England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins
At least this one seems safe, given it is Australia touring. People will turn up to see the old enemy; the first T20I at Southampton was sold out. Almost inevitably, rain delayed the start to 18.45 and the temperature at the end of the match at 10.10 p.m. was displayed as 7.5C. (AFP)
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Updated 19 September 2024
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England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins

England’s renewed rivalry with Australia pushed to the season’s margins
  • Australia is touring Scotland, England and Wales with two forms of short-format cricket packed into just over four weeks, all at risk of weather disruption

There is much talk that the most evenly matched rivalry in international cricket has become that between Australia and India. It is true that, in recent years, the teams have dominated the rankings in Test cricket and were finalists in the last World Test Championship in 2023. Then, Australia triumphed by six wickets. Both are the frontrunners in the current WTC cycle and will face each other in a five-match Test series in Australia starting in November.

Yet, there is still no feeling of anticipation that quite compares with the near-150-year-old rivalry between England and Australia. This is true even during Australia’s tour of Scotland, England and Wales, when two forms of short-format cricket are being packed into just over four weeks, all at risk of capricious weather.

Scotland was trounced in three T20Is. This was hardly a surprise but it provided welcome exposure and experience for Scottish cricket. In England and Wales, three T20Is and five ODIs are scheduled in eight different locations, south, west and north. The program has an end-of-year party feeling, a sense of visiting friends in places almost out of a sense of social responsibility. Perhaps there is an unspoken frisson that English and Welsh cricket will never be the same again; overhanging the future, like Damocles’ sword, is the sale of The Hundred. Who knows what the outcome will mean for the sort of bilateral tournament being witnessed this September?

At least this one seems safe, given it is Australia touring. People will turn up to see the old enemy; the first T20I at Southampton was sold out. Almost inevitably, rain delayed the start to 18.45 and the temperature at the end of the match at 10.10 p.m. was displayed as 7.5C. 

Both teams are in transition. England more so, looking at the first T20I, England more so, as the team was beaten by 28 runs. After hugely disappointing defenses of both the ODI and T20I World Cups, it was time to move on and regroup. In any sport, reshaping and rebuilding successful teams is a difficult task requiring sensitivity, planning and emotional intelligence. It can be argued that England’s management displayed few of these requirements.

During the ODI World Cup in October/November 2023, the England and Wales Cricket Board appeared to panic by awarding multi-year contracts to its squad out of fear that some players were being tempted by lucrative multi-competition contracts on offer from franchises.

The move has backfired. First, the one member of the squad not offered an ECB contract promptly retired from international cricket, whilst several others have not played for England since the World Cup ended. One long-time servant, the all-rounder Moeen Ali, announced his retirement from international cricket after being omitted from the squad for the current series against Australia. These retirements and omissions open the door both for emerging and recently dormant talent.

On the evidence of the second T20I at Cardiff, England has reason to be optimistic. Set 194 to win, a combination of Liam Livingstone’s experience, with 87, and Jacob Bethell playing in his second international match, with 44, was largely instrumental in England winning by three wickets, despite a late wobble. Unfortunately, the third and deciding match fell victim to rain in Manchester.

The five ODIs will be shoehorned into 11 days, the last one scheduled for September 29, when sunset will be at 18.54. Bilateral series of this type have been described as meaningless. It is not clear if the critics mean in comparison with franchise cricket or in relation to the players being subject to too much cricket. England’s debutants and returning players may well see much meaning in the matches. They provide an opportunity for them to display their talents and temperament against the oldest foe.

In addition, there is revenue for the venues and on-ground vendors, for the ECB, and for those providing travel and accommodation in the local and regional economy. Audiences in Australia and in Asia may be less keen to tune in, given the time differences. However, the two teams have only hosted each other for three ODIs and three T20Is since 2018, hardly a case of saturation.

Australians may not welcome playing in the temperatures on offer, although this week they hit 25C in the daytime. There are places up for grabs, especially in the T20 team. David Warner has retired, so a new opener is required. The all-conquering ODI and Test captain, Pat Cummins, has been rested, along with Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, who are now, respectively, 31, 34 and 35 years old.

One to watch for the future is 21-year-old Cooper Connolly. His Sheffield Shield debut was in the 2024 final, in which he helped Western Australia beat Tasmania by scoring 90 in the first innings. His debut for Australia came against Scotland. Jake Fraser-McGurk, at 22, is another young batting tyro. Having scored 330 runs at a strike rate of 234 in the 2024 Indian Premier League, his introduction to the Australian team in Scotland proved a tough task but he responded with a 29-ball half century in the second ODI against England.

