Umpire Aleem Dar joins Pakistan cricket selection panel after England defeat

Umpire Aleem Dar joins Pakistan cricket selection panel after England defeat
Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar walks toward his standing point during the second one-day international cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Rawalpindi on April 29, 2023. (AP/File)
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Updated 11 October 2024
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Umpire Aleem Dar joins Pakistan cricket selection panel after England defeat

Umpire Aleem Dar joins Pakistan cricket selection panel after England defeat
  • PCB appoints Dar, ex-test fast bowler Aqib Javed, former test captain Azhar Ali, analyst Hasan Cheema to selection committee
  • The immediate task of the committee is to finalize the squad for the second test against England, starting Tuesday at Multan

ISLAMABAD: After a disastrous innings defeat to England, the Pakistan Cricket Board has revamped its selection committee ahead of the second test.

The PCB appointed former international umpire Aleem Dar, ex-test fast bowler Aqib Javed, former test captain Azhar Ali and analyst Hasan Cheema to the selection committee with voting rights. The committee already includes Pakistan captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie.

The immediate task of the committee is to finalize the squad for the second test against England, starting Tuesday at Multan.

The PCB said in a statement that committee members held their first meeting in Lahore on Friday and will meet with the captain and coach in Multan on Saturday before the squad is named for the second test.

There are also four non-voting members on the selection panel, including assistant coach Azhar Mahmood and Bilal Afazal, an adviser to the PCB chairman.

Dar resigned from ICC’s elite panel last year but has been supervising domestic matches, including international games at home. Last month, Dar said he will quit umpiring at the end of the domestic season in 2025.
 


England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing

England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing
Updated 37 sec ago
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England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing

England’s FA apologizes after Muslim footballer barred from match over clothing
  • Iqra Ismail, 24, captained the Somali women’s team in 2019
  • She was told by a referee during a league game that shorts were mandatory

LONDON: England’s Football Association has apologized to a Muslim footballer who was barred from a league match over her clothing.

Iqra Ismail, 24, who captained the Somali women’s team in 2019, was prevented from taking the field after refusing to wear shorts due to her religious beliefs.

On Sunday, Ismail was due to come on as a halftime substitute for United Dragons FC from London, but was prevented by the referee, who said club shorts were mandatory.

The Dragons were playing Tower Hamlets within the Greater London Women’s Football League, which has since updated its guidance to match officials and members.

The league said in a statement that it has been working with the FA to “better understand” its guidance on women’s playing attire to “ensure their faith or religious beliefs are not compromised.”

The statement added: “It was our understanding that players were permitted to wear tights or tracksuit bottoms to cover their legs but that they would also have to wear shorts on top, to adhere to club colour regulations. It was this requirement that our referee was seeking to adhere to this weekend.”

Ismail told the BBC that she “was warmed up and ready to go” before the referee’s decision, and that she had worn tracksuits in matches for almost five years.

“I’ve never worn shorts playing competitively,” she added. “I told him that I wasn’t comfortable wearing shorts in any capacity. It was a shock to me that the referee took such a strong stance of it.

“I was very visibly upset as the game was going on, my teammates and the manager were very supportive. Everyone has been devastated.”

Ismail has played the sport since she was 8 and has always worn a sports hijab, a long-sleeve top and tracksuit while on the field.

She was appointed to the Football Black List in 2019 and was a speaker at the FA’s Your Game Your Way event at Brentford Football Club earlier this year, Sky News reported.

Since the incident on Sunday, which Ismail detailed in an online video, the FA has pledged to ensure that the issue is “quickly resolved.”

An FA spokesperson told Sky: “We are aware of this matter and we are in contact with Middlesex FA to ensure that it is quickly resolved.

“We proactively wrote to all county FAs and match officials across the women’s grassroots game earlier this year to confirm that women and girls should be allowed to wear clothing that ensures their faith or religious beliefs are not compromised.

“We remain deeply committed to ensuring that English football is an inclusive and welcoming environment for everybody.”


Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December

Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December
Updated 30 October 2024
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Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December

Abu Dhabi to host UCI Urban Cycling World Championships in December
  • Free-to-attend event takes place Dec. 17-21 at the city’s Nation Towers

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in collaboration with the Union Cycliste Internationale, will host the 2024 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships later this year.

Taking place at Abu Dhabi’s Nation Towers from Dec. 17 to 21, the event returns to the city following a successful hosting of the 2022 edition.

