in 2025. And with all the top seeded teams qualifying for the playoffs, the title race is wide open.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational concludes this week on July 19.

At the end of play on July 16, Team Liquid, Natus Vincere PH, ONIC Pertiwi Team, and Team Vitality have secured their slots in the playoffs. With just two days of competition, things are moving fast, with eight sides knocked out.

Now in its second year as a part of the EWC roster, the MLBB MWI features a $500,000 prize pool and presents a truly massive stage for women stars.

Team Vitality have been the most impressive, not dropping a single game so far. They also set a record for the fastest game in MWI history with 9 minutes, 38 seconds, but NAVI topped them by 1 second a few days later.

Free Fire

Mobile title Free Fire at the 2025 Esports World Cup kicked off with six fast-paced maps, setting the tone for what is shaping up to be a wide-open fight for the championship.

After day one, Team Falcons lead the standings with the Thai roster showcasing dominance, but a resurgence from the Brazilian teams including paiN Gaming and Fluxo mean everything is still in play.

However, as with Apex Legends in week one, anything can happen when it comes to battle royale titles and one good day is not enough to secure a trophy.

With the action closing on July 20, there is plenty of time for more surprises and upsets. And with Free Fire players known for their brash antics, there could be some drama in the closing stages.