Australia has always had a habit of producing previously unheard-of players who turn out to have long and successful careers. England has been more proactive in recent years in this respect. The number of fresh faces on both sides introduces an intriguing aspect to the current series, as players approaching the end of their international careers make way for the next generation. Who will be the successors in the next stage of cricket’s oldest rivalry remains to be seen.


Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event

Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event
Updated 10 sec ago
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Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event

Saudi Kickboxing Federation participates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities event
  • SKF President Ahmed Al-Towayan expressed delight at Prince Sultan’s visit
  • “Our participation in this event is part of activating the ‘Qadir’ initiative launched by the federation earlier this year,” he said

RIYADH: The Saudi Kickboxing Federation participated on Tuesday in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities event, organized by the Disabled Children’s Association in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Disability Research.
Prince Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, chairman of the board of trustees of the center, visited the federation’s booth and met several athletes and coaches, a media statement said.
SKF President Ahmed Al-Towayan expressed his delight at Prince Sultan’s visit and his support for activities and events related to persons with disabilities.
“Our participation in this event is part of activating the ‘Qadir’ initiative launched by the federation earlier this year,” Al-Towayan said.
The initiative aimed to provide sports activities for persons with disabilities, develop their skills in kickboxing, and empower Paralympic athletes to practice these sports, he added.
“Qadir initiative aims to offer sporting opportunities to anyone facing difficulties in participating in sports, whether due to a disability or limited financial resources,” Al-Towayan said.


Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings

Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings
Updated 23 min 45 sec ago
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Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings

Riyadh to host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings
  • Event will discuss international strategies to combat doping
  • Prominent sporting figures, experts set to attend

RIYADH: Riyadh will host World Anti-Doping Agency meetings on Dec. 4-5 to support integrity in sport.
The agency’s foundation board and executive committee will meet in the Saudi capital to discuss updates on policies and international strategies to combat doping, a media statement said on Tuesday.
The two-day event will be attended by prominent sports figures and international experts.
Saudi Arabia has previously hosted several anti-doping events, including conferences and workshops aimed at fostering international cooperation as well as promoting the Kingdom as a global sports hub.
WADA’s foundation board consists of 42 members, 21 of whom are ministers representing national governments, while another 21 are members of the International Olympic Committee and presidents of international federations representing the Olympic Movement.
The agency was established in 1999 as a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the integrity of sports by combating doping.
It collaborates with international sports organizations, government bodies and national authorities to ensure a doping-free sports environment.


Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament

Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament
Updated 55 min 22 sec ago
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Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament

Golfers want to ‘make Saudi proud’ at major Riyadh tournament
  • Othman Al-Mulla: We all have the same goal: To represent Saudi Arabia in international competitions and see how good we can be
  • Saudi Golf Federation is backing Saudi stars like Al-Mulla, while growing the love of the game with school programs and free classes for women

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s golfers spoke about their ambition to make their country proud and inspire young players during a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the PIF Saudi International in Riyadh.

Othman Al-Mulla, the Kingdom’s first professional golfer, will be joined by Faisal Salhab, Saud Al-Sharif, and Khalid Walid Attieh, marking an unprecedented lineup of Saudi golfers taking on international stars including Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith.

Al-Mulla told the press at Riyadh Golf Club: “I’ve been representing Saudi for over 20 years, and even five years after I turned professional, I’m still pinching myself at the thought of us competing against the best players in the world in Saudi Arabia (for) one of the biggest prizes.”

Joined by Salhab and Shergo Al-Kurdi, the UK-born Golf Saudi ambassador, Al-Mulla added: “We all have the same goal: To represent Saudi Arabia in international competitions and see how good we can be. We want to be Asian champions, we want to be world champions and win events and make Saudi proud.”

Saudi Arabia has made huge inroads into the world of golf in recent years, signing a host of top players to its LIV Golf tour, and engaging in discussions over a potential merger with the PGA Tour.

On a grassroots level, the Saudi Golf Federation is backing Saudi stars like Al-Mulla, while growing the love of the game with school programs and free classes for women.

Salhab said: “What Golf Saudi is doing and what the Saudi Golf Federation is doing for both juniors and women, like opening doors for them and creating more access for them to come into the sport, have more places to play, see great players, it’s very new for us but they’ve done a great job.”

Al-Mulla highlighted the importance of the increasing number of Saudi players, and added: “We have three main objectives: We need to increase awareness, give access and opportunities, and then nurture those opportunities for people that are interested in the game.”

The tournament, which is in its sixth edition, will run from Dec. 4-7 in Riyadh for the first time following five editions at the King Abdullah Economic City.