The championships include competitions in two disciplines: BMX Freestyle (park and flatland for men and women) and trials (Women Elite, Men Elite 20 inch or 508 mm wheel size, Men Elite 26, Men Junior 20, Men Junior 26 and mixed team).

Other competitions taking place in Abu Dhabi include the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships on Oct. 26, as a part of the city’s bid to promote cycling.

In addition, on Dec. 18 and 19, the UAE capital will host the 2024 UCI Mobility and Bike City Forum, the UCI’s annual conference dedicated to the promotion of sustainable and active mobility, and cycling’s contribution to the global sustainable development agenda.

Aref Al-Awani, general secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said hosting the event reflects the “confidence” of international sports federations in Abu Dhabi’s “ability to dazzle, excel and be professional in organizing the largest global sporting events.”

The UCI’s President David Lappartient said he was “delighted” that the event is being held again in the UAE capital.

“The city provides a fitting setting for the spectacular urban disciplines of BMX Freestyle and trials, and with free entry to Nations Towers, the local population will have easy access to witness the best in the world in action.”

The popularity of cycling continues to grow in the capital following the launch of Bike Abu Dhabi in 2021, a government initiative designed to foster mobility, health and leisure.

The city currently has 300 km of dedicated cycle tracks in locations including Al-Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al-Wathba, Qasr Al-Sarab and Yas Marina Circuit, home of the iconic Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This year’s edition will be the seventh instalment of the championships, with China (Chengdu) having hosted the first three events in 2017, 2018 and 2019, before it moved to France (Montpellier) in 2021.

Abu Dhabi staged the competition in 2022 with the UK (Glasgow, Scotland) taking over in 2023.


UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running

UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running
Updated 30 October 2024
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UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running

UAE national jiu-jitsu team are world champions for fifth year running
  • The Emirati athletes claimed nine medals in the tournament, which took place in Greece

HERAKLION: The UAE’s national jiu-jitsu team have taken the World Championship title for the fifth successive year.

The team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, won nine medals in the adult category at the championships, in Heraklion, Greece — two golds, three silvers and four bronzes.

Hamad Issa Al-Blooshi also took the gold medal in the 60 kg para-jiu-jitsu section.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, dedicated the team’s achievements to the UAE’s leadership and support.

He also praised the dedication of the athletes and commended the technical staff, emphasizing how intensive training camps ahead of the tournament helped prepare them for the event and enhanced their performance.

“Our champions gained valuable experience at the championship, competing alongside the world’s elite. Their success in winning nine medals in the adult competitions and a gold medal in the para-jiu-jitsu category reflects their high sense of responsibility and readiness to meet any challenge,” Al-Dhaheri said.

“Throughout the championship, they displayed tremendous determination to achieve victory. We are confident that even more accomplishments lie ahead, driven by the leadership’s support, the athletes’ passion for jiu-jitsu, and their resolve to stay at the forefront.”

Gold medalist Al-Blooshi said: “I dedicate this achievement to the UAE’s wise leadership and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, who have been a strong source of support, providing everything we need to pursue excellence. Jiu-jitsu is more than just a sport to me; it’s a way of life and a path that has helped me realize my potential.”

In the adult category, Omar Al-Suwaidi and Khaled Al-Shehhi won gold medals, while Balqees Abdul Karim, Zayed Al-Katheeri and Mohammed Al-Suwaidi claimed silver and bronze medals went to Aysha Al-Shamsi, Maitha Shraim, Mahdi Al-Awlaqi and Saeed Al-Kubaisi.


Bangladesh spinner Taijul takes 5 wickets but South Africa stays in control of 2nd test

Bangladesh spinner Taijul takes 5 wickets but South Africa stays in control of 2nd test
Updated 30 October 2024
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Bangladesh spinner Taijul takes 5 wickets but South Africa stays in control of 2nd test

Bangladesh spinner Taijul takes 5 wickets but South Africa stays in control of 2nd test
  • Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed his second straight five-wicket total but South Africa reached 413-5 at lunch on Day 2 of the final cricket test. Taijul