It offers a total prize pool of $5 million and has moved this year into the coveted season-ending position for both the Asian Tour and The International Series.

Al-Mulla said: “To see how far we’ve come in such a short period of time is something that we can all be proud of as Saudis, and hopefully we can be a beacon to grow the game.”


F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals

F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals
Updated 03 December 2024
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F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals

F1 surges in popularity in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East new data reveals
  • 11 percent rise in female interest and 10 percent uptick among male fans in the Kingdom
  • Globally, F1’s fanbase has grown by 5.7 percent since 2021

LONDON: Formula 1 has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, according to a new study released on Tuesday by Nielsen Sports.

With a global fanbase now exceeding 750 million, the sport has gained 50 million fans since 2021, fueled by rising interest in the Middle East region as well as among young female fans, the report showed.

The study revealed Saudi Arabia as one of the sport’s fastest-growing markets, with an 11 percent increase in fans compared to the 2023 season.

The surge in popularity also spans demographics, with an 11 percent rise in female interest and a 10 percent uptick among male fans. Among older Saudi audiences, enthusiasm has soared, with 22 percent more fans aged 50-69 following the championship than in the previous season.

The UAE also saw a significant boost, with fan interest rising by 6 percent. Together, these countries solidify the Middle East as a critical growth region for Formula 1 in 2024, the Nielsen report concluded.

Globally, F1’s fanbase has grown by 5.7 percent since 2021, with women now making up 41 percent of all fans. Young women aged 16-24 represented the fastest-growing demographic, reflecting the sport’s evolving accessibility and appeal.

Jon Stainer, global general manager at Nielsen Sports, attributed this success to Formula 1’s innovative fan engagement strategies.

“Formula 1 is a perfect example of a rights owner innovating its relationship with fans,” he said.

“Growth of interest, especially among women and newer markets like Saudi Arabia, can be attributed largely to a shift in how the teams and drivers are profiled today, and the access they are affording global audiences.

“New sponsorship categories are opening up. We’re seeing a significant shift in the brands engaging in the sport, attracted to this changing fan demographic,” he added.

Netflix’s acclaimed docuseries, “Drive to Survive,” has played a pivotal role, with 35 percent of viewers of the show expressing intent to watch more races. Another quarter of surveyed fans credited the series with their newfound passion for the sport.

F1’s commercial prospects have also increased, with sponsorship deals seeing a 56 percent rise in value since 2019.

The average sponsorship deal now stands at $5.08 million, up from $2.87 million from pre-pandemic levels. The diversification of sponsors — which range from luxury brands such as LVMH to IT giants such as HP and Dropbox — has cemented the championship’s status as a commercial powerhouse, the Nielsen report said.

While the Middle East leads the charge of new fans, the series continues to thrive in traditional strongholds, especially in Europe. Interest in the UK rose by 2.3 percent, while Germany saw a 4.5 percent uptick.


LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties

LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties
Updated 03 December 2024
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LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties

LaLiga opens Riyadh workspace to strengthen Saudi Pro League ties
  • New office will be at SPL headquarters, with the two organizations exchanging best practices and driving innovation
  • SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel and LaLiga President Javier Tebas attend the official opening

RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has welcomed Spain’s LaLiga to Riyadh with the inauguration of a dedicated workspace within its headquarters, it announced at the World Football Summit on Tuesday.

This strategic move is the latest in the SPL’s efforts to build ties with the global football community, with the new workspace, designed for use by LaLiga and Spanish clubs, officially commencing operations on Dec. 2.

SPL CEO Omar Mugharbel and LaLiga President Javier Tebas attended the official opening at the SPL headquarters.

This initiative aligns with LaLiga’s broader international strategy, which includes a presence in 34 countries through 11 global offices. Additionally, a LaLiga delegate will soon be based in Riyadh to further strengthen the new partnership.

Mugharbel said: “We are thrilled to welcome LaLiga to Riyadh. This collaboration represents a vital step in forging closer ties between the SPL and other leagues, showcasing our dedication to opening the SPL to the world.”

He also underscored the partnership’s role in exchanging best practices and driving innovation within the league.

Tebas added: “LaLiga is committed to supporting the growth of the sports and entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia. This workspace marks a new chapter in our relationship with the region and the SPL, and we are confident that this partnership will pave the way for exciting new projects.”

This partnership between the SPL and LaLiga paves the way for enhanced cooperation, enabling both organizations to share expertise and further elevate the sport, while helping the SPL develop the next generation of Saudi footballers.