CHATTOGRAM: Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed his second straight five-wicket total but South Africa reached 413-5 at lunch on Day 2 and was in control of the final cricket test on Wednesday.
Taijul, who ended the session with 5-152, triggered a collapse as South Africa lost three wickets for five runs to be reduced to 391-5 from 386-2.
Taijul took eight wickets in the first test that Bangladesh lost by seven wickets.
Wiaan Mulder (12) and Ryan Rickelton (11) resisted Taijul to keep the side in strong position before going to lunch.
Resuming at 307-2, Tony de Zorzi and David Bedingham extended Bangladesh’s misery by batting without any trouble as the pitch still appeared to be good to bat on.
De Zorzi converted his maiden century to 150 from 235 balls, smashing a tossed-up delivery of Taijul through mid-wicket for a four.
Bedingham, who raised his third 50 off 70 balls with a single of Mehidy Hasan, was dismissed on 59.
An over later, de Zorzi who was playing sweep shots to precision, missed the line to be trapped leg-before wicket. That ended his marathon 269-ball 177, which included 12 fours and four sixes.
Kyle Verreynne, the centurion of the first test, also missed a sweep shot to be trapped leg-before without scoring, handing Taijul his 14th five-wicket haul in test matches.


Irving outduels Edwards as Mavs down Wolves in rematch

Irving outduels Edwards as Mavs down Wolves in rematch
Updated 30 October 2024
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Irving outduels Edwards as Mavs down Wolves in rematch

Irving outduels Edwards as Mavs down Wolves in rematch
  • Denver Nuggets were taken to overtime for a second consecutive night before battling to a 144-139 road win over the Brooklyn Nets
  • Golden State Warriors shrugged off the absence of the injured Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins to outgun the New Orleans Pelicans 124-106

LOS ANGELES: Kyrie Irving scored 35 points as the Dallas Mavericks recovered from an early Anthony Edwards onslaught to score a 120-114 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Edwards had looked poised to help Minnesota avenge last season’s Western Conference finals defeat to Dallas after erupting for 24 points in a devastating first-quarter performance.

He rained in six three-pointers and shot six-of-10 from the field to help Minnesota take a 34-26 lead into the second quarter.

But Dallas hit back, outscoring Minnesota 35-25 in the second quarter to take a 61-59 lead at halftime.

Irving took over in the third quarter with 16 points as Dallas built a decisive 93-82 advantage heading into the fourth.

Although Minnesota rallied to get within two points with just over three minutes remaining, Dallas regrouped and a monster three-pointer from Luka Doncic and nine fourth-quarter points from Irving closed out the win.

“We’re just very resilient and understood what the game plan was,” a relieved Irving said after winning. “They were making a lot of threes.

“We know this team very well. They know us very well — so we knew it was going to be a personal one. Emotions were high so just grateful that we came in here and got the dub (win).”

Irving led the Dallas scoring with Doncic adding 24 points. P.J. Washington chipped in with 17 points while Daniel Gafford added 14.

Minnesota star Edwards, meanwhile, topped the home team’s scorers with a game-high 37 points, with new recruit Julius Randle finishing with 20.

Irving was satisfied with a performance that saw Dallas improve to 3-1 for the season as they look to establish themselves as genuine contenders in the West.

“We’re just getting acclimated, we’re getting into a great rhythm, getting in great shape,” Irving said of Dallas’ promising early season form.

“We just want to value possessions right now, we’re just developing that chemistry.”

Elsewhere, the Denver Nuggets were taken to overtime for a second consecutive night before battling to a 144-139 road win over the Brooklyn Nets thanks to the 150th triple double of Nikola Jokic’s career.

Denver had been forced to dig deep to clinch an overtime win over Toronto on Monday and were once again forced to go to the well by the Nets, who surged into a 17-point lead in the second quarter before slowly being reeled in.

Jokic forced overtime with just nine seconds remaining, nailing a hook shot to make it 125-125.

Denver then dominated in overtime, outscoring Brooklyn 19-14 to clinch a win which helps the Nuggets improve to 2-2.

Jokic finished with 29 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists, while Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon both added 24 points apiece. Russell Westbrook contributed 22 points off the bench.

German international Dennis Schroder led the Brooklyn scorers with 28 points.

In San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors shrugged off the absence of the injured Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins to outgun the New Orleans Pelicans 124-106.

The Pelicans had threatened a drubbing in the first half after outscoring the Warriors 31-14 in the first quarter before opening up a 20-point lead early in the second.

But the Warriors flipped the switch after the interval, outscoring New Pelicans 77-55 to pull away for an ultimately comfortable win.

The Warriors drained 21 three-pointers, with Buddy Hield accounting for seven of them before finishing with 28 points.

Zion Williamson led the New Orleans scorers with 31 points while Brandon Ingram had 30.

In Tuesday’s other NBA game, the Sacramento Kings downed the Utah Jazz 113-96.